Chapter 2 + 3 Flashcards
Scientific Method: Operational definition
The actions operations that will be used to measure or control a variable
Scientific Method: Hypothesis
A precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study
Scientific Method: Confound/Extraneous Variable
A variable that is not independent or dependent but still effects the hypothesis
Scientific Method: Theory
A fact based idea that describes a phenomenon of human behavior
What is the aim of correlational research?
- Association: are x and y related?
- Prediction: if we know x, can we predict y?
- What do we learn from the correlation coefficient?
- the size/strength of the relationship
-the direction of the relationship
What is the aim of experimental research?
- Causality – is variable x a cause of variable y?
- One or more variable is deliberately manipulated and it’s effect on another variable is measured
- The independent variable is manipulated (experimental and control groups as different levels or conditions; the suspected cause)
- The dependent variable is measured to see if it affected by the independent variable (the suspected effect)
What is social desirability bias? When is this more likely to occur in research? How do researchers try to prevent this?
- What is it?
- Hard to know our weakness - When is it likely to happen?
- Social judgement
- Public questions - How do researchers prevent this?
- Confidentiality
- Anonymity (participate #24)
- Gives room for honesty
What are the three principles of research ethics? What is included in an informed consent document, and how does this information relate to the principles of research ethics?
Three Principles of Research Ethics:
1. Information
- Research process (what will be measured)
- Risks & benefits, alternatives
- Can ask questions, not answer questions
- Some information is withheld (if so debriefing at the end)
2. Comprehension
- Language
3. Voluntariness
- Coercion (don’t want to make people feel forced just for money)
Define Dendrites
Receive signals from other cells
Define Cell Body
Organizes and keeps the cell functional
Define Cell Membrane
Protects the cell
Define Axon Hillock
Generates impulse in the neuron
Define Node of Ranvier
Allow diffusion of ions
Define Schwann Cell
Produces the myelin sheath
Define Nucleus
Controls the entire neuron
Define Axon
Transfers signals to other cells and organs
Define Myelin Sheath
Increases the speed of the signal
Axon Terminal
Forms of junctions with other cells
The electrochemical process by which a neuron “fires”
- Synthesis and storage of neurotransmitter molecules in synaptic vesicles
- Release of neurotransmitter molecules into synaptic cleft
- Binding of neurotransmitters at receptor sites on postsynaptic membrane
- Inactivation (by enzymes) or removal (drifting away) of neurotransmitters
- Reuptake of neurotransmitters sponged up by the presynaptic neuron
The Hindbrain Cerebellum:
- Cerebellum
- coordinates and executes movements, balance
- alcohol is more likely to impair the cerebellum – reason - why alcohol effects our movements
The Hindbrain Medulla:
Medulla
- regulates unconscious bodily functions (ex: breathing, circulation)
The Hindbrain Reticular Formation
Reticular Formation
- Nerve network in the brain stem
- Regulates sleep and wakefulness (arousal)
- Filters sensory information (vigilance)
- Very active when sleeping
- Filters important senses around us to wake us up or keep us asleep
The Forebrain Thalamus
Thalamus
- Brains “information switch board”, but also aids in information processing
- Role in synesthesia (grapheme color synesthia: colors that are associated with letters) (auditory – tactile synesthia: sounds are associated with feeling of being touched)
The Forebrain Hypothalamus
Hypothalamus
- Maintains homeostasis (ex: temperature, control)
- Regulates basic survival motives (ex: hunger, sex drive)
The Forebrain Hippocampus
Hippocampus
- Memory formation, especially factual and spatial memory
- Affects our memory
The Forebrain Amygdala
Amygdala
- Processing emotional stimuli (especially fear)
- Remembering emotional information
The Cerebral Cortex - The Occipital Lobe
Vision and interpreting visual stimuli
The Cerebral Cortex - Temporal Lobe
Temporal Lobe
- Hearing and interpreting auditory stimuli
- Language
- Memory (right = visual information, left = verbal information)
- Damage to fusiform gyrus results in prosopagnosia (can’t recognize faces but can see visual traits, can recognize voices)
The Cerebral Cortex - Parietal Lobe
Parietal Lobe
- Spatial relations
- Fine sensations (textures, shapes)
- Somatosensory cortex (the more sensitive the body part, the more brain tissue associated with the body part; ability to feel touch, temperature, and pain)
The Cerebral Cortex - Frontal Lobe
Frontal Lobe
- Motor cortex (moves)
- The prefrontal cortex and executive processes (ex: planning, decision making, goal directed behavior)
What is sampling bias? How do researchers try to prevent this?
Sampling bias is when certain members are underrepresented or over represented relative to others in the population. We can prevent this by using random sampling.
