PY 101 Exam 1 Study Guide

Psychology Basics

• Psychology encompasses the study of the mind and behavior, aiming to describe, explain, predict, and control mental processes.
• Early philosophers used observation and logic, while modern psychology employs scientific methodologies.

Key Theories and Concepts

• Empiricism: Knowledge is derived from sensory experience, developed during the 17th and 18th centuries through thinkers like John Locke and David Hume.
• Structuralism: Focuses on introspection, the personal observation of one's thoughts and feelings.
• Functionalism: Identifies mental states by their functions rather than their composition.

Research Methods

• Correlational Research: Observes the relationship between two variables; can be positive or negative.
• Experimental Research: Involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
• Correlation Strength: Measured by the r value; values close to +1 or -1 indicate strong relationships.

Statistical Concepts

• Mean: Average of a data set; Median: Middle value; Mode: Most common value in the set.
• Normal Distribution: Symmetrical data distribution with most values clustering around the mean.
• Skewed Distribution: Indicates asymmetry; left-skewed data places the mean left of the median, while right-skewed places it right.
• Standard Deviation: Measures data spread; about 95% of values fall within two standard deviations from the mean.

Neuron Structure and Function

• Neuron Components: Includes synapse, axon, axon terminals, and dendrites, each playing roles in nerve signaling and communication.
• Types of Neurons: Sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons facilitate nervous system functions.
• Communication: Neurons transmit signals via action potentials and neurotransmitters.

Brain Structure and Functions

• Lobes of the Brain:
  • Frontal: Cognitive functions and voluntary movements.
  • Parietal: Processes sensory information.
  • Occipital: Responsible for vision.
  • Temporal: Involved in auditory perception.
• Brainstem: Governs basic functions like heart rate and breathing; a relay between the body and brain.
• Hypothalamus: Regulates hormones, temperature, appetite, and emotional responses.
• Cerebellum: Coordinates motor movements based on sensory inputs.

Genetics in Psychology

• Genetic Determinism: The belief that genes determine physical and psychological traits.
• Heritability: Indicates the genetic inheritance of traits.
• Twin Studies: MZ (identical) and DZ (fraternal) twins help assess the role of genetics in behavior and traits.
• Concordance and Discordance: Concordant traits are shared by both twins, while discordant traits are not.

Neurotransmission and Brain Activity

• Action Potential: A rapid change in membrane potential; involves phases of depolarization and repolarization.
• Refractory Period: Critical time after an action potential during which another cannot be generated unless stronger stimuli are applied.
• Myelin: Insulating layer that increases signal transmission speed.

Brain Imaging Techniques

• CT: Produces detailed cross-sectional images using X-rays.
• EEG: Measures brain activity associated with different psychological states.
• PET: Utilizes glucose to illustrate neuronal activity.
• fMRI: Combines multiple MRI images for functional brain mapping.

Nervous System Divisions

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the "fight or flight" response.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes calming and restorative processes in the body.