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MCAT - Kaplan > Psych/Soc > Flashcards

Psych/Soc Flashcards

1
Q

James Lange Theory posits that a precipitating event results in ___

A

A physiological THEN an emotional response

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2
Q

Cannon-Bard Theory posits that a precipitating event results in __

A

An independent but simultaneous physiological and emotional response

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3
Q

Associative learning is a part of what type of conditioning?

A

Operant

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4
Q

“Negative” in the context of conditions means a stimulus is __

A

removed

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5
Q

“Positive” in the context of conditions means a stimulus is __

A

added

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6
Q

“Reinforcement” in the context of conditions means the behavior is __

A

Increased / Encouraged

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7
Q

“Punishment” in the context of condition means the behavior is __

A

Decreased/ Reduced

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8
Q

An example of positive reinforcement would be

A

a reward (i.e. lever press and receiving a food pellet)

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9
Q

An example of a positive punishment would be

A

a sanction (i.e. pressing a button and receiving a shock)

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10
Q

An example of negative reinforcement would be

A

escape (i.e. pressing a different button so as not to receive a shock)

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11
Q

An example of a negative punishment would be

A

a penalty (i.e. removing a food pellet)

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12
Q

A fixed ratio schedule implies that there is ___ reinforcement delivery and a set __ leads to reinforcement.

A

Consistent ; # of Repetitions

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13
Q

A fixed interval schedule implies that there is __ reinforcement delivery and a set __ leading to reinforcement.

A

Consistent ; Time Interval

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14
Q

A variable ratio schedule implies that there is __ reinforcement delivery and a set __ leads to reinforcement.

A

Inconsistent ; # of Repetitions

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15
Q

A variable interval schedule implies that there is __ reinforcement delivery and a set __ leading to reinforcement.

A

Inconsistent; Time Interval

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16
Q

Absolute Threshold is the minimum required to __

A

activate the sensory system

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17
Q

Conscious perception threshold is the minimum signal __

A

large size and long duration

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18
Q

Just noticeable difference is the minimum difference between __

A

2 stimuli to notice ; change / initial

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19
Q

Sensing is the transduction of internal and external environment. However, perception is processing __

A

sensory information

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20
Q

Weber’s law is an example of JND in that __

A

the JND for stimulation is proportional to the magnitude of stimulation

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21
Q

Signal detection theory

A

the detection of a stimulus depends on both the intensity of the stimulus and the physical/psychological state of the individual

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22
Q

Adaptation results in what change to response to a stimulus over time?

A

diminished

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23
Q

The cornea

A

gathers and filters light

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24
Q

The iris

A

muscles open and close pupil

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25
Q

The lens

A

refract so retina can focus

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26
Q

The ciliary body

A

produces the aqueous humor

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27
Q

The retina is comprised of __ which differentiate between light and dark and __ which differentiate between colors.

A

rods ; cones

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28
Q

Synapses in vision

A

Bipolar to Ganglion to Horizontal and Amacrine

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29
Q

What is the vision pathway

A

Eye –> Nerve –> Chiasm –> Tracts –> LGN (thalamus) –> Visual Cortex

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30
Q

Parallel processing is named because __

A

it analyzes and combines color, form, depth etc at the same time

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31
Q

Parallel Processing - Color

A

Cones

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32
Q

Parallel Processing - Form

A

Parvocellular (high spatial ; low temporal)

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33
Q

Parallel Processing - Motion

A

Magnocellular (low spatial ; high temporal)

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34
Q

Parallel Processing - Depth

A

binocular cells

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35
Q

Auditory pathway

A

Cochlea –> Vestibular cochlear nerve –> medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) –> auditory cortex (temporal lobe)

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36
Q

The superior olive has what function

A

localizing sound

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37
Q

The inferior colliculus has what function

A

startle reflex

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38
Q

The tympanic membrane, known as the eardrum, does what in response to sound

A

vibrates

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39
Q

The auricle, outer ear, serves what function

A

funneling sound

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40
Q

The middle ear stars at the tympanic membrane and ends at the oval window. The process is as follows

A

malleus –> incus –> stapes

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41
Q

The inner ear starts at the oval window, goes to the auditory nerve. The cochlea has hair cells which __ and vibrations which lead to nerve impulses.

