Psychology Fundamentals Quiz

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.

The ongoing debate about whether our actions are determined by our brains and environment, or whether we have true control over our choices.

The first official psychology lab, founded by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany. This was a major step in making psychology a science.

A school of psychology that focused on breaking down mental processes into their basic elements, like sensations and feelings.

A research method where people introspectively examine their own thoughts and feelings to understand the elements of consciousness.

The process of converting energy from the environment into neural signals.

The interpretation of neural information, giving meaning to sensory input.

The part of the brain responsible for processing touch, temperature, pain, and pressure.

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

The part of the brain responsible for planning, decision-making, and higher-level cognitive functions.

The part of the brain responsible for processing auditory information, memory, and language.

The study of the brain using techniques like electrical stimulation, brain imaging, and case studies.

A research method that involves studying individuals with specific brain injuries to understand the function of different brain regions.

A research technique that uses electrical stimulation to activate specific brain areas and observe the resulting behavior.

A technique that measures brain activity by detecting electrical signals on the scalp, providing high temporal resolution.

Specialized cells in the retina responsible for detecting light and converting it into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

Specialized photoreceptor cells that are sensitive to dim light and help us detect motion. They are more abundant in the periphery of the retina.

Specialized photoreceptor cells that are responsible for color vision, detail, and daytime vision. They are more concentrated in the fovea.

The central part of the retina, responsible for sharp central vision. It is densely packed with cones, allowing for high-resolution vision.

A blind spot occurs where the optic nerve exits the eye. Since there are no photoreceptor cells in this area, we lack vision in that spot.

A theory suggesting that our perception of color is influenced by the activity of opposing color pairs, such as red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white.

A theory explaining color vision, stating that we have three types of cone cells sensitive to different wavelengths of light (short, medium, and long).

A top-down approach to perception, suggesting that our perception of the world is influenced by our expectations, experiences, and prior knowledge.

A bottom-up approach to perception, emphasizing the role of sensory information in shaping our perception. It suggests that our perception is directly determined by the characteristics of the stimuli in our environment.

Drugs that affect neurotransmitters and alter perception, mood, and/or cognition.

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the purpose and function of mental processes, focusing on how they help individuals adapt to their environment.

A theoretical approach in psychology that emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes, repressed memories, and early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior.

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the role of learning in shaping behavior, with a focus on stimulus-response relationships.

A theoretical approach in psychology that emphasizes the role of mental processes, such as perception, attention, memory, and language, in understanding human behavior, cognition, and actions.

A type of cell that is specialized for communication in the nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

The branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body.

The long, slender projection of a neuron that transmits signals from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands.

The junction between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron, where neurotransmitters are released and communication occurs.

Chemical messengers that are released by neurons and travel across the synapse to transmit signals to other neurons.

An all-or-none electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron, transmitting information.

A type of cell that provides support and protection for neurons in the nervous system, playing a crucial role in maintaining brain function.

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in reward, motivation, and movement, and is associated with disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

A neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and other functions, and is associated with disorders like depression and anxiety.

The field of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders.

A theory that suggests our perception of color is influenced by our brain's interpretation of the surrounding environment and our expectations of the object.

A set of principles developed by Gestalt psychologists that explain how humans perceive objects and patterns as complete wholes, rather than individual parts.

Responses to stimuli that are innate and do not require prior learning or experience.

A type of innate response that involves an involuntary reaction to a specific stimulus.

An instinctive behavior that is complex and specific to a species, usually related to survival or reproduction.

A process of learning that occurs during a specific critical period in an animal’s development.

The ability to sense and perceive the world through touch.

A type of learning that involves pairing a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus to create a new response.

The tendency to remember and be influenced more by the first information we learn about someone, compared to later information.

A prediction that, due to our belief in it, influences our actions and increases the chance of the prediction coming true.

An overgeneralized belief or expectation about a category of people.

An unjustified attitude toward a member of a group, usually negative, simply because they belong to that group.

Unfair treatment of a member of a group, usually negative, simply because they belong to that group.

The process of explaining why someone acts in a certain way.

Explaining behavior based on the internal characteristics of the person, like their skills or motivations.

Explaining behavior based on the situation or environment, such as the time or context.

The stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

The natural response triggered by the unconditioned stimulus.

A previously neutral stimulus that becomes associated with the unconditioned stimulus and elicits a conditioned response.

The learned response triggered by the conditioned stimulus.

A stimulus that is initially neutral and does not evoke a specific response.

The gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented alone, without the unconditioned stimulus.

The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a period of rest or non-exposure to the conditioned stimulus.

The process of converting external information into a format that can be stored and retrieved.

The process of retaining information over time.

The process of accessing and retrieving stored information.

A brief sensory memory that lasts for a fraction of a second.

A type of memory test where participants are asked to recall information in any order.

A type of memory test where participants are given cues or hints to help them recall information.

