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MCAT Comprehensive > Psych Review > Flashcards

Psych Review Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Weber’s Law?

A

Weber’s Law states that two stimuli must differ by some constant proportion to be detected as unique from each other

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2
Q

What is the difference between peptide and steroid hormones?

A

Peptide hormones work rapidly and temporarily

Steroid hormones work slowly, but tend to have more permanent effects

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3
Q

In Baddeley’s model, what are the four components of working memory?

A

Phonological loop - gives us the ability to temporarily remember spoken or written information through repetition (trying to remember a phone #)

Visuospatial sketchpad - allows us to remember visuospatial information through mental images

Episodic buffer - used to relate current experiences to memories of the past

Central executive - the boss, directs our attention

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4
Q

Define conformation bias

A

A tendency to only seek information that supports a preconceived conclusion and ignore information that does not support it

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5
Q

What is availability heuristic?

A

The tendency to use information that comes to mind quickly and easily to make decisions about the future

  • Is what may lead an ER physician to overestimate the amount of crime in their community
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6
Q

Differentiate dyssomnias and parasomnias

A

Dysomnias are abnormalities in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep

Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep

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7
Q

What is the Schacter-Singer theory of emotion?

A

Cognition is the intermediary between physiological sensations and behavioral response

Cognition interprets the response based on the context which informs the behavioral response

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8
Q

What is the Language acquisition device?

A

An innate structure hypothesized by Noam Chomsky unique to the human mind that allows people to gain master of a language from limited exposure

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9
Q

Describe the speech of someone with Wernicke’s aphasia

A

Speech will be fluent with normal rhythm and syntax, but the content will be unintelligable and meaningless

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10
Q

Differentiate between negative reinforcement and punishment

A

Negative reinforcement is the removal of a negative stimulus immediately following a behavior.

Punishment is either the introduction of a negative stimulus immediately following a stimulus or the removal of a positive stimulus

Positive punishment - scolding someone after a bad behavior

Negative punishment - removal of a positive stimulus (Getting a toy taken from you)

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11
Q

What three factors interact with each other according to reciprocal determinism?

A

The individual, behavior, and the environment

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12
Q

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

A

Asserts that people understand their world through language and that language shapes how we experience the world

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13
Q

What type of reinforcement schedule encourages a high frequency of responding and is most resistant to extinction? Why? What is an example?

A

The variable-ratio schedule is the most resistant to extinction because if the subject keeps responding, they will get the reinforcement after an unpredictable amount of responses.

There is more unpredictibility than fixed schedules, which string subjects along

They also respond frequently because reinforcement is based on the number of responses rather an a time interval

A slot machine is an example of variable-ratio reinforcement

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14
Q

Define long term potentiation

A

Long term potentiation occurs when neurons that are stimulated together develop increased sensitivity to each other and have a stronger electrochemical response than they previously did.

There is thus an increased potential to fire from stimulation

It is though to be the anatomical basis for learning and memory

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15
Q

Differentiate between genotype and phenotype

A

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism

Phenotype is the observable characteristics and traits

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16
Q

What are the three parenting styles?

Rank them in order of the amount of control the parents exert

A

Permissive < Authoritative < Authoritarian

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17
Q

What type of memory is utilized when a basketball player improves her shooting through repetition?

A

Procedural memory

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18
Q

What type of amnesia and what type of interference would make it difficult to encode and recall new information?

A

Anterograde amnesia and proactive interference

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19
Q

According to Cognitive-Behavioral theory, what is the assumed problem behind psychopathology?

A

Irrational or dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs (schemas)

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20
Q

What are the big five personality traits?

A

OCEAN

Openness to experience

Conscientousness

Extroversion

Agreeableness

Neuroticism

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21
Q

What is the difference between traits and states, as related to personality?

A

States are situational, unstable, temporary, and variable aspects of personality that are influenced by the external environment

Traits are internal, stable, and enduring aspects of personality that are consistent in most situations

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22
Q

What three categories of psychological disorders have the highest prevalence in the US?

A
  1. Anxiety disorders
  2. Mood disorders
  3. Personality disorders
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23
Q

What are features of a panic attack?

A

During a panic attack, a person may experience intense dread, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, chills, etc

The attacks usually last for less than 30 minutes and may or may not have an identifiable trigger

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24
Q

What are the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

A

Negative symptoms indicate a lack of something

In schizoprenia, they include:

Flat affect (diminished emotional expressions)

Reduced speech fluency,

Avolition (lack of motivation)

Social withdrawal

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25
Q

What are the anatomical findings in Alzheimer’s disease and what proteins are involved?