A

signal transduction

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42
Q

The fluid media is separated by membranes. The perilymph __

A

cushions structures and transmits vibrations

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43
Q

The fluid media is separated by membranes. The endolymph __

A

bathes hair cells

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44
Q

Proprioception

A

Kinesthetic

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45
Q

The way we have our 5 types of tastes are due to __

A

Papillae

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46
Q

The two point threshold

A

minimum distance to be felt as two distinct stimuli

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47
Q

The physiological zero

A

“warm” or “cold” relative to skin temperatures i.e. sick person forehead “warm”

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48
Q

Bottom-Up Object Recognition

A

It uses parallel processing and signal detection. It operates slowly but makes less errors

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49
Q

Top-Down Object Recognition

A

It recognizes by memory and expectation and little attention to detail. It operates faster but makes more errors

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50
Q

Perceptual Organization

A

synthesis of stimuli

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51
Q

Gestalt Principle- Proximity

A

Close ? Perceived as 1

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52
Q

Gestalt Principle- Similarity

A

Similar? Grouped Together

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53
Q

Gestalt Principle- Good Continuation

A

Same pathway? Grouped

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54
Q

Gestalt Principle- Subjective Contour

A

non existential edges in figures

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55
Q

Gestalt Principles- Closure

A

enclosed space with lines ; perceived as complete / closed line

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56
Q

Gestalt Principle - Pragnanz

A

perceptual organization regular, simple, symmetric

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57
Q

Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory of personality states that ___ ___ influence behavior. Libido is a natural energy source and also a part of Freud’s theory.

A

unconscious desires

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58
Q

The Id is responsible for immediate gratification and the ego is responsible for long term gratification. What is the role of the Super Ego?

A

Moral Compass

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59
Q

What are the stages of Psychosexual Development proposed by Freud?

A

Oral ; Anal ; Phallic ; Latency ; Genital

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60
Q

The Humanistic Theory of Personality suggests that individuals possess __ to self-actualize. This theory focuses on conscious and self-motivated improvements. __ Hierarchy and Rogers idea of the __ __ __ are examples.

A

free will ; Maslow’s ; constant growth process

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61
Q

The Biological Theory of Personality has __ __ which is the extent to which leadership roles are pursued and __ which is the likelihood of following authority. It states that temperament is an ___ process.

A

social potency ; traditionalism ; innate

62
Q

The Behavioral Theory of Personality suggests the interaction between the __ and the __ shapes personality. This theory focuses on the observable such as Skinner’s operant conditioning and Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments.

A

individual; environment

63
Q

The Trait Theory of Personality states that there are identifiable __ of behavior in consistent ways. An example is Allport who categorized traits in the following three categories __ , __ and __. Cattell’s 16 personalities and Eysenck’s extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism are two other proponents.

A

patterns ; cardinal, central, secondary

64
Q

According to the Trait Theory of Personality, the Big 5 Traits are __, __, __, __, and __.

A

Openness ; Conscientiousness ; Extraversion ; Agreeableness; Neuroticism

65
Q

A person’s Self Concept can be existentially described or categorically described. What are examples of both?

A

Existential: Separate, Distinct + Constant ; Categorical: Skills, Gender, Age

66
Q

Rogers definition of the Self Concept delineates three main components. The Self Image, Self Esteem and __.

A

The Ideal Self

67
Q

Self Esteem

A

respect for oneself

68
Q

Self Efficacy

A

belief in ability ; mastery, social modeling,and social persuasion can increase self efficacy

69
Q

The Locus of Control: Internal and External

A

Internal: Attributed to Own Traits ; External : Events Due to Environment

70
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Trust vs. Mistrust Stage

A

1 yr ; virtue : hope ; negative outcome: suspicion

71
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Autonomy vs Doubt Stage

A

2 yr ; Virtue = Will ; Negative Outcome = Shame

72
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Initiative vs Guilt Stage

A

Ages 3-5yr ; Virtue = Purpose ; Negative Outcome = Inferiority

73
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Industry vs Inferiority Stage

A

6-12 yrs ; Virtue = Pride ; Negative = Inferiority

74
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Identity vs Role Stage

A

12-18 yrs ; Virtue = Fidelity ; Negative = Rebellion

75
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Intimacy vs Isolation Stage

A

18-40 yrs ; Virtue = Love ; Negative = Isolation

76
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Generativity vs Stagnation Stage

A

40-65 years ; Virtue = Care ; Negative = Unproductive

77
Q

Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development: Integrity vs Despair Stage

A

65+ yrs ; Virtue = wisdom ; Negative = dissatisfaction

78
Q

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Development states that social interactions influence cognition. It establishes 4 elementary mental functions: 1)_ , 2)_ , 3), 4) which eventually lead to higher mental functions such as independence.

A

attention. sensation, perception, memory

79
Q

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Development : Zone of Proximal Development

A

Expanded learning can occur through interactions with a MKO (more knowledgeable other)

80
Q

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development originated with the __ dilemma. In this dilemma, a man steals a cancer drug from a chemist that he cannot afford in order to save his wife that is dying of cancer.

