Introduction + The Nature/Nurture of Human Diversity Flashcards
psychology
the science of mind/the science of behavior
Major Theoretical Perspectives
- biological
- psychodynamic
- cognitive
- social-cultural
- behavioral/learning
operational/empirical definitions
precise, empirical definitions… important so everyone knows what you’re talking about
ex. colic
Important Aspects of a Researcher
1.Skepticism
2.Reliance on empirical evidence
3.Predictions that are testable
4.Openness, especially to things that condradict the way you normally think
-goal in research is precision
Survey Method
-Make up a survey and ask questions
-Can be tricky because people can lie
-Piloting is important
reliability
consistency
clock example, reliabiliy resembles the consistent ringing @ wrong time
Validity
is the test measuring what it’s supposed to measure
clock being set at the wrong time; it is not valid
Representative Sample
Is the test measuring who it is supposed to be measuring?
Range of Reaction
Our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall
Heritability
The proportion of variation of a trait that can be attributed to inherited genetic factors
Precocial Species
active and able to move freely from birth/ hatching and require little parental care
Ex. Reptiles
Altricial Species
animal born in an immature state and unable to care for themselves
Aka dependent species, ex. Humans
Ethnology
the branch of biology that studies animal behavior under natural conditions
Comparative Psychology
the study of animals as a way to learn about humans
Fixed Action Pattern
something triggers a stereotypical, rigid behavior
ex. babies will grab a cord
babyness cues may act as releasing mechanisms for nurturing behavior