A

Neuritic plaques of beta-amyloid protein and neurofibrillary tangles of tau protein

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26
Q

Name two subcortical brain structures that generate dopamine in a healthy brain

A

Basal ganglia and substantia nigra

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27
Q

What is incongruity, as defined by Carl Rogers?

A

Discrepancy between the ideal self and the real self

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28
Q

What type of locus of control in response to negative events is associated with depression?

A

Internal locus of control.

Depressed individuals tend to blame themselves for failures, rather than acknowledge environmental factors

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29
Q

How does the idea of the looking glass self posit that individuals form an identity?

A

It suggests that we form an identity through observing the reactions of others in society to our behavior and their perceptions of us

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30
Q

What are two ways that formal norms differ from informal norms?

A

Formal norms are generally written down, more precisely defined, and carry clearer consequences than informal norms

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31
Q

What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination?

A

Prejudice involves the thoughts, attitudes, and feelings someone holds about a group.

Discrimination involves actual behaviors and actions toward a group based on those prejudices

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32
Q

What is stereotype threat?

A

A self-fulfilling fear that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype

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33
Q

What is mindguarding?

A

Mindguarding occurs when individuals in a group actively filter out opinions or facts that go against the opinion of the group.

It promotes group think

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34
Q

Rank identification, compliance, and internalization in order of least to most resistant to extinction

A

Compliance < Identification < Internalization

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35
Q

What motivational tactics are utilzied by utilitarian organizations?

A

Utilitarian organizations use practical incentives, such as money

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36
Q

What is the dramaturgical perspective of identity?

A

Posits that identity is not necessarily stable and depends on context. It suggests that we have a front and back stage self

37
Q

Name three predictors of attraction

A

Proximity, appearance, and similarity

38
Q

How does religiosity differ from religious affiliation?

A

Religious affiliation is the religion with which an individual identifies

Religiosity refers to the extent of influence and impact that religion has on a person’s life

39
Q

How do a church and sect differ?

A

A church is well-integrated into the larger society, while a sect is distinct from larger society. They may have withdrawn from society to practice their beliefs, may be exclusive, and are more likely to be the target of discrimination

40
Q

Define replacement-level fertility rate

A

The number of children each woman must have to replace the number of people in the population who die

Birth rate and death rate must be equal

41
Q

What is social capital?

A

The potential for social networks to allow for upward mobility

Who you know

42
Q

What are some barriers that low-income individuals face when seeking healthcare?

A

Lack of availability (fewer health care facilities), lack of resources, lack of health insurance

43
Q

What type of cells are ependymal cells and what is their function?

A

Ependymal cells are a type of glial cell (support cells for neurons)

They produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

44
Q

Name five types of sensory receptors and what they detect

A

Mechanoreceptors detect mechanical disturbance (Hearing, touch)

Chemoreceptors detect particular chemicals (smell, taste)

Nociceptors detect pain

Thermoreceptors detect changes in temperature

Electromagnetic receptors detect electromagnetic waves (light)

45
Q

Explain how feature detection theory utilizes both parallel and bottum-up processing

A

Feature detection theory explains how different features of an object in our visual field are processed independently and simultaneously (parallel)

These features are then integrates to form a whole image (bottom-up processing)

46
Q

What are the effects of cortisol in the short term and long term?

A

Short-term - provides energy by mobilizing glycogen and fat stores, increasing breakdown of proteins

Long-term - suppresses the immune system

47
Q

How does Tresiman’s Attentuation Model of attention differ from Broadbent’s Filter model?

A

While the filter in Broadbent’s model either blocks or allows sensory input, the filter in Treisman’s model attenuates sensory input by turning it up or down, rather than blocking it completely

48
Q

List Piaget’s four developmental stages and the primary achievment attained in each

A

Sensorimotor stage = object permanence (0-2)

Preoperational stage = symbolic representation (2-7)

Concrete Operational stage = conservation and logical reasoning (7-11)

Formal operational stage = abstract and moral reasoning (12+)

49
Q

Name the distinctive types or features of waves present in each stage of the sleep cycle

A

Stage 1 sleep = theta waves

Stage 2 sleep = theta waves, K complexes, and sleep spindles

Stage 3 and 4 sleep = delta waves

REM sleep = resemble beta waves but more jagged “sawtooth waves”

50
Q

Why has REM sleep been called “paradoxical sleep”?

A

Because during REM sleep, brain waves resemble the beta waves seen when an individual is awake, but there is no skeletal muscle movement and the person is nearly paralyzed

51
Q

How could an EEG differentiate between night terrors and nightmares?

