Chapter 2 + 3

Question 1

Scientific Method: Operational definition

Answer 1

The actions operations that will be used to measure or control a variable

Question 2

Scientific Method: Hypothesis

Answer 2

A precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study

Question 3

Scientific Method: Confound/Extraneous Variable

Answer 3

A variable that is not independent or dependent but still effects the hypothesis

Question 4

Scientific Method: Theory

Answer 4

A fact based idea that describes a phenomenon of human behavior

Question 5

What is the aim of correlational research?

Answer 5

1. Association: are x and y related?
2. Prediction: if we know x, can we predict y?
3. What do we learn from the correlation coefficient?
   - the size/strength of the relationship
   -the direction of the relationship

Question 6

What is the aim of experimental research?

Answer 6

1. Causality – is variable x a cause of variable y?
2. 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)

Question 7

What is social desirability bias? When is this more likely to occur in research? How do researchers try to prevent this?

Answer 7

1. What is it?
   - Hard to know our weakness
2. When is it likely to happen?
   - Social judgement
   - Public questions
3. How do researchers prevent this?
   - Confidentiality
   - Anonymity (participate #24)
   - Gives room for honesty

Question 8

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?

Answer 8

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)

Question 9

Define Dendrites

Answer 9

Receive signals from other cells

Question 10

Define Cell Body

Answer 10

Organizes and keeps the cell functional

Question 11

Define Cell Membrane

Answer 11

Protects the cell

Question 12

Define Axon Hillock

Answer 12

Generates impulse in the neuron

Question 13

Define Node of Ranvier

Answer 13

Allow diffusion of ions

Question 14

Define Schwann Cell

Answer 14

Produces the myelin sheath

Question 15

Define Nucleus

Answer 15

Controls the entire neuron

Question 16

Define Axon

Answer 16

Transfers signals to other cells and organs

Question 17

Define Myelin Sheath

Answer 17

Increases the speed of the signal

Question 18

Axon Terminal

Answer 18

Forms of junctions with other cells

Question 19

The electrochemical process by which a neuron “fires”

Answer 19

1. Synthesis and storage of neurotransmitter molecules in synaptic vesicles
2. Release of neurotransmitter molecules into synaptic cleft
3. Binding of neurotransmitters at receptor sites on postsynaptic membrane
4. Inactivation (by enzymes) or removal (drifting away) of neurotransmitters
5. Reuptake of neurotransmitters sponged up by the presynaptic neuron

Question 20

The Hindbrain Cerebellum:

Answer 20

1. Cerebellum
   - coordinates and executes movements, balance
   - alcohol is more likely to impair the cerebellum – reason - why alcohol effects our movements

Question 21

The Hindbrain Medulla:

Answer 21

Medulla
- regulates unconscious bodily functions (ex: breathing, circulation)

Question 22

The Hindbrain Reticular Formation

Answer 22

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

Question 23

The Forebrain Thalamus

Answer 23

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)

Question 24

The Forebrain Hypothalamus

Answer 24

Hypothalamus
- Maintains homeostasis (ex: temperature, control)
- Regulates basic survival motives (ex: hunger, sex drive)

Question 25

The Forebrain Hippocampus

Answer 25

Hippocampus
- Memory formation, especially factual and spatial memory
- Affects our memory

Question 26

The Forebrain Amygdala

Answer 26

Amygdala
- Processing emotional stimuli (especially fear)
- Remembering emotional information

Question 27

The Cerebral Cortex - The Occipital Lobe

Answer 27

Vision and interpreting visual stimuli

Question 28

The Cerebral Cortex - Temporal Lobe

Answer 28

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)

Question 29

The Cerebral Cortex - Parietal Lobe

Answer 29

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)

Question 30

The Cerebral Cortex - Frontal Lobe

Answer 30

Frontal Lobe
- Motor cortex (moves)
- The prefrontal cortex and executive processes (ex: planning, decision making, goal directed behavior)

Question 31

What is sampling bias? How do researchers try to prevent this?

Answer 31

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.