Psych Theories Flashcards
Signal Detection Theory
Ability to detect signal amongst other stimuli (4 possibilities: hit, miss, false alarm, correct rejection)
Gestalt Psychology
Ability to perceive whole by just seeing parts
Perpetual Processing
Bottom-up: sensory receptors generate information for complex processing
Top-down: brain applies experience and expectations to interpret sensory information
Broadbent Filter Model
Selective attention model where there is an attended channel. Unattended channel stops at the selective filter and doesn’t get to higher-level processing/working memory
Cocktail Party Effect
Information of personal importance from previously unattended channels grabs attention
Anne Treismen’s Attenuation Model
Unattended channel is tuned down rather than eliminated completely
Selective Priming
Selectively primed (either by frequency or expectation) to observe something
Spotlight Model
Spotlight on movement of attention (not movement of the eyes)
Binding Problem
Inability to correlate objects and object features correctly when distracted
Divided Attention
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
Resource Model of Attention
Limited resources are used to perform similar tasks (ie. when resources are overwhelmed, tasks cannot be performed)
Alan Baddeley’s Cognition Model
Redefined ST memory to "working memory" 5 parts: 1. LT memory stores 2. Visiospatial sketchpad 3. Episodic buffer 4. Phonological loop 5. Central executive
Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
- Sensorimotor (0-2)
- Perioperational (2-7)
- Concrete Operational (7-11)
- Formal Operational (11+)
Object Permanence
Things continue to exist when they are out of sight (sensorimotor stage)
Conservation
Quantity of liquids remain the same despite changes in shape (concrete operational stage)
Confirmation Bias
Tendency to search for information that confirms preconceived thinking
Fixation
Inability to see the problem form a fresh perspective
Functional Fixedness
Tendency to perceive the functions of objects as fixed
Belief Bias
Accept conclusions that fit with our beliefs and reject others
Belief Perseverance
Tendency to cling to beliefs despite the presence of contrary beliefs
Stages of Sleep
- Awake but sleepy
- Stage I
- Stage II
- Stage III and Stage IV
- REM
Stage 0 Sleep
Awake but sleepy
EEG: alpha waves (low amplitudes, high frequencies8-12Hz)
Stage 1 Sleep
non-REM
EEG: theta waves (low intensity, IM frequency 3-7Hz)
EOG: slow eye movement
EMG: moderate activity
Stage 2 Sleep
non-REM
EEG: K-complex, sleep spindles (12-14Hz)
EOG: no activity
EMG: moderate activity
Stage 3 and 4 Sleep
non-REM
EEG: delta waves (high amplitudes, low frequencies 0.5-3Hz)
EOG: no activity
EMG: moderate activity
REM
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) - dreams
EEG: beta waves (low intensity, high frequency 16-25Hz)
EOG: bursts of quick eye movements
EMG: no activity (mimics awakeness - paradoxical sleep)
Universal Emotions
Prefrontal Cortex
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Surprise
- Fear
- Disgust
- Anger
Theories of Emotion
- James-Lange: Physiologic response preceeds emotion
- Cannon-Bard: Physiologic response occurs at the same time as emotion
- Physiologic response -> cognitive interpretation -> emotion
Learned Helplessness
Sense of exhaustion and lack of belief in one’s ability to manage situations
Theories of Language Development
- Language Acquisition (infants learn language)
- BF Skinner’s Behaviorist Model
- Noah Chomsky’s Universal Grammar
Universal Grammar
Everyone possesses animate feature allowing us to gain mastery of language from limited exposure during childhood
Sensitization
Produces a more exaggerated response - you become more sensitive to stimulus
Associated Learning
How events are connected with each other (classical conditioning/operant conditioning)
Non-Associative Learning
Repeated exposure (habituation/sensitization)
Classical Conditioning
Learning of conditioned response by pairing an unconditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus
Operant Conditioning
- Positive Reinforcement
- Negative Reinforcement
- Positive Punishment
- Negative Punishment
Positive Punishment
Decrease behavior by presenting an undesired stimulus before the behavior
Positive Reinforcement
Increase behavior by presenting a desired stimulus following the behavior
Negative Reinforcement
Increase behavior by removing an undesired stimulus following the behavior
Fixed Ratio
Reinforcement is given after a set # of behaviors
Variable Ratio
Reinforcement is given after an unpredictable # of behaviors
Fixed Interval
Reinforcement is given after a set amount of time
Variable Interval
Reinforcement is given after an inconsistent amount of time
Negative Punishment
Decrease behavior by removing a desired stimulus before the behavior
Behaviorism
Psychology is explained by lessons learned from behaviors and their consequences
Cognitive Psychology
Thought to navigate the world
Long-Term Potentiation
Increase in synaptic strength occurring after a brief period of stimulation causing stronger electrochemical responses (signal reinforcement)
Social-Cognitive Theory
Social factors influence a person’s attitude
Theories of Intelligence
- Francis Galton - intelligence can be tested
- Alfred Binet - quantified intelligence (IQ test)
- Charles Spearman - generalized intelligence
- Raymon Cattell - crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence
- Howard Gardner - 8 intelligences leading to emotional intelligence
- Edward Thorndike - social/emotional intelligence
Infant Reflexes
- Startle
- Rooting - nipple
- Sucking - roof of mouth
- Babinski - toes fan w/ foot stroke
- Tonic Neck - head turn/arm raise
- Palmar Grasp - hand grasp
- Walking/Stepping
Motor Development
0-1 reflexive (primative) 0-2 rudimentary (voluntary) 2-7 fundamental (run/jump) 7-14 specialized (combine movements) 14+ life-long application (refining)