A

Night terrors usually occur during stage 3 while nightmares occur during REM sleep toward morning

52
Q

What effect does alcohol have on neurotransmitters?

A

Stimulates the GABA and dopamine systems

53
Q

What is typically the basis for psychological dependence on a drug?

A

Avoidance or coping with painful emotions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma

54
Q

What are the three clusters of symptoms associated with PTSD?

A

Re-experiencing the traumatic event (flashbacks, nightmares)

Hyperarousal/hypervigilance (constantly assessing potential threats around you)

Avoidance/withdrawal

55
Q

Define generalization and discrimination in the context of classical conditioning

A

Generalization occurs when a stimulus simular to a conditioned stimulus elicits the conditioned response

Discrimination occurs when a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus does not elicit the conditioned response

56
Q

How should continuous and intermittent reinforcement schedules be best utilized to quickly train a behavior and then to maintain that behavior and have it be resistant to extinction?

A

Continuous reinforcement initially would lead to rapid acquisition, followed by intermittent reinforcement to best maintain the behavior

57
Q

Describe what is necessary for extinction of learning to occur, using classical conditioning terms

A

The conditioned stimulus (the bell ringing) must be presented over and over without the unconditioned stimulus (food) being present)

58
Q

In operant conditioning terms, what may intiially create a fear and what may perpetuate a child’s avoidance of bees after being stung?

A

Positive punishment (being stung) would create the fear while negative reinforcement would perpetuate the avoidance of bees

59
Q

Why is a mouse’s latent learning of the map of a maze not compatible with a strictly behaviorist perspective?

A

The mouse would have to have a cognitive map of the maze, meaning that thinking is involved. A strict behaviorist perspective only focuses on obserable stimuli and responses, whereas a cognitive map would be unobservable.

60
Q

What is the Babinski reflex?

A

The Babinski reflex is in response to the sole of the foot being stroked.

The baby’s big toes move upward toward the top of the foot and the other toes fan out

61
Q

Describe the reaction that might be expected in a securely attached infant when his or her caregiver leaves the room and when the caregiver returns

A

When the caregiver leaves the room, the securely attached infant will be distressed but consolable. The infant will explore the surroundings. When the caregiver returns, the infant will notice, seek contact, and be more readily consoled

62
Q

Describe the types of long-term memory capabilities that infants possess and do not possess before about 3.5 years of age

A

Before 3.5 years, infants have infantile amnesia.

They do not have explicit/declarative memory (episodic and semantic memory)

They do not have implicit/nondeclarative memory (procedural)

63
Q

Explain how the spreading of activation theory of retrieval explains state dependent learning

A

State dependent learning occurs when information is better remembered if one is trying to recall it in the same context as when it was initially encoded.

Spreading activation theory suggests that nodes for the contextual cues are linked to nodes from what is trying to be remembered. Therefore, the node activated by a contextual cue would be more connected to the node being sought after, and contribute to its activation through summation

Would recall objects that weren’t presented but were from the same category as the objects

64
Q

Name and describe the function of the three components of personality, according to the structural theory put forth by Sigmond Freud

A

Id = seeks to maximize pleasure and minimize pain

Superego = seeks to follow moralistic goals and ideals

Ego = uses logical thinking and planning to mediate between the id and superego

65
Q

What is the difference between the defense mechanisms of projection and displacement?

A

In projection, the individual misattributes the unacceptable thoughts or feelings as coming from another person

Blaming your partner for being angry when you’re angry

In displacement, the individual directs the unacceptable feelings towards a less dangerous target, but not misattribute the source of the feelings.

Someone who is frustrated at their boss goes home and takes it out on their family

66
Q

How does Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs relate to Drive Reduction Theory?

A

The foundational lower-level of Maslow’s hierarchy (physiological needs) correlate to the drives referred to in Drive Reduction Theory.

Maslow’s hierarchy extends this theory to include other sources of motivation that are pursued once this basic level is met (love and belongingness, self-actualization)

67
Q

How is the biopsychosocial approach to mental health consistent with the stress-diathesis model of psychopathology?

A

The stress-diathesis model asserts that the manifestation of mental illness depends on both a genetic predisposition and the experience of stress

Genetic predisposition is the biological aspect of the biopsychosocial model.

The experience of stress depends on sociocultural and psychological influences

68
Q

What brain changes are associated with schizophrenia?

A

Overabundance of dopamine and hypersensitive to dopamine receptors, hyperactivation of temporal lobes, hypoactivation of frontal lobes, smaller brains due to brain atrophy (as evidenced by enlarged ventricles and enlarges sulci/fissures)

69
Q

How are interpersonal styles of individuals with borderline personality disorder and dependent personality disorder similar? How are they different?