A type of memory test where participants are asked to identify items they have previously encountered.

The ability to remember information at the end of a list more easily.

Loss of new information due to interference from old information.

Loss of old information due to interference from new information.

Our tendency to add inaccurate information to our memories to fill in gaps or correct perceived errors.

The tendency to overestimate our ability to predict past events.

Converting information from STM to LTM is highly impacted by how deeply we process the information.

We are more likely to recall information when in a condition similar to the learning condition.

A memory technique that aids in information retrieval.

A memory strategy where you associate items on a list with locations in a familiar place.

A period of cognitive development characterized by motor responses to sensory stimuli.

A period of cognitive development where children lack logical operations.

A period of cognitive development where children can grasp concrete operations but struggle with abstract concepts.

A period of cognitive development marked by logical reasoning and systematic planning.

The difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance.

A type of attachment style characterized by the infant being wary of strangers and displaying mixed responses to their mother, including distress when she leaves but not being soothed upon return. This child is also less likely to use their mother as a base of exploration.

A type of attachment style where the infant appears indifferent to their mother's presence. They may or may not cry when she leaves and avoid her when she returns.

A type of attachment style characterized by inconsistent and unpredictable behaviors, such as approaching their mother while looking away or displaying more fear than affection. This could be a sign of potential trauma.

A stage theory of moral development proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, focusing on the development of ethical reasoning rather than actual behavior. It outlines three levels with two stages each, progressing from a focus on self-interest to universal ethical principles.

The first level of Kohlberg's theory, characterized by a focus on self-interest and avoiding punishment. This level typically occurs in children under the age of nine.

The second level of Kohlberg's theory, characterized by a focus on social expectations and following rules for the sake of societal harmony. This level is common in adolescents and adults.

The highest level of Kohlberg's theory, characterized by a focus on universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning about justice. Only a few people reach this level.

A scientific field that studies how and why individuals change throughout their lifespan. This field examines various aspects of development like physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes.

A scale used to assess a newborn's physical and mental development shortly after birth. It evaluates factors like breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color.

A period of significant physical and mental change that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is triggered by hormonal changes leading to sexual maturation and other bodily developments.

The early onset and rapid progression of puberty, occurring significantly more often in girls than boys. It has potential impacts on social, emotional, and physical development.

A statistical measure that estimates the proportion of variance in a psychological trait attributable to genetic factors. It helps understand the relative influence of genetics and environment on a trait.

Studies that compare individuals with varying degrees of genetic relatedness, such as identical twins, fraternal twins, and siblings, to determine heritability of traits.

The complete set of genes contained within an individual, representing the genetic blueprint of a human being.

The study of how individuals make sense of the social world around them, examining how perceptions of others are formed and influenced.

A psychological concept that suggests that universal patterns of thought and behavior are inherited and present in the collective unconscious of all humans.

An exaggerated feeling of weakness or inadequacy.

The main force behind our thoughts and behaviors is a focus on us and underlying attempt for superiority.

A desire to seek personal excellence and fulfillment.

A part of the human psyche that's shared by all people and is inherited from our ancestors.

The person that we are.

The belief in the ability to accomplish a goal/task.

The achievement of one’s full potential, that results in great accomplishments, and is obtained through the alignment of selves.

An approach to psychology that assumes positive aspects of individuals and examines our attempts to overcome hardship and despair.

The combination of our skills and abilities that we use to deal with social situations.

The skill set that we have available to deal with social situations.

The combination of expectations, interpretations, and competencies that influence behavior.

An unintentional error that Freud said as someone revealing their subconscious thoughts (like calling a partner the wrong name)

The source of Freud's theories, including case studies, personal insights, and a lot of embellishment.

Our tendency to overemphasize dispositional explanations (personality, traits) and underemphasize situational factors when explaining someone else's behavior.

The tendency to attribute our own successes to internal factors (our abilities) and our failures to external factors (bad luck, circumstances).

Our tendency to explain our own actions with external factors (situational) and others' actions with internal factors (dispositional).

The tendency for repeated exposure to a stimulus (like a person) to increase our liking of it. We tend to prefer things we're familiar with.

A mutual exchange of rewards, where both participants get something out of the relationship.

The tendency to prioritize physical attractiveness, good provider qualities, and limited discretion in choosing casual partners when seeking male-identifying partners. Also, higher demands for fidelity.

The tendency to prioritize physical attractiveness, strong sense of self, and varying demands for fidelity when seeking nonbinary-identifying partners.

The theory proposed by Sigmund Freud that personality is based on the interplay of conflicting forces, particularly the id, ego, and superego.

The preconscious force that aims to push us to do what is 'right' based on societal and moral norms.

A technique used in psychoanalysis to access the unconscious mind by allowing the patient to share their thoughts, dreams, and memories freely, regardless of their coherence.

A type of love characterized by strong passion, intense attraction, and a deep emotional connection.

