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MCAT Content Review > Psych Theories > Flashcards

Psych Theories Flashcards

1
Q

Signal Detection Theory

A

Ability to detect signal amongst other stimuli (4 possibilities: hit, miss, false alarm, correct rejection)

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2
Q

Gestalt Psychology

A

Ability to perceive whole by just seeing parts

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3
Q

Perpetual Processing

A

Bottom-up: sensory receptors generate information for complex processing
Top-down: brain applies experience and expectations to interpret sensory information

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4
Q

Broadbent Filter Model

A

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

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5
Q

Cocktail Party Effect

A

Information of personal importance from previously unattended channels grabs attention

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6
Q

Anne Treismen’s Attenuation Model

A

Unattended channel is tuned down rather than eliminated completely

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7
Q

Selective Priming

A

Selectively primed (either by frequency or expectation) to observe something

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8
Q

Spotlight Model

A

Spotlight on movement of attention (not movement of the eyes)

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9
Q

Binding Problem

A

Inability to correlate objects and object features correctly when distracted

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10
Q

Divided Attention

A

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously

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11
Q

Resource Model of Attention

A

Limited resources are used to perform similar tasks (ie. when resources are overwhelmed, tasks cannot be performed)

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12
Q

Alan Baddeley’s Cognition Model

A 
Redefined ST memory to "working memory" 
5 parts: 
1. LT memory stores
2. Visiospatial sketchpad
3. Episodic buffer
4. Phonological loop
5. Central executive
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13
Q

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

A
  1. Sensorimotor (0-2)
  2. Perioperational (2-7)
  3. Concrete Operational (7-11)
  4. Formal Operational (11+)
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14
Q

Object Permanence

A

Things continue to exist when they are out of sight (sensorimotor stage)

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15
Q

Conservation

A

Quantity of liquids remain the same despite changes in shape (concrete operational stage)

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16
Q

Confirmation Bias

A

Tendency to search for information that confirms preconceived thinking

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17
Q

Fixation

A

Inability to see the problem form a fresh perspective

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18
Q

Functional Fixedness

A

Tendency to perceive the functions of objects as fixed

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19
Q

Belief Bias

A

Accept conclusions that fit with our beliefs and reject others

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20
Q

Belief Perseverance

A

Tendency to cling to beliefs despite the presence of contrary beliefs

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21
Q

Stages of Sleep

A
  1. Awake but sleepy
  2. Stage I
  3. Stage II
  4. Stage III and Stage IV
  5. REM
22
Q

Stage 0 Sleep

A

Awake but sleepy

EEG: alpha waves (low amplitudes, high frequencies8-12Hz)

23
Q

Stage 1 Sleep

A

non-REM
EEG: theta waves (low intensity, IM frequency 3-7Hz)
EOG: slow eye movement
EMG: moderate activity

24
Q

Stage 2 Sleep

A

non-REM
EEG: K-complex, sleep spindles (12-14Hz)
EOG: no activity
EMG: moderate activity

25
Stage 3 and 4 Sleep
non-REM EEG: delta waves (high amplitudes, low frequencies 0.5-3Hz) EOG: no activity EMG: moderate activity
26
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)
27
Universal Emotions
Prefrontal Cortex 1. Happiness 2. Sadness 3. Surprise 4. Fear 5. Disgust 6. Anger
28
Theories of Emotion
1. James-Lange: Physiologic response preceeds emotion 2. Cannon-Bard: Physiologic response occurs at the same time as emotion 3. Physiologic response -> cognitive interpretation -> emotion
29
Learned Helplessness
Sense of exhaustion and lack of belief in one's ability to manage situations
30
Theories of Language Development
1. Language Acquisition (infants learn language) 2. BF Skinner's Behaviorist Model 3. Noah Chomsky's Universal Grammar
31
Universal Grammar
Everyone possesses animate feature allowing us to gain mastery of language from limited exposure during childhood
32
Sensitization
Produces a more exaggerated response - you become more sensitive to stimulus
33
Associated Learning
How events are connected with each other (classical conditioning/operant conditioning)
34
Non-Associative Learning
Repeated exposure (habituation/sensitization)
35
Classical Conditioning
Learning of conditioned response by pairing an unconditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus
36
Operant Conditioning
1. Positive Reinforcement 2. Negative Reinforcement 3. Positive Punishment 4. Negative Punishment
37
Positive Punishment
Decrease behavior by presenting an undesired stimulus before the behavior
38
Positive Reinforcement
Increase behavior by presenting a desired stimulus following the behavior
39
Negative Reinforcement
Increase behavior by removing an undesired stimulus following the behavior
40
Fixed Ratio
Reinforcement is given after a set # of behaviors
41
Variable Ratio
Reinforcement is given after an unpredictable # of behaviors
42
Fixed Interval
Reinforcement is given after a set amount of time
43
Variable Interval
Reinforcement is given after an inconsistent amount of time
44
Negative Punishment
Decrease behavior by removing a desired stimulus before the behavior
45
Behaviorism
Psychology is explained by lessons learned from behaviors and their consequences
46
Cognitive Psychology
Thought to navigate the world
47
Long-Term Potentiation
Increase in synaptic strength occurring after a brief period of stimulation causing stronger electrochemical responses (signal reinforcement)
48
Social-Cognitive Theory
Social factors influence a person's attitude
49
Theories of Intelligence
1. Francis Galton - intelligence can be tested 2. Alfred Binet - quantified intelligence (IQ test) 3. Charles Spearman - generalized intelligence 4. Raymon Cattell - crystallized intelligence and fluid intelligence 5. Howard Gardner - 8 intelligences leading to emotional intelligence 6. Edward Thorndike - social/emotional intelligence
50
Infant Reflexes
1. Startle 2. Rooting - nipple 3. Sucking - roof of mouth 4. Babinski - toes fan w/ foot stroke 5. Tonic Neck - head turn/arm raise 6. Palmar Grasp - hand grasp 7. Walking/Stepping
51
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) ```

MCAT Content Review (13 decks)

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