A

Both are rooted in fear of abandonment that may lead to a kind of clinginess in relationships.

The relationships of the individual with borderline personality disorder are much more unstable, characterized by extreme mood swings and fluctuations between devaluing and idolizing the other in the relationship.

70
Q

Why is L-dopa used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?

A

Parkinson’s patients have lost cells in the brain that generate dopamine. L-dopa is the precursor to dopamine and is used in treatment because unlike dopamine, it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

71
Q

According to cognitive dissonance theory, what are two ways in which people tend to react when their attitudes and behaviors are discrepant?

A

They may either change their previous attitude to match their behavior or they may change their behavior to match their attitudes.

The goal is to reduce tension between the two and have them align.

72
Q

How do amalgamation and pluralism differ?

A

Amalgamation is when cultures combine to form a new, unique group with new practices.

Pluralism is when cultures remain distinct and coexist while maintianing their separate practices.

73
Q

In which of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development would a child be if he were to accept that it was okay for a man to steal if it was for the purpose of helping his sick son?

A

The Post-conventional stage

74
Q

A coworker who is typically belligerent with everybody is unusually nice to everybody one day. Everyone else appears to be behaving normally. According to attribution, describe whether this behavior shows high or low consistency, distinctiveness, and consensus. Identify whether each factor suggests an internal or external atribution for this behavior.

A

Low consistency → external attribution

Low distinctiveness → intenral attribution

Low consensus → Internal attribution

75
Q

According to actor/observer bias and the self-serving attribution bias, how do people tend to atrribute behavior (internally/externally) for the successes and failures of themselves and others?

A

Individuals tend to attribute their own successes to internal factors and failures to external factors.

Theytend to attribute both the successes and failures of others to internal factors.

76
Q

What factors may make it more likely for deindividuation to occur?

A

Large group size, anonymity, arousing activies, drugs/alcohol, and social roles

77
Q

Define informational influence and normative influence and how they contribute to group polarization

A

Information influence occurs when commong ideas are presented in a group, strengthening support of the already dominant viewpoint

Normative influence is based on social desirability, a desire to be admired or liked by others in the group.

Both tend to move the group toward strongly holding a common position

78
Q

Name three factors that would tend to decrease conformity in a group

A

Small group size, a lack of unanimity (disagrement by even one individual), a lack of identification among group members, lack of differences in status, lack of accountability, no prior commitment

79
Q

What is the difference between role conflict and role strain?

A

Role conflict is between multiple statuses, while role strain is conflict within a single status.

80
Q

How do structural functionalism and conflict theory differ in their perspectives on the interaction between components of a society?

A

Structural functionalism theorizes that each component of society has a purpose that works harmoniously for the benefit of society at large.

Conflict theory suggests that components of society compete with each other for limited resources, for their own benefit.

81
Q

How are social constructs different from drives?

A

Social are concepts and practices that are agreed upon by a group regardless of any inherent value they may have

Drives are based on biological needs

82
Q

How are symbolic interactionalism and social constructionalism similar in their perspective on how social norms are formed?

A

Both symbolic interactionalism and social constructionalism pose that norms are not inherent or real, bit are socially constructed and agreed upon by individuals.

Both take the perspective of looking at the meaning applied by people to objective reality at a micro-level in order to create these norms. Both emphasize the role of language and communication for forming and maintaining social norms.

83
Q

How do parenting style and socioeconomic class correlate?

A

Middle and upper-class families tend to utilize more permissive or authoritative methods.

Lower-class families tend to utilize authoritarian styles.

84
Q

How do food deserts affect health disparities?

A

Food deserts are areas where healthy, fresh food is difficult to find and are more common in low-income areas.

This lack of availability contributes to higher rates of obesity and diseases in low-income neighborhoods

85
Q

What are some of the differences that medical research must account for in the diagnosis and treatment of men and women?

A

Difference in manifestation of symptoms, response to medication, and affect on pregnancy

86
Q

Describe the functions of the 4 lobes

A

Frontal lobes - voluntary movement, higher order thinking

Parietal lobe - tactile sensations and gustation

Temporal lobes - audition, olfaction, short term memory, language comprehension, and emotion

Occiptal lobes - vision

87
Q

What determines the intensity of an electrical signal for an action potential?

A

The frequency of action potentials

88
Q

Name the three parts of a neuron and the direction an axon potential travels

A

Axons, soma, and dendrites

Action potentials are received by the dendrites and travel down the cell body down the axon

89
Q

Define source monitoring

A

They are memory errors in which a specific recalled experience is falsely attributed to be the source of a particular memory.

MCAT Comprehensive (10 decks)

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