FINAL MCAT PREP Flashcards
1
Q
Humanistic approach
A
emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of every individual
2
Q
Interoceptive awareness
A
Interoceptive awareness involves sensitivity to increases in activity of autonomic nervous system (e.g. heart beat, blood pressure)
3
Q
Reticular activation system
A
is a set of connected nuclei in the brains of vertebrates that is responsible for regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions
4
Q
Limbic system
A
a set of brain structures located on both sides of the thalamus, immediately beneath the cerebrum; includes amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, etc.
5
Q
Autonomic vs. Somatic Nervous systems
A
Somatic - voluntary, Autonomic - involuntary (e.g. breathing, HR, etc)
6
Q
Damage to which nervous system structure can cause problems w/ ability to perform synchronous behaviors?
A
Cerebellum (associated w/ execution of a coordinated motor task)
7
Q
Behaviorist theory
A
focuses on the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior (think: BF Skinner)
8
Q
How to determine validity (scientific acceptability) of variables chosen for studies?
A
If a self-report measure and behavioral measure are positively correlated, this would support the validity of the self-report measure
9
Q
Content Analysis
A
a sociological method that is used to make inferences about communication; could help determine which beliefs an organization publically emphasizes and how it frames issues to the broader public
10
Q
Class Systems
A
universal phenomenon denoting a category or group of persons having a definite status in society which permanently determines their relation to other groups
11
Q
Caste Systems
A
describe CLOSED stratification systems that do not allow for social mobility
12
Q
Economic Systems
A
e.g. socialism or capitalism
13
Q
Front stage self
A
in dramaturgical approach, the setting where players are inf ront of an audience and perform roles that are in keeping w/ the image they hope to project about themselves
14
Q
Back stage self
A
in the dramaturgical approach, the setting where players are free from their role requirements and not in front of the audience; back stage may not be appropriate behaviors or acceptable and thus kept invisible from the audience
15
Q
Cultural transmission
A
the way a group of people or animals within a society or culture tend to learn and pass on information
16
Q
What aspect of a person’s cognitive ability does aging NOT diminish?
A
The ability to retrieve general information
17
Q
Wechsler Scales of Intelligence (WISC)
A
based on the standardization system used to score IQ, this scoring system is “normalized” to a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15; so 68% of the scores will fall between 85 and 115
18
Q
Sensory memory
A
visual (iconic) and auditory (echoic) stimuli briefly stored in memory; fades quickly unless attention is paid to the information
19
Q
Sociological paradigm of conflict theory
A
calls attention to competition among social groups, including generational conflict; conflict theorist would be interested in explaining how political power varies by generational status and thus affects allocation of social resources
20
Q
Dependency ratio
A
ratio of the number of economically dependent members of a population to the number of economically productive members; economically dependent are those considered too young or too old to work, whereas economically productive are the working-age population
21
Q
Social gradient in health
A
refers to the fact that inequalities in population health status are related to inequalities in social status
22
Q
Life course perspective
A
refers to an approach developed in the 1960s for analyzing people’s lives within structural, social, and cultural contexts
23
Q
Intersectionality of medicine
A
Overlapping areas of discrimination; such as patients who have multiple characteristics that are discriminated against; e.g. african american female practicing buddhist teachings (3 areas of discrimination, possibly, including sex/gender, race/culture, religious, and there’s the INTERSECTION of the 3 diff’t areas)
24
Q
If a physician assumes a new patient is not well educated and thus less knowledgeable about health issues, is this discrimination?
A
No, the scenario describes an attitude but does not specify differential treatment
25
How to determine if discriminatory?
If there is an action or behavior that indicates differential treatment or behavior
26
social Loafing
refers to the fact that people are more productive alone than in a group; individuals are also less critical and less creative in a group
27
What affects groupthink?
If a group has an interpersonal connection (group of friends), they would be motivated to engage in discussion; would lead to fewer groupthink symptoms than the social identity groups
28
Stages of classical conditioning paradigm
First is acquisition phase of the fear conditioning paradigm; in which the stimulus that is neutral w/ respect to response is associated w/ an unconditioned stimulus multiple times until the neutral stimulus elicits the conditioned response
29
Beta-amyloid plaques
will not allow for increased connection between neurons in the brains of genetically modified mice
30
Neurofibrillary tangles
aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that are most commonly known as a primary marker of Alzheimer's disease
31
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
can address smoking behaviors through systematic modification of individual behavior and self-assessments; addresses maladaptive behaviors thru behavioral therapy to systematically modify a person's behavior; followed by sessions designed to foster cognitivie change, through self-assessments
32
What might a structural functionalist think of yoga to treat smoking addiction?