81
Q

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: Pre-Moral Stage substages include__

A

1) obedience vs punishment 2) individualism & exchange

82
Q

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: Conventional Stage substages include__

A

1)good boy + good girl 2)law + order

83
Q

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: Post-Conventional Stage substages include__

A

1) social contract 2) universal ethical principle

84
Q

Social influence can be exerted by comparisons to __ groups such as observing their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. We can also have our identity development influenced by __ and __.

A

reference ; cultural ; socialization

85
Q

George Mead’s I vs Me Stages

A

1) Preparatory Stage: Imitation
2) Play Stage: pretend play, role taking
3) Game stage : generalized other, multiple roles, significant other

86
Q

George Mead’s I is more of a __ or rather a “personal response.” On the other hand the Me is more of a __ __ or rather “society.”

A

response to social self ; social self

87
Q

The Bandura Bobo Doll experiment established that kids can __ by watching violent videos but whether they chose to __ is different.

A

learn ; perform the behavior

88
Q

Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura) establishes that __, and __ serve to influence behavior.

A

social (environmental), cognitive (personal)

89
Q

Defense Mechanism- Displacement

A

expressing anger at the weakest link instead of the source of anger

90
Q

Defense Mechanism- Intellectualization

A

detaching emotions

91
Q

Pleasure Principle –> Reality Principle (Freud)

A

The younger we are the more we want instant gratification. Over time we learn that we need to wait or make sacrifices and pursue long term gratification.

92
Q

Death Drive (Thanatos) and Life Drive (Eros) (Freud)

A

Death Drive is self destructive and harmful 1) fear 2) anger 3) hate. The life drive is cooperation and collaboration.

93
Q

Charles Cooley Looking Glass Self

A

We are influenced by what we image others’ opinions to be

94
Q

Maslow’s Hierarchy- P.S I Love You

A

Physiological, Safety, Belonging, Esteem and Self-Actualization

95
Q

5 Approaches to Motivation:

A

1) Evolutionary
2) Drive- Reduction - want to reduce uncomfy state
3) Optimum Arousal- want high alert but not too much
4) Cognitive
5) Maslow’s Hierarchy

96
Q

4 Theories of Behavior

A

1) Planned Behavior - considering intention and implications
2) Attitude to Behavior Process Model - event triggers attitude and knowledge
3) Prototype Willingness - 1) past 2) attitude 3) subjective norms 4) intention 5) willingness 6) prototypes / modelling
4) Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion- 1) central –> quality of persuasion 2) peripheral -status, looks as consideration

97
Q

Limbic System- HAT Hippo

A

Hypothalamus, Amygdala, Thalamus, Hippocampus

98
Q

Thalamus

A

sensory relay station to to other brain parts

99
Q

Amygdala

A

fear and anger ; mellow if inhibited

100
Q

Hippocampus

A

memory (short –> long)

101
Q

Hypothalamus

A

regulates autonomic nervous system + endocrine hormones (adrenaline etc.)

102
Q

The 6 Universal Emotions

A

1) Happiness
2) Fear
3) Disgust
4) Anger
5) Happiness
6) Surprise

103
Q

The left hemisphere focuses on __ emotion and sociable behaviors. The right, on the other hand, focuses on __ emotion and isolative behaviors.

A

positive ; negative

104
Q

Theories of Emotion: Schachter Singer

A

An event occurs –> physiological response –> ID reason –> emotion

105
Q

Theories of Emotion: Lazarus

A

An event –> Appraise (labels) –> emotion and physiological

106
Q

Primary stressors

A

irrelevant, benign, stressful

107
Q

Secondary stressors

A

harm, threat, challenge

108
Q

General Adaptation Syndrome

A

Stage 1: alarm ; increase HR
Stage 2: resistance ; incr temp and cortisol
Stage 3: exhaustion; immune system reduced and stress resources depleted

109
Q

There are four states of consciousness 1) __ 2) __ 3) __ 4) __

A

Alertness ; Daydream ; Drowsiness ; Sleep

110
Q

Brainwaves (theta)

A

present in early sleep ; 4-7 Hz

111
Q

Brainwaves (beta)

A

present during awake alertness and waking conscious 12-30 Hz

112
Q

Brainwaves (alpha)

A

present in daydream/meditative state 8-13 Hz

113
Q

Non REM sleep includes stage N1 where __ waves predominate and we can experience __ hallucinations.

