Intro to Psyschology Flashcards
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of observable actions (the way we act) and internal mental (The way we think) processes.
Behavior
Actions that can be observed.
The way we ACT.
Cognition
The INTERNAL working functions of the mind. The way we THINK.
Mental Process
the way your brain works to think, remember, learn, and make decisions.
Empirical evidence
Emiprical edvice is is gathered through observation, experimentation, and a scientific approach.
Independent variable
The factor in a study that psychologists CHANGE in order to see the effect it might have on behavior
Dependent variable
The factor the researchers measure in the study – it is the effect of the IV
Extraneous variable
Other variables than the ones you might be interested in that may be infering with the results
Confounding variable
A type of extraneous variable that is associated with both the independent and dependent variables.
Treatment group
The group that receives a treatment that is hypothesised to have an effect
Control group
The group that receives no treatment
Localization of Brain Function
Localization of brain function refers to the concept that specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions, such as movement, speech, or memory.
Functions of the frontal lobe (in general)
The frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, impulse control, emotional regulation, and voluntary movement.
Specific areas of the Frontal Lobe AND their individual functions
The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and regulating social behavior,
Broca’s area controls speech production and language processing.
The primary motor cortex is responsible for initiating and controlling voluntary muscle movements.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between brain function and behavior, focusing on how injuries, diseases, or disorders of the brain affect cognitive processes and behaviors.
Theory
principles or concepts that explain and predict behavior, mental processes, or phenomena based on empirical evidence and observations.
Model
simplified structure used to represent and explain specific psychological processes or behaviors.
Heuristics
mental shortcuts that people use to make quick, efficient decisions or judgments, often at the cost of accuracy.
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
(vmPFC) brain region involved in processing risk, reward, emotion regulation, and decision-making, particularly in social and emotional contexts.
Experimental paradigm
structured approach used in research to test specific hypotheses through controlled experimental procedures.
Processing
mental activities involved in interpreting, organizing, and integrating information to make sense of experiences and guide responses.
Judgement
process of forming opinions, evaluations, or conclusions about information, situations, or people based on reasoning, experiences, and biases.
Decision Making
selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives based on evaluating information, preferences, and potential outcomes.
Temporal Lobe
crucial role in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory, all of which are fundamental to understanding behavior and emotional regulation
The Limbic System
Complex network of brain structures, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus, that regulates emotions, memory, motivation, and behavior
The amygdala
responsible for processing emotions, especially fear and aggression, and plays a significant role in emotional learning and memory, influencing how we respond to threats and emotionally charged situations
The hypothalamus
Regulates essential functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle
The hippocampus
Plays a central role in forming, organizing, and storing memories, particularly in converting short-term memories into long-term ones
Localization of Brain Function
Specific areas of the brain are responsible for distinct functions, such as sensory processing, movement control, language, and cognition, meaning that different brain regions specialize in particular tasks or behaviors
Dual Processing Model for Thinking and Decision Making
The dual processing system refers to the brain’s ability to process information through two distinct pathways: the fast, automatic, emotional responses of the intuitive system (system 1) and the slower, deep, critical thinking of the analytical system (system 2)
Case study
in in-depth analysis of an individual or group to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within their specific social, cultural, or environmental context, often utilizing qualitative methods to gain insights into their psychological functioning.
Testosterone
hormone primarily produced in the testes in men and ovaries in women, playing a crucial role in the development of male physical characteristics,aggression levels, sex drive, and bone density, as well as influencing mood and energy levels.
Social Dominance
Hierarchical ranking of individuals or groups within a society, where those higher in status exert more power and control over resources and social interactions.
Social Threat Perception
process by which individuals assess and respond to perceived threats from others in their social environment, influencing their emotional and behavioral responses based on factors such as past experiences, social identity, and contextual cues.
Stress Response
The stress response is the body’s quick reaction to a perceived threat, releasing hormones to help it either confront or escape the situation
Adrenal Gland
The adrenal glands are small glands located above each kidney that produce essential hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help regulate metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress.
HPA Axis
The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is a complex system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which work together to regulate the body’s response to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol
Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, playing a key role in regulating metabolism, immune function, and blood sugar levels to help the body cope with long term stress.
Pituitary Gland
is a small pea-sized gland at the base of the brain that controls other glands in the endocrine system and regulates vital functions like growth, metabolism, and stress response by releasing various hormones.
