Psychology Science and the Scientific Method

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Questions and Answers

What does the cognitive revolution primarily focus on studying?

Only observable behavior

Mental processes such as thinking and learning (correct)

Cultural differences in behavior

Biological functions and evolution

In the analogy of the mind as a computer, which of the following represents the 'output'?

The success or failure in completing a task (correct)

The inputs received from the environment

The strategies and heuristics used

The hardware of the brain and CNS

How do recent developments in biology and neuroscience assist in understanding the mind?

Using techniques like EEGs and fMRI to see the mind in action (correct)

By providing insight into environmental influences on behavior

Through observation of behavioral patterns only

By analyzing genetic predispositions exclusively

What role does evolution play in shaping human cognition according to psychologists?

It helps individuals solve problems based on ancestral experiences Signup and view all the answers

What does 'multi-causality' imply in psychology?

Behavior is shaped by multiple factors and influences Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Observe some phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

Why is psychology considered a science?

It uses the scientific method to test ideas Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes applied psychologists from basic psychologists?

Applied psychologists address practical problems Signup and view all the answers

How can psychologists predict behavior?

By averaging behaviors of groups, not individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of psychologist is most likely to treat anxiety disorders?

Counseling psychologist Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the mind-body problem' refer to?

Mental processes being solely a result of brain activities Signup and view all the answers

What role do forensic psychologists play?

Apply research to criminal justice systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of industrial/organizational psychologists?

Improve employee morale and communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sensory neurons in the nervous system?

Excite interneurons to collect information Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is responsible for decision-making on whether to send a signal?

Soma Signup and view all the answers

What function does the myelin sheath serve in neuron activity?

Accelerates the propagation of action potentials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes terminal buttons?

Convert electrical signals to chemical signals for neurotransmission Signup and view all the answers

How do neurons adjust their firing rates in response to increased stimulation?

They send message signals more frequently with less pauses Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when an action potential reaches the terminal buttons?

It triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of dendrites in a neuron?

They collect information from other neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the electrical message carried by the axon?

It carries action potentials away from the soma. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain hemisphere is primarily responsible for language processing?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What role does the corpus callosum serve in the brain?

It connects the two hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

If a person with an intact brain sees an object in the left visual field, which hemisphere processes this information?

Right hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the corpus callosum is absent or disconnected?

Limited coordination between hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

If an object is presented to the right hemisphere, what can a person likely do?

Use the left hand to find the object Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily organized in terms of body representation?

Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of the left hemisphere concerning handedness?

Left-handers process language equally in both hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a person with no corpus callosum is asked to identify an object in the left visual field?

They may not be able to identify the object verbally. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'neural plasticity'?

The physical structure of the brain changes due to learning and experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the impact of age on brain plasticity?

Brain plasticity decreases with age. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of studying brain damage to understand brain function?

It provides insight into specific brain functions through observed deficits. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of damage to Broca’s area?

Slow, laborious speech that is usually agrammatical. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor complicates the study of brain damage in understanding brain functions?

Brain damage often impacts multiple interconnected areas of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is not commonly used to research brain functions?

Conducting physical stress tests on the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes speech produced after damage to Wernicke’s area?

Fluent yet nonsensical speech jumping topics rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'neural networks' refer to in the context of brain learning?

The connections and interactions of various neuron types. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What Defines Science

Science relies on systematic methods for testing, observing, and making conclusions about the natural world.

Six Steps of the Scientific Method

Observation of a phenomenon initiates inquiry.
Hypothesis construction provides a preliminary explanation for the phenomenon.
Predictions are generated based on the hypothesis.
Testing involves conducting experiments to validate predictions with observable outcomes.
Hypothesis modification occurs in response to new findings.
Steps three to five are repeated until discrepancies are resolved.

Psychology as a Science

Psychology rigorously tests human behavior rather than relying solely on intuition or common sense.
Employs the scientific method for hypothesis testing and data collection similar to other scientific disciplines.