A

theta ; hypnagogic

114
Q

Non REM sleep includes stage N2 where __ waves predominate and is characterized by __

A

theta; sleep spindles

115
Q

Non REM sleep includes stage N3 where __ waves predominate

116
Q

REM sleep, which is when we dream, results in __ of the body. This prevents us from injury or harm.

117
Q

Freud believed dreams reflected our ___

A

unconscious desires

118
Q

Evolutionary theory suggests dreams were for __

A

threat simulation, problem solving

119
Q

Other theories for why we dream include __

A

1) maintaining flexibility

2) memory consolidation

120
Q

Narcolepsy

A

spontaneous fits of intense sleepiness associated with an absence of NT w/ alertness

121
Q

Sleep Apnea

A

stop breathing and wake up gasping during N3 Non-REM sleep due to obstructed ventilation

122
Q

Induced State: Hypnosis

A

more alpha waves ; only if open to suggestion

123
Q

Induced State: Meditation

A

alpha waves. ; self-regulation focused or unfocused and shown to have increased PFC activity and increased attention control

124
Q

Piaget’s 4 Stages of Cognitive Development: Sensorimotor

A

0-2 yrs
active and moving bodies
object permanence developed

125
Q

Piaget’s 4 Stages of Cognitive Development: Pre-Operational

A

2- 7 yrs
egocentric and do not understand POV of someone else ; mental thoughts
engaging in pretend play developed

126
Q

Piaget’s 4 Stages of Cognitive Development: Concrete Operational

A

7-11 yrs

develops understanding of conservation (i.e. tall glass and short glass with same amount of water)

127
Q

Piaget’s 4 Stages of Cognitive Development: Formal Operational

A

12+ yrs

abstract and moral reasoning develops

128
Q

Schemas- Assimilation

A

interpreting in terms of current schema / understanding

129
Q

Schemas- Accommodation

A

Adjusting our schemas to better incorporate new experiences

130
Q

Some of the ways we try to problem solve

A

1) Trial and Error
2) Algorithm
3) Heuristics a) means end break into smaller chunks b) working backwards

131
Q

Availability bias

A

examples that actually come to mind based on actual memories

132
Q

Representativeness bias

A

match prototypes of how i.e. a feminist is expected to act

133
Q

Representativeness Bias: Conjunction Fallacy

A

it is assumed that specific conditions are more probable than a single general one

134
Q

Modified Semantic networks are not as hierarchical as semantic networks they are instead based on __

A

connections you make in your head

135
Q

Modified Semantic networks are not as hierarchical as semantic networks they are instead based on __

A

connections you make in your head

136
Q

Aging - Declines

A

recall, episodic memory, processing, divided attention

137
Q

Aging- Stable

A

implicit memory, recognition

138
Q

Aging - Improves

A

semantic memory, crystallized IQ and emotional reasoning

139
Q

Theories of Intelligence- General Intelligence (Spearman)

A

1 g factor

strength: scores tend to vary together
weakness: can 1 factor explain all human abilities?

140
Q

Theories of Intelligence- Primary Mental Abilities (Thurnstone)

A

7 factor theory

strength: breakdown seems intuitive
weakness: scores tend to vary together?

141
Q

Theories of Intelligence- Multiple Intelligence (Gardner)

A

7-9 independent intelligences

strength: not just book smarts
problems: intelligences vs. talent / abilities ; no evidence

142
Q

Theories of Intelligence- Triarchic Theory of Intelligence (Sternberg)

A

3 independent intelligences

strength: real world success

143
Q

Hindbrain (Rhombencephalon)

A

cerebellum - refined motor
medulla oblongata- heart, vital reflex
reticular formation- arousal, alertness
pons- communication with brain and breathing

144
Q

Midbrain (Mesencephalon)

A

sensory motor reflexes
superior colliculus- visual sensory input
inferior colliculus- auditory sensory output

145
Q

Forebrain (Prosencephalon)

A 
cerebral cortex- complex processes 
basal ganglia- movement 
limbic system- emotion, memory 
thalamus- sensory relay station 
hypothalamus-hunger, thirst, emotion
146
Q

Gaba, Glycine, Glutamate

A

GABA: hyperpolarizes, inhibits
Glutamate: excitatory
Glycine: hyperpolarizes ; inhibits

147
Q

Primitive Functions- Rooting

A

turns hand towards direction of an object touching the cheek

148
Q

Primitive Functions- Moro

A

sudden head move ; arms extend and retract, cries

149
Q

Primitive Functions- Babinski

A

brush foot and extend toe and fanning toes

150
Q

Primitive Functions- Grasping

A

hold onto any object placed in hand

MCAT - Kaplan (6 decks)

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