Psychology Introduction and Research Methods

Study Notes

Research models, including surveys, naturalistic observations, experiments, and case studies are examined.
Ethical principles are highlighted.
Measures of central tendency, including standard deviation are reviewed but calculation isn't required, but the concept and interpretation are important.
Survey design is covered, including correlation (and coefficient), causation, independent and dependent variables, and random sampling, and random assignment in experimental design.

The structure and function of neurons is reviewed
The function of the nervous system, and brain parts are covered, including plasticity.
Rest/digest and fight/flight (nervous system responses)

Psychoactive drug categories, and sleep stages and their characteristics are explored.

The structures and functions of the eye and ear are covered.
5 senses are identified. (light waves / sound waves, rods and cones)
Top-down and bottom-up processing, Weber's law, Young-Helmholtz and opponent process theories, gate control theory, absolute and difference thresholds, are covered.

The process of making memories, as well capacity of memory.
Types of memory (effortful and automatic) parallel processing, and flashbulb memories are outlined.
Prototype, categories, algorithms, and heuristics are described
Confirmation bias
Convergent and divergent thinking
Explicit and Implicit Memories
Retroactive and proactive interference (memory tricks, mnemonics, chunking)
Effect of testing on memory is discussed
Parts of the brain involved in memory.