Predicting Behavior with Psychology

Psychologists focus on understanding how individuals think rather than predicting specific behaviors.
Enables predictions about group behaviors, not individual actions, using average tendencies.

Applied vs. Research Psychologists

Applied psychologists utilize psychological principles in real-world situations and engage with clients.
Research psychologists conduct experiments and studies to advance psychological knowledge.

Types of Applied Psychologists

Clinical psychologists treat mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Counseling psychologists address family and marital conflicts.
School psychologists support children’s education and behavior management.
Industrial/organizational psychologists enhance workplace efficiency and morale.
Forensic psychologists apply psychology to legal contexts and rehabilitation.
Human factors psychologists focus on product design and user experience.

Mind-Body Problem

Explores the relationship between mental processes and physical brain activities.
Descartes viewed the mind and body as distinct entities.
Modern psychology integrates various perspectives, considering cognitive, biological, evolutionary, and cultural factors.

Cognitive Revolution

Shifted focus to studying mental processes such as thinking and memory, beyond mere observable behavior.
Recognized the significance of internal cognitive functions.
Influenced by advancements in research methods to infer mental operations.

Conceptualizing the Mind as a Computer

Inputs: sensory data (shapes and patterns).
Hardware: the brain and central nervous system.
Software: cognitive strategies and heuristics.
Output: task performance outcomes.
Developmental changes occur in both hardware and software during childhood.

Banking on Biology: Advances in Neuroscience

EEGs and fMRI scans help visualize brain activity.
Physiological measures like heart rate and blood pressure provide insights into mental states.

Evolution's Influence on the Mind

Evolution shapes cognitive abilities based on ancestral problem-solving experiences.

Cultural Impacts on Psychology

Different cultural backgrounds influence cognitive processes and behavior.
IQ tests may be biased toward Western norms, reflecting diverse learning styles.

Understanding Multi-Causality

Sensory neurons trigger interneurons to process information.
Interneurons excite motor neurons, enabling physical responses based on gathered data.

Neuron Structure and Functions

Dendrites: gather information and influence excitation or inhibition.
Soma: the decision-making center that initiates action potentials.
Axon: transmits electrical signals across distances.
Terminal buttons: convert electrical signals into chemical signals for communication.

Action Potential Explained

Action potentials are electrical signals generated within neurons.
They trigger the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse when reaching terminal buttons.

Myelin Sheath and Signal Speed

Myelin sheath accelerates action potentials by allowing signals to jump between nodes.
Neurons without myelin transmit signals more slowly.

Firing Rate Changes in Neurons

Firing rates adjust based on the frequency of received signals.
Increased excitatory signals lead to more frequent communications between neurons.

Neurotransmitters and Their Role

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers influencing communication in the brain.
Examples include dopamine (reward pathway) and serotonin (mood regulation).

Neural Plasticity

Refers to the brain's ability to alter its structure and function based on experience and learning.
Plasticity decreases with age, but the brain retains the ability to adapt after injuries.

Insights from Brain Damage Studies

Neuropsychology helps map functions by examining deficits following brain damage.
Broca’s area is linked to speech production difficulties, while Wernicke’s area affects comprehension.

Limitations of Brain Damage Research

Damage typically affects multiple brain regions, complicating specific function analysis.
Rarely occurs in isolated areas, complicating studies; reliance on case studies is essential.

Brain Hemisphere Functions

Each hemisphere specializes in different cognitive functions; the left is language-oriented, while the right handles spatial tasks.
The corpus callosum facilitates communication between hemispheres, crucial for integrated function.

Effects of Corpus Callosum Disconnection

Individuals with disconnected hemispheres may show disparate responses to stimuli.
Examples demonstrate how each hemisphere can perform tasks independently, even without verbal acknowledgment.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of science and the steps of the scientific method, including observation, hypothesis formation, and testing. Delve into the debate about whether psychology is merely common sense or a legitimate science through structured methods. Understand how these principles apply specifically to the field of psychology.