AP Psychology Midterm Flashcards by Kailey Sturtz

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of behavioral and mental processes

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How is Psychology scientific?

It uses a systematic method of learning about behavior and cognitive processes (it can also be proven by the scientific method)

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Explain “behavior”

Observable, quantifiable reactions to stimuli

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Explain “mental processes”

Cognitive functions that allow for human introspection (memory, language, learning, dreaming, sensory-motor perception, etc.)

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Psychology vs. “Pseudo-Psychology”

Psychology can be tested and proven, while pseudo-psychology is “abstract” or “unscientific psychology” aka “abilities” of the mind that cannot be tested/proven (psychics/mindreaders)

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Clairvoyance

Ability to gain info. about someone or something through extrasensory perception aka perceiving things or events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact

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Telepathy

The direct transfer of thoughts from one person to another aka the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses

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Telekinesis

The supposed ability to move objects at a distance by mental power or other nonphysical means

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Precognition

“seeing” or becoming directly aware of events in the future

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Specialty areas within Psychology (there are 12)

1: Clinical
2: Counciling
3: Developmental
4: Cognitive
5: Educational/School
6: Industrial
7: Consumer
8: Research
9: Forensic
10: Sports
11: Psychiatry
12: Psychology

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Psychology vs. Psychiatry

Psychologists have a PHD and cannot prescribe medication while Psychiatrists have a MD and can prescribe medication

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7 Modern Psychological perspectives

1: Biological
2: Behavioral
3: Cognitive
4: Psychodynamic
5: Humanistic
6: Socio-Cultural
7: Evolutionary

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Biological Psychological Perspective

Behavior is a refection of Biology. The brains anatomy, neurology, genetics, biochemistry, etc. *Behavior is a result of Physiological nature

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Behavioral Psychological Perspective

Focuses on observable, empirical behaviors. Behavior is viewed as learned responses/reactions to stimuli. *Enviormental nature, founders= Pavlov, Watson, Thorndike & Skinner

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Cognitive Psychological Perspective

Focuses on complex mental thought, memory, the ways information is stored and retrieved

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Psychodynamic Psychological Perspective

Behavior is a result of abstract “inner forces”, founder= Sigmund Freud

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Humanistic Psychological Perspective

Self fulfillment and achievement, people strive to better themselves “Self actualization”

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Socio-Cultural Psychological Perspective

Behavior is viewed as unique combinations of both biological and environmental nurture as well as social and cultural norms and influences

Evolutionary Psychological Perspective

Describes behavior as being adaptive, similar to Darwins theory of natural selection (Behavioral patterns are genetic and evolve in order to ensure survival and passage of preferred traits)

Non-Experimental Observational Research Methods (there’s 7)

1: Survey Method
2: Testing Method
3: Case Study Method
4: Longitudinal Method
5: Cross Sectional Method
6: Naturalist Observation Method
7: Laboratory Observation Method

Survey Method (of Observational Research)

Gathering information by either interviewing (typically in person, psychologist asks questions) or questionnaire survey where there’s usually a document that the people answer questions
ADVANTAGES = population (rapid data) and cheap cost
DISADVANTAGES = not always accurate, people can lie

Testing Method (of Observational research)

Collects date (not an experiment) aka Personality tests, aptitude (skills based) and intelligence test (IQ)
ADVANTAGES = data is in form of numbers, a score
DISADVANTAGES = test score doesn’t always represent true abilities (ADHD can distract and not show true performance)

Case-Study Method (of Observational Research)

In-depth investigation (folder/record) of an individual or small group, involves interviews, tests & data
ADVANTAGES = good insights to a person/group, best used for rare cases
DISADVANTAGES = dangerous to say what’s true for one is true for all

Longitudinal Method (of Observational Research)

A group of the same participants are viewed over a long period of time
ADVANTAGES = in depth data, consistent
DISADVANTAGES = sometimes participants are not available, its expensive and a risk (availability, pay, resource intensive)
OPPOSITE OF CROSS-SECTIONAL METHOD- both used for developmental research

Cross Sectional Method (of Observational Research)

Groups of people (different ages) are taken in and observed ADVANTAGES = short time DISADVANTAGES = maybe not as accurate data (diff. people) OPPOSITE OF LONGITUDINAL METHOD- both used for developmental research

Naturalistic Method-field study-(of Observational Research)

Observing other people and animals in their natural habitat "people watching" ADVANTAGES = pure reactions & behaviors not artificial labs DISADVANTAGES = cannot interact because the behavior of the people will change OPPOSITE OF LABORATORY

Laboratory Method (of Observational Research)

Studies subjects in a laboratory "any artificial environment that can manipulate variables"(temp, light,etc.), controlled artificial environment ADVANTAGES = can interact (manipulate variables) DISADVANTAGES = artificial environment, not as "authentic" as naturalistic OPPOSITE OF NATURALISTIC

Positive Correlation of Variables

x variable and y variable both increase

Negative Correlation of Variables

x variable increases while y variable decreases

Zero/Null Correlation of Variables

no statistical relationship exists between variables

Spurious (illusionary) Correlation of Variables

2 variables that logically appear to have a correlative relationship but upon mathematical investigation it does not

Definition of Variables

internal and/or external factors that change the effect of the experimental procedure

Sample Bias (define and solution)

the compositions of the control and test groups are not accurate representations of the larger sample population and/or the overall target population. SOL= stratified random assignment

Participant Bias(s) (define and solution)

Observational= participants behaviors/responces are not a true representation of their real (natural) behaviors SOL= confidentiality agreement Experimental= participants realize which group (test/control) they are assigned to and behave differently SOL= single blind study

Experimenter Bias

The experiment inadvertently influences the direction and results of an experiment toward their expected conclusions SOL= double blind study

Central Nervous System

Composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain operates through a network of subsystems connected by electrical circuits while the spinal cord physically binds the brain to the body, it can't think but it can react.

Reflex Arc (spinal cord)

Provides protection and physical damage control. Sensory neurons send impulses to the spinal cord which triggers an automatic muscle contraction (reflex), once out of harms way, the brain receives the sensory messages. It by passes the brain, can't think but can react.

Peripheral Nervous System

Composed of nerve receptor networks, eyes, ears, muscles, glands (endocrine system)

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary body movements and actions

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary body operations (respiration/digestion)

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for physical and emotional stress "Freeze, fight or flight" response. Epinephrine/Adrinaline + Acetylcholine are released.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Relaxes the body after stress encounters, calms the body back to homeostasis, Norepinephrine/Noradrinaline are released

Neurons

a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system. changes amount from birth (100 million) to adulthood

Axons (Part of Neuron)

The extension of a neuron ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles/glands