PSY01 Exam 1 Study Guide

PSY01 -- Exam 1 Study Guide *Note: This study guide is meant help focus your preparation for the exam and be seen as a general guideline---not a comprehensive list of everything you will need to know.* When preparing for the exam, there is no substitution for completing the required readings, atte...

PSY01 -- Exam 1 Study Guide *Note: This study guide is meant help focus your preparation for the exam and be seen as a general guideline---not a comprehensive list of everything you will need to know.* When preparing for the exam, there is no substitution for completing the required readings, attending class, asking questions when you have them, taking notes, and reviewing your notes. I recommend studying in smaller chunks throughout each section, rather than "cramming" just before the exam. I want you do well on the exam, so please know that I am available to help address your questions or concerns. Please come see me during office hours or set up an appointment with me if you need help. [History and Defining the Science of Psychology] - What is psychology? -- science of behavior and mental processes - Be aware of the historical antecedents to psychology (philosophy, physiology), role of the "zeitgeist," as well as primary information about some of the early names in psychology (e.g., Wilhelm Wundt 1879, first psychology laboratory). - Know the primary features of psychology's historical schools of thought (e.g., functionalism, structuralism, behaviorism, cognitive, psychoanalytic, humanistic) and the major figures associated with each. - What was the cognitive revolution and its impact on behaviorism? - Know the components of the scientific attitude - Be aware of the subfields of psychology. [Methods in Psychology] - Be able to describe what is meant by a *theory*, *hypothesis*, *operational definition*, *replication*. - What makes a good theory? - Know the differences between psychological research methods (e.g., descriptive, correlational, experimental). What is each able to/not able to tell us? - Types of observation - Correlations - A CORRELATION DOES NOT PROVE CAUSATION - Difference between a positive and negative correlation - 3^rd^ variable problem - Correlation coefficient: 0.0 = no correlation, ±1.0 = perfect correlation. The sign (+ or -) indicates *direction*, number indicates *strength* (e.g., -0.87 is a stronger correlation than +0.54). - Experiments - Independent variable -- variable that is manipulated - Dependent variable -- variable that is measured - Control groups, placebos, double-blind methods - Ethics in research (e.g., IRB) - Understand the basics of measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)---how are each determined and how are each impacted by outliers? - What is a standard deviation? What is a normal curve? Why are these important? [Biological Basis of Behavior] - What is the biopsychosocial perspective? - Early ideas in incorporating biology into understanding the mind and behavior (e.g., Plato, Aristotle, Phrenology) - Be sure to know about neurons and how they communicate. - Know the basic components and functions of each component - How do neurons communicate? - Understand the action and resting potentials. - Neurotransmitters (i.e., chemical messengers), what they are and primary types (e.g., GABA is a primary inhibiting neurotransmitter) - What do we mean by electrochemical action? - What are agonists and antagonists? What's the difference between them? - Know the basic components of the nervous system (CNS, PNS, autonomic, somatic, etc.) - What is the "fight-or-flight" response? How does it relate to the nervous system? - Have a basic understanding of the location and functions of major brain structures (e.g., brainstem, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, lobes, corpus callosum). - What did the case of Phineas Gage teach us? - What can happen if we sever the corpus callosum? - Have a general understanding of various modern tools to understanding brain structure and function (e.g., PET, MRI, EEG). [Consciousness] - What is consciousness? - What is meant by circadian rhythm? What happens if circadian rhythms get disrupted? - What is sleep? Why do we sleep? Difference between sleep stages (e.g., what stage do we have vivid dreams? What stage is considered "deep sleep"?); What are some theories on why we dream? What's the impact of inefficient sleep? - Know the different types of brain waves and how they relate to sleep. - Why is sleep important? What happens when we are deprived of sleep? - Have a basic understanding of, and be able to differentiate, various parasomnias. - Be able to differentiate different drug categories and their effects - Beyond sleep and wakefulness, be aware of other states of consciousness.