Psychology Concepts and Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What does behaviorism primarily focus on?

Social interactions and relationships

The influence of biology on behavior

Observable behavior and its control (correct)

Cognitive processes and thought patterns

Which psychologist is known for developing the theory of cognitive development?

Maslow

Jean Piaget (correct)

Wilhelm Wundt

William James

What is the definition of internal validity?

How well results can be generalized to real-world situations

How well confounds have been controlled to establish causality (correct)

The reliability of results over multiple studies

The ability to reproduce results under different conditions

Which psychological approach examines how biology affects behavior?

Biopsychology Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'falsifiability' in psychology?

A theory's ability to be tested and potentially disproven Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first person to be referred to as a psychologist?

Wilhelm Wundt Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology is developmental psychology focused on?

Changes across the lifespan including cognitive and social development Signup and view all the answers

What does reliability in research refer to?

The consistency and reproducibility of results Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the independent variable in an experiment?

It is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. Signup and view all the answers

What does inter-rater reliability measure?

The degree of agreement among observers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of conducting case studies?

They have issues with generalizability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pro of using surveys in research?

They can collect data from a larger sample. Signup and view all the answers

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the group assignments?

Both the researchers and the participants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of archival research?

It provides access to a large amount of existing data. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges of naturalistic observation?

It often involves observer bias. Signup and view all the answers

What does longitudinal research involve?

Measuring the same group of individuals repeatedly over time. Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the IACUC serve?

Oversees animal welfare in research proposals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

To increase the speed of signal transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily involved in language production?

Broca's area Signup and view all the answers

What accurately describes the role of receptors in neuronal communication?

They are proteins that bind neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antagonists in relation to neurotransmitters?

They block or impede the normal activity of neurotransmitters. Signup and view all the answers

Which nervous system component is primarily responsible for voluntary activities?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of reuptake in relation to neurotransmission?

Neurotransmitters return to their originating neuron Signup and view all the answers

How do antidepressants typically impact synaptic activity?

They block reuptake transporters, accumulating neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

Prepares the body for fight or flight response. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a synapse?

The junction where two neurons communicate Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the brain is primarily associated with learning and memory?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for interpreting visual information?

Occipital lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes agonists?

They mimic neurotransmitter action at receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Promote digestion and relaxation. Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is involved in processing body sensory information?

Parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning?

Prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes drugs that suppress central nervous system activity?

Depressants Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for pulling random thoughts and imagery from memories?

Electrical brain impulses Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of the default mode network?

Heightened sensory awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a stimulant?

Caffeine Signup and view all the answers

Marijuana can be classified under which categories of drugs?

Psychedelics and Depressants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the body?

Controlling the sleep-wake cycle Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychological dependence from physical dependence on a drug?

The need to fulfill emotional needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes circadian rhythm?

A biological rhythm lasting approximately 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the main neurotransmitter released by the pineal gland, influencing sleep?

Melatonin Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes REM sleep compared to NREM sleep?

Rapid eye movement and dreaming occur Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud's perspective, what is the function of dreams?

To fulfill repressed wishes Signup and view all the answers

Which theory posits that dreams serve as a simulation of threatening events?

Threat-simulation theory Signup and view all the answers

In the context of drug use, what does tolerance indicate?

A higher amount of drug is required for the same effect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Introspection: Examining one's own conscious experience objectively.
Constructs: Theoretical concepts used in psychology to describe behaviors.
Counseling psychology: Focuses on emotional, social, vocational, and health-related outcomes in psychologically healthy individuals.
Clinical psychology: Diagnoses and treats psychological disorders and behavioral patterns.
Psychiatry: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions, including medication.
Learning perspective (Behaviorism): Focuses on how individuals learn behaviors through environment interactions.
Cognitive perspective: Views the individual as a conscious and self-aware being.
Biological perspective: Explores how brain structure/function relates to behavior.
Social perspective: Suggests behavior is learned through observing, interacting with others, and social norms.
Structuralism: Focuses on contents of mental processes, using introspection
Functionalism: Explores how mental processes help organisms adapt, interested in the whole mind's operation, not in individual parts.
Evolutionary psychology: Examines the biological causes of behavior, considering the impact of genetics.
Social-cognitive learning thepry: Focuses on learning by observing others.

Chapter 2

Falsifiability: A theory or hypothesis can be proven wrong.
Parsimony: Choosing the simplest explanation.
Reliability: Consistency of a measure.
External validity: Generalizability of results to real-world situations.
Internal validity: How well confounding variables were controlled.
Attrition: Reduction in participants over time.
Sample: A subset of a larger population used in studies.
Population: All members of a specified group.

Chapter 2 Continued

Inter-rater reliability: Agreement among several observers.
Independent variable: The variable manipulated in an experiment.
Dependent variable: The variable measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
Confounding variables: Unintended factors that can influence the dependent variable.
Placebo effect: Expectations influencing outcomes in a study.
Double-blind study: Both researchers and participants are unaware of who's in which group.
Replication: Repeating a study to confirm findings.
Case studies: Observational research focusing on one or a few individuals.
Naturalistic observation: Observing behavior in natural settings.
Surveys: Questionnaires to gather information from many people.
Archival research: Using existing records for analysis.

Chapter 3

Soma: Neuron's cell body.
Dendrite: Branching extensions receiving signals.
Axon: Long extension carrying signals away from the cell body.
Myelin sheath: Fatty insulation increasing signal speed.
Terminal button: Structure releasing neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain.
Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Nerves and neurons outside the CNS

Chapter 4

Circadian rhythm: Biological cycle lasting about 24 hours.
Homeostasis: Equilibrium in biological conditions.
Physical dependence: Changes in bodily functions due to drug use.
Psychological dependence: Emotional need for a drug.
Tolerance: Needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect.
Withdrawal: Negative effects after stopping drug use.

Chapter 4 Continued

Suprachiasmatic nucleus: Brain's "clock" mechanism.
Pineal gland: Structure releasing melatonin, influencing sleep.
REM sleep: Rapid eye movement sleep.
NREM sleep: Non-REM sleep.

Chapter 5

Freud's dream theory: Repressed wishes expressed in a disguised way.
Threat simulation theory: Brain simulating threatening events during sleep for preparedness.
Default mode network: Brain regions active when not focused on a task.
Depressants: Drugs slowing brain activity.
Stimulants: Drugs increasing brain activity.
Opiates: Strong pain relievers, addictive drugs.

Chapter 5 Continued

Psychedelics: Drugs causing changes in perception.

Additional Notes

Case studies: Henry Molaison and Clive Wearing.
Key terms: Biological rhythms, withdrawal from substance use, different methods of research, different types of therapy

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in psychology, including behaviorism, cognitive development, and research methodologies. This quiz covers important theories, terms, and practices within the field of psychology, from the independent variable to longitudinal research. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!