the utility of yoga as an effective smoking cessation therapy is an unintended, though beneficial, outcome of yoga practice; this describes a LATENT, OR UNINTENDED function
33
Functionalism (social paradigm)
makes a distinction between manifest, or intended, and latent, or unintended functions of social activities; almost all social actions have both manifest functions and latent functions, both of which are connected to overall social stability
34
Proximal stimulus
the stimulus registered by the sensory receptors (e.g. pattern of light falling on the retina)
35
Distal stimulus
An object which provides information for the proximal stimulus; the proximal stimulus registers the information
36
Law of similarity
Like-things are grouped together
37
Psychophysical discrimination testing
directly assess our perception of stimuli in relation to their true physical properties; the nature of the illusions discussed in the passage suggest that individuals may be prone to over- or under-state the size of items
38
Context effects
the context in which stimuli are presented and the processes of perceptual organization contribute to how stimuli are organized
39
Flashbulb memory
memory phenomenon in which people claimed to remember details of what they were doing when they received news about an emotionally arousing event
40
False memory
false memories can be observed both in real-world and laboratory settings, and they are generally given with high confidence
41
Operational definition of motivational state in operant conditioning
depriving the subject of some desirable stimulus for a period of time
42
Life course perspective
a holistic perspective that calls attention to developmental processes and other experiences across a person's life
43
Statistical adjustment
refers to controlling for variables that could affect the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
44
Sensitive period
also referred to as critical period; identifies a point in early development that can have significant influence on physiological or behavioral functioning in later life
45
Modeling
learning which behaviors are acceptable by watching others perform them;
46
Incentive theory
calls attention to how factors outside of individuals, including community values and other aspects of culture, can motivate behavior
47
Social epidemiology
focuses on the contribution of social and cultural factors to disease patterns in populations; supplements biomedical approach because it is a subfield of epidemiology
48
How can one provide more culturally-competent care?
Using cultural relativism rather than ethnocentrism; must be aware of one's own cultural standards and biases
49
Cultural relativism
raises awareness of the fact that cultures have different standards and biases
50
Intersectionality
calls attention to how identity categories intersect in systems of social stratification; e.g. an individual's position w/in a social hierarchy is determined not only by his/her social class, but also by his/her race/ethnicity; can also refer to intersections involving other identity categories such as age, gender, or sexual orientation
51
What sociological paradigm is most consistent with a study of healthcare providers showing rapport, empathy, and navigating disagreements w/ their patients
symbolic interactionism; examines small scale (or micro level) social interactions, focusing attention on how shared meaning is established among individuals or small groups
52
Looking glass self
suggests that the self-concept is influenced by how we perceive that others are viewing us; a person who acquires a stigmatized illness is likely to internalize the stigmatization directed against him or her
53
MRI
test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body
54
fMRI
imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow
55
CT
makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray measurements taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual "slices") of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting
56
PET
nuclear medicine functional imaging to observe metabolic processes in the body; If the biologically active molecule chosen for PET is fludeoxyglucose (FDG), an analogue of glucose, the concentrations of tracer imaged will indicate tissue metabolic activity as it corresponds to the regional glucose uptake
57
What are the components of the reward system?
Nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, amygdala
58
Universal emotions
fear, anger, surprise, happiness, disgust, and sadness
59
Place theory
posits that one is able to hear different pitches because diff't sound waves trigger activity at different places along the cochlea's basilar membrane (not a visual concept)
60
5 Components of Language
Phonology (actual sound of language), Pragmatics (language based on context), Syntax (forming sentences), Morphology (structure of words), Semantics (associate meaning and word)
61
3 theories of language
Nativist (biological), Learning (social), Interactionist (combination of both)
62
Whorfian Hypothesis/Linguistic Relativity Hypothesis
Language affects how we think
63
Broca's area
controls speech function (in left hemisphere in brain)
64
Wernicke's area
Language comprehension component of left hemisphere of brain
65
Broca's Aphasia
EXPRESSIVE aphasia; speech comprehension is intact, but reduced ability to produce spoken language
66
Wernicke's Aphasia
RECEPTIVE aphasia; fluency of speech retained, but comprehension of speech is lost
67
Conduction aphasia
due to damage between connection of broca's and wernicke's areas -- speech production and comprehension intact but connection is lost
68
Prosencephalon
Forebrain; complex perceptual cognitive, and behavioral processes
69
Mesencephalon
midbrain (sensorimotor reflexes)
70
Rhombencephalon
Hindbrain; balance, motor coordination, breathing & digestion (more rudimentary functions)
71
Medulla oblongata
part of hindbrain; regulates breathing, heart beat, and blood pressure
72
Pons
part of hindbrain; relays info and regulates sleep
73
Cerebellum
part of hindbrain; regulates POSTURE, BALANCE, BODY MOVEMENTS
74
Superior colliculus
relays visual sensory input; part of midbrain
75
Inferior colliculus
relays AUDITORY sensory input; part of midbrain
76
rCBF
detects blood flow to parts of the brain
77
4 major components of diencephalon
Diencephalon is part of forebrain; comprised of THALAMUS, HYPOTHALAMUS, PINEAL GLAND, and POSTERIOR PITUITARY
78
Key components of limbic system
Hippocampus and Amygdala
79
Pineal Gland
secretes melatoning to regulate sleep cycle
80
Aprazia
lack of awareness of certain body parts and/or surrounding space; due to issues with PARIETAL lobe
81
Ego-syntonic
When the patient doesn't see an issue w/ their condition; vs. ego-dystonic when a person is aware that their condition (GAD, for example) is intrusive and negatively affects their life
82
Borderline personality disorder
splitting as a defense mechanism; people are all good or all bad
83
Histrionic PD
characterized by constant attention-seeking behavior; individuals often wear colorful clothing, are dramatic, and are exceptionally extroverted; may also use seductive behavior to get attention; e.g. Bella Thorne is textbook case
84
Neurulation
occurs when the notochord causes differentiation of overlying ectoderm into the neural tube and neural crest cells
85
Neural tube (fate)
utlimately becomes the central nervous system (Brain and spinal cord); and neural crest cells migrate to other sites in the body to differentiate into a number of different tissues
86
Name the catecholamines
Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine
87
Babinski reflex
fanning of toes; it's is a primitive reflex displayed by babies; normal in adults would be NOT Babinski reflex, and toes should curl in
88
Instinctive Drift
If a desired behavior goes against the instincts of the animal, less likely to adopt the behavior; SHOULD NOT RUN COUNTER TO THE ANIMAL'S NATURAL INSTINCTS
89
Self-reference effect
information that is most meaningful/personally relevant to an individual is most likely to be memorized
90
Partial report procedures:
in which an individual is asked to recall a specific portion of the stimulus; incredibly accurate but only for a brief time
91
State-dependent recall
concerned w/ internal rather than external states of the individual
92
What type of memory do the elderly have most trouble with?
Time-based prospective memory, which is remembering to do an activity at a particular time
93
Gardner's theory of intelligence
7 multiple intelligences; linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal intelligences
94
Cognitive process theory
theory of dreaming stating that dreams and thoughts during wakeful periods use the same stream-of-consciousness system
95
Neurocognitive theory
concerened w/ the subjective experience of dreaming and the physiology of dreaming
96
In which sleep stages does dreaming occur?
Stage 3, Stage 4, and REM
97
3 components of emotion
physiological, cognitive, behavioral
98
Instinct theory
theory of motivation stating that we are motivated to act based on instincts that they are programmed to do
99
High left frontal lobe activity is associated w/ what type of emotions?
Positive feelings; the right brain is associated w/ negative feelings
100
Which type of conflict has least amount of stress?
Approach-approach (one in which both results are good choices)
101
Stages of stress response
Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion
102
Maladaptive response to stress
drug use, social withdrawal, avoiding the stressor
103
Androgyny
high femininty, high masculinity
104
Self-efficacy
the degree to which an individual sees him or herself as being capable at a given skill or in a particular situation
105
Stanford prison experiment
experiment involved investigating the psycohological effects of perceived power, using college students to be prisoners and guards; deindividuation, the loss of self-identity in the group setting that can lead to violent behavior; related to DEINDIVIDUATION and INTERNALIZATION
106
Relationship between groupthink and risk taking
Groupthink causes optimism and encouragment toward risk taking
107
Affective component of attitude
consists of feelings and emotions toward something
108
Peripheral route
deals w/ processing info that is NOT based on content, but instead on superficial parameters such as speech patterns or appearance
109
Central route
processing of info thru analysis of its content
110
Internalization
type of conformity in which an individual changes her outward opinion to match the group; and also personally agrees w/ those ideas
111
Four functional attitudes theories
knowledge, adaptability, ego expression, and egodefense
112
Social action vs. social interaction
social action refers to effects of a group on an individual's social behavior; social interaction refers to the effects that multiple individuals have on each other
113
Pressure for conformity
placing spoken or unspoken expectations on individuals to agree w/ the ideas of the group
114
Gesellschaft
Gesellschaft society; is one in which individuals are working towards the same goal, e.g. company or country
115
Bureaucracy
defined by rigidly defined work procedures, requirement for officials to hold an advanced degree, and regular salary increases; nonelected officials, seniority rights, and promotions upon passing exams or milestones
116
Strategy of aligning actions
providing socially acceptable reasons to explain unexpected behavior
117
Alter-casting
imposing a role on another person
118
Ingratiation
the use of flattery or conformity to win over someone else
119
Gemeinshaften
communities; those that are bound together by beliefs, ancestry, or geography
120
SMYLOG
method for analyzing group dynamics and considers groups along 3 dimensions: dominant vs. submissive, friendly vs. unfriendly, and instrumentally controlled vs. emotionally expressive
121
What is similar to ought self?
