Psycho 101 EXAM 2 study questions Flashcards
What is a concept? Provide 2 examples.
A mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas of people.
- Chair: baby high chair, reclining chair, rocking chair, a dentist chair - all for sitting.
- Dog: lab, golden doodle, poodle - all dogs; different types.
What is a prototype? Provide 2 examples.
A mental image or best example of a category. A first model of something.
- If people were going to make a new toaster, they would create the prototype, then innovate it from there.
- The prototype (in my mind) for a dog is a lab, so every other dog I see I compare it to the original prototype - the lab.
What are the 4 problem solving strategies discussed in class?
- Trial and Error
- Insight
- Algorithm
- Heuristic
Trial and Error
Trying different solutions and eliminating those that do not work.
The bird trying to get food from the basket using a twig - he tried different ways to get the food and if it did not work after a few attempts, he tried a new strategy.
Insight
A sudden realization of a problem’s solution.
Riddles are an example of insight: The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? - footsteps
Take a break and the answer may come to you.
Algorithm
A systematic, step-by-step problem solving strategy that is guaranteed to produce a solution.
- slow but typically accurate
- Useful with math problems
- Try all possible solutions
Example: solving a word jumble and trying all possible combination of letters.
Heuristic
A mental shortcut or general problem solving strategy that we apply to a certain class of situations
- Fast but not always accurate
- Useful for quick thinking
- Simple thinking strategy
Example: Solving a word jumble by trying common combinations of letters.
What did the “Cheap Necklace Problem” demonstrate the importance of?
It demonstrated the importance of taking a break.
If you work hard on a problem, you brain gets “stuck” on the solution. If you wait, your subconscious lets in more solutions to come in (insight)
Confirmation Bias (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
The tendency to notice and use information that confirms our beliefs and to ignore or distort contradictory evidence.
Example: hiring decisions - If we are predisposed to like someone, we confirm that the person is good for the job (vise versa)
This is an obstacle because when we seek to confirm, we can make poor judgements.
Availability heuristic (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
Judging the likelihood of events based on their availability in memory - may be due to vividness, recently, or distinctiveness.
Example: Do more words begin with R or have R as the 3rd letter? - 3rd letter, however we generate more words that start with R in our head so we think more words start with R.
- Death from giving birth is more likely than death from accidental shooting.
This is an obstacle because if instances come readily to mind, we assume that they are more common and more likely to occur.
Functional Fixedness (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
A block to problem solving that comes from thinking about objects in terms of only their typical functions.
- Limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used
Example: How would you use toilet paper tubes and binder clips to organize all your charger cords?
This is an obstacle because it does not allow you to be creative with they way objects work or have the potential of working.
Framing Effects (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
Different ways of presenting the same information evoke different responses.
Example:
- You tell group A that the survival rate is 90% in the first month (positive frame).
- You tell group B that there is a 10% mortality rate in the first month (negative frame).
- –> same information; present differently
- Group A favored over group B
This is an obstacle because even though the same information is being presented, the way it is delivered may have a positive or negative effect on the person - you have to be careful about how information is presented.
Overconfidence bias (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
Our tendency to be more confident than correct.
Example: Thinking you can put of work and still get it done.
This is an obstacle because you are overestimating the accuracy of our estimates, predictions, and knowledge.
Belief Perseverance (Define and provide at least one example and explain why it is an obstacle).
Clinging to ones initial beliefs after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited.
Example: There might be evidence of a God but someone choses to stick to the original beliefs of evolution which there is not evidence of.
This is an obstacle because your beliefs are wrong because there is no facts or evidence.
What obstacle are you likely facing if you wait until the night before the exam to study and you think you’ll do fine on the exam?
Overconfidence bias
Motivation
A need or desire that energizes and directs behavior towards a goal.
What are the 3 characteristics of motivation that psychologists study?
Activation, Persistance, and intensity
If you consider a behavior, such as studying, how would you describe differences between individuals based on their activation, persistence, and intensity of motivation to engage in the behavior?
Activation: going to the library and getting your books out
Persistence: sitting down and doing your homework until it is done
Intensity: how focused you are when you take notes and how many notes you take.
What are all the theories of motivation?
- Instinct theory
- Drive theory and Incentive theory
- Arousal theory
- Humanistic theories
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Self-determination theory
What is drive? Give an example.
An aroused/tense state related to a physical need such as hunger or thirst. A “push” to behave.
Example: driven to eat because you are hungry
What is incentive? Give an example.
Positive or negative environmental stimuli that motive behavior. A “pull” to behave.
Example: motivated to eat donuts because donuts are yummy; not because you are hungry.
What is the difference between drive and incentive?
