Psychology All Content Flashcards
Introspection
What’s going on inside your head (not always accurate)
Behaviorism
Scientific study of observable behavior without reference to mental processes
Humanistic Psychology
Study of mental processes
Contemporary Psychology
Cognitive psychology scientifically explored ways in which information is perceived, processed and remembered
Psychology
Science of behavior and mental processes
Behavior
Any action that can be observed or recorded
Positive Psychology
Explores human flourishing
Evolutionary Psychology
How humans are alike because of common biology and evolutionary history
Behavior Genetics
Differences related to different genetics and environments
Cross Cultural Psychology
How culture shapes behavior (some processes are universal)
Gender Psychology
How male vs female compares
Correlation vs Causation
The correlation will NEVER prove causation.
Causation - the action of causing something
Correlation - a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
Independent Variable
A variable whose variation does not depend on that of another
Dependent Variable
A variable whose value depends on that of another
Neural & Hormonal Systems
Biology, behavior, and mind
Monistic
Body
Dualistic
Body & Soul
Action Potential
Neural impulse that travels down an axon like a wave
Agonist
Increases a neurotransmitters action
Antagonist
Inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitters actions
Sympathetic
Like the gas pedal. Controls manual functions
Parasympathetic
Like the brake. Controls automatic functions
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A test used to find problems related to electrical activity of the brain.
An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
A non-invasive medical test that measures the magnetic fields produced by your brain’s electrical currents. It is performed to map brain function and to identify the exact location of the source of epileptic seizures