Neuro Basics Flashcards
dogmatism
describes ppls tedency to cling to assumptions
empiricism
the belief that accurate knowledge is acquired through observation
what is an essential element of the scientific method
empiricism
what is the scientific method
procedure for finding facts using empirical evidence
what does the scientific method suggest
it suggests that we have an idea of something
what we do with the idea suggested by the scientific method
gather empirical evidence relevant to that idea and modify that idea to fit with the evidence
Knowledge here can be measured
Science has biases which is why this method is needed
what is this kind of idea do we refer to this as
theory
define theory
hypothetical explanation of a natural phenomenon
what is the purpose of a theory
theories make specific predictions that we should observe in the world regarding whether or not its true
from the theory what is generated
hypothesis
define hypothesis
falsifiable prediction made by a theory
what is true regarding a theory
a theory can be disproven by observation but can never be proven to be 100% right
list the set of rules for observation (empirical method)
complexity, variability, reactivity
complexity
the human brain is an extremely complex aspect of the human body we do things for many different reasons
variability
no 2 individuals are ever exactly alike; things that we believe change
reactivity
ppl act differently in different circumstances ;
we often behave differently when we know that we are being watched
how do we accommodate variability
We use observations and explanations in order to try to be as objective as possible
what is at the heart of the scientific method
the experiment
what is science
science is a process and it is cumulative
new research builds on old findings; theories evolve
Science is an attitude: open skepticism and an open mind
Intellectual honesty: publish and replicate
what is early psychology influenced by
chemistry and physics
what is biology
theory of natural selection (adaptive value of structures and behaviors for survival of species - survival of the fittest)
what is psychology
scientific studies of the mind and behavior
mind
private inner experiences perceptions thoughts memories and feelings
behavior
observable measures and actions
what do psychologists seek to understand
factors that regulate behavior and underline thought; curiosity and practicality
what is curiosity
trait that compels us to investigate and learn about the world
define practical
can improve the human condition
what is the main problem psychs face
no 1:1 relationship between a stimulus and a response
what can the same stimulus do
can generate the same behaviors making it hard to predict reactions