Drive is something that you need (hungry), incentive is something that you do not need (eat donut because yummy)
Why are the needs in Maslow’s theory of motivation in a hierarchy?
Because some needs have priority over others. The needs with the highest priority are ranked at the bottom and the needs with less of a priority in ones life are closer to the top.
What determines which motivation(s) are higher vs lower on the hierarchy? (Maslow’s theory of motivation)
The most important needs are at the bottom (hunger and thirst) and the less important needs are at the top (finding identity beyond self)
What is intrinsic motivation?
The desire to engage in tasks that are inheritantly satisfying and enjoyable, novel, or optimally challenging; to do something for its own sake.
“I did it because I wanted to”
What is extrinsic motivation?
External factors or influences on behavior such as rewards, consequences, or social expectations.
“I love learning, but I wanted the diploma”
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
Intrinsic is doing something because you were motivated to do it, extrinsic is doing something because others expected you to do it.
What theory of motivation do intrinsic and extrinsic motivation belong to?
Self-determination theory
What are the 3 components of an emotion?
A response of the whole organism, involving…
- Physiological arousal
- Expressive behavior
- Conscious experience
What distinguishes an emotion from a mood?
a mood is an emotional state
What does it mean for emotional expression to be universal?
There seem to be some universally understood facial expressions.
What is the main problem with the James-Lange theory of emotion?
- neither James nor Lange based their ideas upon anything that remotely resembled controlled experiments - the theory was largely the result of introspection and correlational research
- Sometimes we can’t tell if certain physiological responses to stimuli are occurring to have us create a mood
How does the experiment by Schachter and Singer (1962) with the injections of epinephrine, demonstrate support for the Two Factor Theory of emotion?
Physiological Arousal: Epinephrine injection
Cognitive Appraisal: observing the person in the waiting room, and acting happy if the person was happy or irate if the person was acting irritated.
What is misattribution of arousal?
Arousal arises for one reason but receives another cognitive label, thereby producing a different reaction.
Which theory of emotion can explain why misattribution of arousal occurs?
Two Factor Theory
- What is the “fear center” of the brain that is activated by the thalamus in certain situations?
What types of situations cause this “low road” of activation?
- The amygdala.
2. Hearing a noise in the dark, seeing something scary
Describe how lie detector tests are suppose to work and why they are not error proof.
The suspect answers questions while changes in blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and skin conductance are measured.
They are not error proof because…
- some people are very good at lying and can control their physiological responses.
- other people have very active automatic nervous systems and may appear to be lying when they tell the truth.
What is the feel-good do-good phenomenon?
When in a good mood, we do more for others. The reverse is also true: doing good feels good.
What advice for booting happiness comes from the feel-good do-good phenomenon?
Focus on the needs and wishes of others
Smile and act happy
Make close relationships a priority
How do psychologists view happiness?
as. ..
- a mood
- an attitude
- a social phenomenon
- a cognitive filter
- a way to stay hopeful, motivated, and connected to others
Name 2 reasons why we are not very good at predicting how happy we will be in the future.
- The adaptation level phenomenon
2. Relative deprivation principle
Name different types of stressors (and examples of each)
Catastrophes: Earthquake, flood
Significant life events/changes: Divorce, leaving home
Daily hassles: car problems, long lines
Social/cultural stressors: poverty, discrimination
Why do 2 different individuals feel different levels of stress in response to the same stressor?
Because there are different personality types. Different types of personalities predict different reactions to stress.
Type A: competitive, hard-working, impatient, prone to anger and hostility
Type B: easygoing, relaxed
Which theory of stress describes only the physiological response to stress?
What does this theory say happens when we are stressed?
Han Selye’s: General Adaptation Syndrome
There are different phases while we are stressed…
Phase 1: Alarm - burst of energy
Phase 2: Resistance - body tries to resist or adapt to the stressor
Phase 3: Exhaustion - energy is depleted
What are the 3 phases of the General Adaptation Syndrome?
Phase 1: Alarm
Phase 2: Resistance
Phase 3: Exhaustion
Which phase in the General Adaptation Syndrome is associated with illness?
Phase 3
Which theory of emotion is very similar to Lazarus’ appraisal model of stress, and how is it similar?
Two Factor Theory - they both have to do with cognitive appraisal (viewing a situation)
Name 2 ways that chronic stress can lead to chronic illness
Physiological changes and Unhealthy behaviors
Explain how chronic stress can lead to acute illness.
Chronic stress often reduces the ability of the immune system to fight illness.
ex.) immune systems typically weakens during Final Exam time
Whose research evidence demonstrated the link between stress and acute illness? Describe one of the 2 studies we discussed in class.
Kiecolt-Glaser et al (1995) : Relationship Between Stress and Wound Healing
- Female, long-term care givers to spouses with dementia
The caregivers wounds healed slower than the control group because they were under a lot of stress.