A type of love characterized by deep intimacy, companionship, shared experiences, and a sense of commitment.

A distinguishing characteristic or quality that consistently describes a person's behavior.

Gordon Allport was a pioneering psychologist who revolutionized the study of personality by focusing on healthy individuals and their unique traits.

Allport believed that every individual has a distinct combination of traits that cannot be perfectly replicated in others.

Allport's work on traits emphasized the importance of studying individuals in their natural environments and understanding how traits manifest in different situations.

The Big Five personality model is a widely accepted framework that categorizes personality traits into five broad dimensions: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

This personality trait describes a person's level of curiosity, intellectual engagement, and willingness to embrace new ideas and experiences.

This personality trait describes how organized, disciplined, and focused a person is. They tend to be reliable, punctual, and goal-oriented.

This trait describes how outgoing, sociable, and assertive a person is. They enjoy being around others and thrive in social settings.

This personality trait describes how kind, cooperative, and empathetic a person is. They value harmony and are generally trusting and compassionate.

This trait describes a person's tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and sadness. They may also be easily stressed and prone to worry.

The Big Five personality model has been influential in psychology, but some criticism states that its focus on English language may limit its cross-cultural applicability.

Genetics plays a significant role in shaping personality traits, influencing our predispositions towards certain behaviors and tendencies.

Early experiences and interactions with others contribute to shaping personality traits by influencing our beliefs, values, and social skills.

Mental health issues have historically been explained through various theories, shifting from supernatural interpretations to more scientific approaches.

The belief that mental health is a result of physical causes, such as biological imbalances or brain disorders.

The belief that mental health is a result of psychological causes, such as traumatic experiences, stress, or learned behaviors.

A transitional approach, recognizing that mental health is influenced by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

A standardized manual used by mental health professionals to classify and diagnose mental disorders.

The tendency for people to accept vague, general personality descriptions as accurate descriptions of themselves.

Personality tests aimed at measuring traits and psychopathology, often used in clinical settings.

A widely used personality inventory assessing personality traits and psychopathology, consisting of 300-600 true/false items.

A personality inventory that categorizes individuals into 16 personality types, based on combinations of four traits.

A type of environment or situation that isolates individuals with mental disorders from the general population.

A form of treatment that involved using various methods to induce physical discomfort or pain, often falsely believing it would cure mental illness.

The transition from viewing mental illness as a demonic possession to a medical condition, leading to the development of asylums.

An approach where mental disorders were seen as incurable and individuals were considered separate from the general population.

Philippe Pinel's belief that mental illness is an illness that can be treated, leading to a more humane approach in asylums.

The historical evolution of understanding mental illness, moving from supernatural explanations to more scientific and human-centered approaches.

The period when asylums became overcrowded, lacking basic amenities, and treating individuals more like prisoners than patients.

Therapy aimed at adjusting actions to change the mind. Uses classical and operant conditioning and focuses on clear, well-defined goals.

Assumes abnormal behavior is caused by physical abnormalities in the brain or nervous system.

A model highlighting the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in influencing mental health.

A treatment focusing on addressing cognitions, emotions, and actions to help individuals.

A situation where a person needs more of a substance to achieve the desired effect, or when the same amount of the substance has a diminished effect over time.

Negative physical and psychological effects that occur when someone stops taking a substance or reduces the amount they use. These symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the substance and the person's dependence.

Brief, short-term therapy aimed at addressing specific concerns and problem-solving.

A type of group therapy where members share common experiences and support each other.

A biological dependence occurs when the body's tolerance to the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms if the drug is removed. This is often associated with physical changes in the body.

A neurochemical dependence occurs when the brain becomes conditioned to strongly desire the substance and its effects. It's driven by cravings and anticipation, even without the physical withdrawal symptoms.

A therapy approach that combines techniques and ideas from different therapeutic schools of thought to address the unique needs of each client.

Characterized by persistent, intense, and undesired anxiety that significantly impacts daily life.

The theory that explains how drug use can strengthen the 'wanting' of a drug, even if the 'liking' (pleasure) of the drug decreases over time. This happens because the dopamine system becomes sensitized to drug-related cues.

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by intense, sudden episodes of fear with no clear trigger.

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

A type of anxiety disorder characterized by a pervasive and free-floating anxiety, involving tension, jitteriness, and sleep difficulties.

A model suggesting that a predisposition for a disorder may remain dormant until triggered by stress.

Treatment of mental health issues using medication, assuming a neurochemical link to mental disorders.

A sudden onset of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. It is characterized by recurring episodes with persistent worry about future attacks.

A learned fear developed by observing others' reactions to a specific object or situation.

A long-term problem with basic emotions that significantly negatively impacts a person's life, often characterized by a negative or unpleasant mood.

A mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, and low energy levels.

A type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly in winter, linked to reduced sunlight.

A chronic mood disorder characterized by persistent low-grade depression that lasts for at least two years.

A mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, cycling between periods of mania and depression.