Exam 1

Question 1

Why do we look at sayings that contradict each other?

Answer 1

To demonstrate that psychology is more than just common sense.

Question 2

What is Psychology?

Answer 2

Science that seeks to answer questions about how and why humans think, feel, and behave the way they do.

Question 3

What is Empirical Approach and why do scientist use it?

Answer 3

An evidence based method that draws on observations and experimentation. It is used to test a theory to a claim.

Question 4

What is the scientific attitude?
What are the 3 parts of the scientific attitude?

Answer 4

Scientific attitude are the attitudes that helped modern science possible. 3 parts are curiosity, skepticism and humility.

Question 5

How would you define Curiosity, skepticism, and humility?

Answer 5

Curiosity- does it work?
Skepticism- what do you mean? How do you know?
Humility- Be willing to be surprised and follow new ideas?

Question 6

What are the 3 levels of analysis?

Answer 6

Biological Influences
Social interactions
Psychological influences

Question 7

Biological influences

Answer 7

Genetically influenced traits, genetic mutations, natural selection, genes responding to environment

Question 8

Social influences

Answer 8

Presence of others,
cultural, societal and family expectations
Peer and other group influences,
compelling models (media)

Question 9

Psychological influences

Answer 9

Learned fears or other expectations, emotional responses, cognitive processing and perceptual interceptions.

Question 10

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

Answer 10

Psychologist: Doctorate degree. Cannot prescribe medications
Psychiatrist: Medical degree with focus on psychology. Can prescribe medications

Question 11

Hindsight bias

Answer 11

Tendency to believe after learning an outcome, that one would foresee (I knew it all along phenomenon)

Question 12

Overconfidence

Answer 12

Thinking you I know more than you do

Question 13

What is the scientific method and how is it self correcting?

Answer 13

Theory, Hypothesis, operational definition, replication. It is self correcting because it is a slow and disciplined process.

Question 14

Identify frequently used research methods and their strength and weaknesses.

Answer 14

Correlational studies: a study that uses an outcome to come up with multiple conclusions. Weakness is that correlation doesn’t prove causation.
Case studies:Descriptive technique where 1 individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Naturalistic Observations:Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate and control the situation
Surveys: Obtaining self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of group.

Question 15

Informed consent

Answer 15

Giving potential participants enough info about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.

Question 16

Debriefing

Answer 16

Post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions to its participants.

Question 17

What are the parts of a nerve cell

Answer 17

Cell body: Contains nucleus of neuron
Dendrites: neurons branching extensions that receive and integrate messages conducting impulses toward cell body
Myelin Sheath:fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of neurons; enables greater transmission speed
Axon:neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons
Terminal Branches: Form junctions with other cells

Question 18

What kind of process is neurotransmission

Answer 18

Both chemical and electrical processes

Question 19

What is the process of neurotransmission

Answer 19

Neuron is stimulated and transmits info via neural impulse; communicates by firing this impulse (action potential) or electrical charge; charge moves down axon; + ions are outside axon, first section of axon opens access points, + ions rush into axon which has - ions inside