What behaviors make us more likely to get sick (or develop chronic illness) due to chronic stress?
Eating badly No exercise Drinking Smoking Sleeping poorly
What personality traits are associated with stress experience and health consequences?
Type A personality traits - competitive, hard-driving, impatient, prone to anger and hostility
How do we know when our efforts to cope with stress are successful?
When you stop the stressor, increase tolerance for it, decrease felt stress, or have lower physiological response.
What is emotion focused coping?
- Deals with emotions caused by stress
- May be effective when there’s little control and stressor is acute.
example: distracting oneself from a problem
What is problem-focused coping?
- Deals directly with the stressor
- Requires belief in control
Example: Talking to a noisy neighbor
Which is better for health overall and why? Emotion-focused or problem-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping because you are taking on your problems head on instead of trying to pretend like it does not exist. However, do both at the same time is usually more effective.
What are the types of social support?
Receive Support: The amount of assistance individuals receive.
Perceived Support: The amount of assistance individuals believe is available to them.
Which type of social support is best for our health?
Perceived support
What is oxytocin?
Enables contractions associated with birthing, milk flow during nursing, orgasms.
Promotes pair bonding, group cohesion, and social trust.
What are different stress-management strategies that you can use regardless of your personality or other factors?
- Aerobic exercise
- Relaxation
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Social support - talk to friends
- Avoid stimulants
- Get enough sleep
What are different reasons why exercise works to reduce stress (and/or the effects of stress on health)?
- Strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure
- Boosts endorphins, which enhance well-being
- Concentrating on exercising can help you forget minor stressors
- Improves sleep, which can improve coping
- Cope with stress better
- Exhibit more self confidence
- Less likely to be depressed
How do psychologists (how do we, in class) define intelligence?
Official definition: Intelligence is the mental quality consisting of the ability to learn from experience, solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations.
What are Spearman’s theory of intelligence?
Does Spearman’s or Gardner’s theory of intelligence fit best with our definition of intelligence (and why)?
he noted high positive correlation among scores on different intelligence tests.
- Indicated single factor - g (general mental ability) and specific factors (s)
What is an achievement test?
A test that measures what you already have learned
ex.) literacy tests, drivers license exam, final exam in psychology course.
What is an aptitude test?
A test that attempts to predict your ability to learn new skills
ex.) SAT, ACT, and GRE
What is the difference between achievement tests and aptitude tests?
You already know the information before you take an achievement test; you do not know all of the information before taking an aptitude test.
Achievement tests are what you already know; aptitude tests are what you have the potential to learn
Are intelligence tests meant to be the former or the latter?
v
Explain how creativity can be considered part of intelligence.
Creativity uses divergent thinking which is the ability to generate new ideas, new actions, and multiple options and answers.
Creative intelligence involves using those ideas to adapt to novel situations.
Why can we not objectively measure creativity with intelligence tests?
Because creativity can not be measured; it is like a trait.. there is no right or wring answer when it comes to creativity. Intelligence test have right and wrong answers
Why does intelligence predict academic performance, job performance, and longevity?
Academic Performance:
- you can see how smart you will be in the future
- if you have high intelligence, you will most likely do good in school
Job Performance:
- facilitates acquisition of knew knowledge
- reflects “trainability”
- greater ability to adapt to new circumstances
Longevity:
- enhances individuals care of own health
- learning, reasoning, problem solving is required for preventing disease and injury and managing complex treatment regimens
How do you interpret a correlation between 2 variables? Give an example or two if possible.
v
What does an IQ score of 100 mean?
That is the average score; you have an average IQ
What does the normal/bell curve tell us about the frequency of different IQ levels in the population?
That it is the average IQ level for that population.
The intelligence quotient (IQ) is a ratio of what 2 numbers?
mental age (ma) to chronological age (ca) times 100
Explain the Flynn Effect and what it indicates is a determinant/cause of intelligence.
vv
What is heritability?
The percentage of variation within a given population that is due to heredity.
What is stereotype threat?
A feeling that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype.
Why does stereotype threat matter (given what we discussed in class regarding how intelligence tests are used)?
Stereotype threat may interfere with performance by making people use their working memory for worrying instead of thinking.
Social support can be…
Tangible, informational, and emotional
Why does support affect health?
- Reduced physiological response to stress
- Better immune system functioning
- Socializing leads to the release of oxytocin
Creativity
The ability to produce ideas that are novel and valuable.
Convergent thinking
A left brain activity involving zeroing in on a single correct answer.
The worrying due to a stereotype threat is called self-confirming/fulfilling. What is self-confirming/fulfilling?
The effect of minority status on performance is worsened by worry about that effect.