Introduction to psychology

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Questions and Answers

What did gestalt psychology primarily focus on?

The individual elements of perception

The physiological processes of the brain

The historical context of psychological theories

The organization of perception in a whole sense (correct)

Who is known for proposing the principle that 'the whole is different from the sum of its parts'?

Sigmund Freud

Hermann Ebbinghaus

Max Wertheimer (correct)

William James

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

To act as a conduit for signals between the body and the brain (correct)

To store memories and learn behaviors

To regulate involuntary actions

To initiate voluntary muscle movements

Which perspective in psychology examines how the brain and nervous system influence behavior?

Neuroscience perspective Signup and view all the answers

Margaret Floy Washburn is recognized for being the first woman to receive a doctorate in which field?

Psychology Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary muscle control?

Somatic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Leta Stetter Hollingworth was primarily concerned with which of the following?

Child development and women's issues Signup and view all the answers

What physiological changes may occur during a crisis as a result of spinal cord activation?

Increased heart rate and sweating Signup and view all the answers

What significant claim did Leta Stetter Hollingworth challenge regarding women's abilities?

Women's abilities diminished at certain times of the menstrual cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of autonomic system focuses on involuntary functions like digestion?

Parasympathetic Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the body?

To enhance blood flow to muscles during stress Signup and view all the answers

What area does behavioral neuroscience primarily focus on?

How brain and nervous system affect behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological movement did William James lead?

Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to study the evolutionary background of the human nervous system?

To recognize how behavior is influenced by genetics Signup and view all the answers

Which nervous system type regulates more primitive functions like heart pumping and urination?

Autonomic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence describes the organization of the nervous system in terms of evolutionary development?

Primitive to advanced structures Signup and view all the answers

What role does glutamate play in the brain?

Contributes to memory formation Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is associated with the production of endorphins during exercise?

Runner's high Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily inhibitory in the nervous system?

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) Signup and view all the answers

What effect do substances like Valium and alcohol have on GABA?

Enhance its effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential effect of placebos?

They can induce the release of endorphins. Signup and view all the answers

What does the production of endorphins reflect in the brain?

An effort to manage pain and elevate mood Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios is endorphin release likely to occur?

While engaging in intense physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter primarily moderates behaviors such as aggression and eating?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

What is the main value developed during the initiative vs guilt stage of development?

Sense of purpose Signup and view all the answers

At what age range does the initiative vs guilt stage typically occur?

4-5 years Signup and view all the answers

What can result from constantly scolding children during the initiative stage?

Lack of initiative Signup and view all the answers

Which stage corresponds to the development of competence and feelings of inferiority?

Industry vs Inferiority Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome if a child fails to discover their purpose during the initiative stage?

Feelings of inferiority Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of psychosocial development known as?

Trust vs Mistrust Signup and view all the answers

What developmental stage extends up to 65 years and beyond according to Erikson?

Ego Integrity vs Despair Signup and view all the answers

During which stage do children begin to discover ways to initiate actions such as helping others?

Initiative vs Guilt Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the reticular formation in the brain?

It produces general arousal and regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following psychological disorders may be treated with TMS?

Depression and schizophrenia Signup and view all the answers

What does the Wernicke's area primarily relate to?

Understanding language Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved in vision?

Occipital lobe Signup and view all the answers

What does the central core of the brain, also referred to as the 'Old Brain,' primarily manage?

Basic survival functions Signup and view all the answers

How does the reticular formation respond to a loud noise?

It triggers a heightened state of awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions associated with the parietal lobe?

Balance and motor coordination Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of TMS is mentioned in the context of treating psychological disorders?

It shoots brief magnetic pulses through the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functionalism and Gestalt Psychology

William James led the functionalist movement, focusing on how mental processes help people adapt to their environment.
Gestalt psychology, founded by German scientists like Hermann Ebbinghaus and Max Wertheimer, emphasizes the organization of perception and thinking as a "whole."
Their central idea is that "The whole is different from the sum of its parts," meaning that our understanding of objects is richer and more meaningful than its individual elements.

Neuroscience Perspective

This perspective views behavior from the perspective of the brain, nervous system, and other biological functions.
It focuses on the biological mechanisms underlying human and animal behavior, like how individual nerve cells connect and how inherited traits affect behavior.
The study of heredity and evolution explores how genetics influence behavior.
Behavioral neuroscience examines how the brain and nervous system affect our actions.

Women in Psychology

Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a doctorate in psychology and conducted important research on animal behavior.
Leta Stetter Hollingworth challenged the stereotype of women's inferior intellectual abilities, particularly during menstruation.

Psychodynamic Perspective

This perspective emphasizes the interplay of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and motivations in influencing behavior.
It was largely shaped by the work of Sigmund Freud.

Nervous System: Function and Evolution

The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system.
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting information to and from the central nervous system.
The central core of the brain, also known as the "old brain," controls basic life functions like breathing and heart rate.
The peripheral nervous system is further categorized into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions.
The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body after a stressful situation.

Evolutionary Psychology

This field explores how our ancestors' genetic inheritance shapes our behavior.
It examines the evolutionary roots of our nervous system and how it influences our actions.

Psychosocial Development: Erikson's Stages

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development emphasizes the social and emotional aspects of growth across the lifespan.
He suggests that development occurs in stages, each presenting a unique challenge for finding a balance between opposing forces.
Trust vs. Mistrust (0-2 years): Developing trust in caregivers is crucial for a sense of security and safety.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (2-4 years): Children assert their independence and develop self-confidence.
Initiative vs. Guilt (4-5 years): Children start taking initiative and exploring their capabilities, learning to feel a sense of purpose.
Industry vs. Inferiority (5-12 years): Children develop skills and strive for competence in various areas.
Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years): Adolescents explore their identity by questioning their roles and values.
Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-40 years): Young adults focus on building meaningful relationships and establishing a sense of belonging.
Generativity vs. Stagnation (40-65 years): Adults contribute to society and leave a legacy for future generations.
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years): Older adults reflect on their life experiences and strive for a sense of fulfillment and acceptance.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
Glutamate: An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory formation.
GABA: The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates a wide range of behaviors, including aggression and eating.
Endorphins: Natural painkillers released by the brain, associated with feelings of pleasure and euphoria. They might be linked to "runner’s high" and the effectiveness of placebos.

Brain Lobes and Functions

Temporal Lobe: Involved in language comprehension, memory, and auditory processing. It houses Wernicke's area, which is crucial for understanding spoken language.
Parietal Lobe: Processes sensory information, contributes to motor control, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving.
Occipital Lobe: Responsible for processing visual information.
Frontal Lobe: Executes complex cognitive functions like planning, reasoning, and decision-making. It houses the prefrontal cortex, which plays a vital role in personality, social behavior, and emotional regulation.

The Reticular Formation

Located in the brainstem, it is responsible for arousal, alertness, and the sleep-wake cycle. It filters out background noise and helps us stay alert to important stimuli.

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Description

Main Topic 1: What is Psychology?

Main Topic 2: Human Development

Main Topic 3: Neuroscience and Behavior

Main Topic 4: Sensation and Perception

Main Topic 5: States of Consciousness

Main Topic 6: Learning and Memory