Ought self is who others think we should be; similar to tactical self, which is the self that we present to others when we adhere to their expectations
122
Basic model of emotions
By darwin; states that emotions serve an evolutionary purpose, and thus are similar across cultures
123
Social constructionism model of emotions
emotions are always a product of current social situation and does not posit biological basis for emotions; implying lack of role for emotions in evolution
124
Primary vs. secondary groups
key difference is that primary groups are formed of stronger bonds than secondary groups (e.g. warm, personal, and intimate relationships in primary)
125
Cultural syndrome
shared set of beliefs, norms, values, and behaviors organized around a central theme, as is found among people sharing same language and geography
126
master status
status by which an individual is primarily identifiedy
127
role conflict
occurs when one has difficulty in satisfying the requirements of MULTIPLE ROLES SIMULTANEOUSLY (when the roles conflict)
128
role strain
when one has difficulty satisfying multiple requirements of the SAME role simultaneously
129
secure attachment
requires a consistent caregiver so the child is able to go out and explore, knowing that he/she has secure base to return to; child shows strong preference for the caregiver
130
avoidant attachment
occurs when a caregiver has little/no response to a distressed, crying child; the child shows no preference for the caregiver compared to strangers
131
ambivalent attachment
occurs when a caregiver has an inconsistent response to a child's distress, sometimes responding appropriately, sometimes neglectful; child become distressed when caregiver leaves, and is ambivalent when he/she returns
132
disorganized attachment
occurs when caregiver is erratic or abusive; the child shows no clear pattern of behavior in response to caregivers' presence or absence
133
polygyny
man w/ multiple female partners
134
polyandry
female w/ multiple male partners
135
corrsepondent inference theory
used to describe the attributions made by observing the intentional (especially unexpected) behaviors performed by another person
136
attribute substitution
occurs when individuals must make judgments that are complex but instead substitute a simpler solution or heuristic
137
cultural lag
refers to the idea that MATERIAL culture changes more quickly than symbolic culture
138
ethnicity
social construct that sorts people by cultural factors, including language, nationality, religion and other factors
139
symbolic ethnicity
recognition of an ethnic identity that is only relevant on special occasions or in specific circumstances and does not impact everyday life (e.g. celebrating being irish on st. patrick's day)
140
demographic transition
model used to represent drops in birth and death rates as a result of industrialization
141
anomie
state of normlessness; anomic conditions erode social solidarity by means of excessive individualism, social inequality, and isolation
142
social exclusion
sense of powerlessness when individuals feel alienated from society
143
incidence
calculated as the number of new cases of a disease per population at risk in a given period of time; e.g. new cases per 1000 at risk people per year
144
prevalence
calculated as the number of cases of a disease per population in a given period of time; e.g. new cases per 1000 people per year
145
what would happen w/ damage to VENTROMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMUS?
increased food intake bc damage would prevent feeling satiated
146
phenotypic benefits
refer to observed traits in an individual that make them more attractive to the opposite sex
147
direct phenotypic benefits
associated w/ increased fitness through direct material advantages (e.g. more strong, protecting)
148
indirect phenotypic benefits
involve increased genetic fitness for offspring, e.g. larger song repertoires in warblers make them more appealing to mates
149
inclusive fitness
measure of the offspring an individual has, how they support their offspring, and how altruistic behavior can improve the fitness and success of a species
150
social perception includes 3 components:
perceiver, target, and situation
151
external vs. internal attribution
dispositional (internal) vs. situational (external) causes
152
prejudice is the belief, what is discrimination?
the action
