Psychology II Flashcards
Define consciousness
Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment
Define hypnosis
a social interaction in which one person suggests to another person that certain perceptions, feelings, thoughts, or behaviors will sponataneously occur.
Define cognitive neuroscience
the interdiplicinary study of brain activity linked with cognition
Define selective attention
focusing conscious awareness on a particular stimulus
Define Inattentional blindness
Failing to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere
Define inattentional numbness
If you bump into someone they are less likely to notice the other physical stimulus
Define change blindness
failing to notice environmental changes, a form of inattentional blindness
Define dual processing
The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconcious tracks
Define blindsight
A condition in which a person can respond to visual stimulus without consciously experienceing it.(if your right eyes view different scenes you will only be consciously aware of one at a time, yet you will display some awareness in the other.)
Approximately how much of our brain function is UNconciouss?
80-90%
Explain parallel processing
processing many aspects of a stimulus or problem simultaneously
Explain sequential processing
Processing one aspect of a stimulus at a time; generally used to processes new information or solve difficult problems
Those working in and interdisciplinary field called __________________________ study the brain activity associated with the mental processes of perception, thinking , memory, and language
cognitive neuroscience
What are the minds two tracks?
explicit/implicit
Prior to the 1900s, psychology was considered the study of _________________
states of consciousness
Who was the first to realize there was an unconscious component to humans?
Sigmund Freud
What is widley considered to be the “Hard problem”
How does consciousness arise from a human brain? (matter)
the brains transmission of information is mostly
a. conscious
b. unconscious
b
What is the explanitory gap
the gap between how the brain works and how it produces conscious
Attention is sometimes necessary for perception: true or false
True
We are often unaware of the cognitive processes that underlie our judgments and preferences. true or false
true
What are the names for the conscious and unconscious systems
Unconscious: implicit,
automatic, System 1
Conscious: explicit,
controlled, System 2
what makes up the controlled process
deliberative, reflective, conscious. about 5% of brain activity
What makes up the automatic process
effortless, outside awareness, “gut feelings”, and intuition. About 95% of brain activity
The 4 main characteristics of automatic processes
- Outside of awareness
- Unintentional
- Involuntary
- Efficient
Failure to see visible objects because our attention is focused somewhere else is called_____________________________
inattentional blindness
We register and react to stimuli outside of our awareness by means of __________________ processing. When we devote deliberate attention to stimuli we use ___________________ processing.
implicit; explicit
Inattentional blindness is a products of our _______________ attentions
selective
Define sleep
periodic natural loss of consciousness- as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation
Define the circadian rhythm
Our biological clock; regular bodily rhythms (for example, of temp. and wakefulness that occur in a 24-hour cycle
Why are screens before bed harmful?
-Light levels go from the eye to a brain
area called the suprachiasmatic
nucleus (in the hypothalamus)
-This nucleus tells the pineal gland to
secrete melatonin: a hormone that
adjusts biological clocks (It causes
decreased production of melatonin in
the morning and increased
production in the evening)
Define Internal desynchronization
Internal desynchronization: A state in which biological
rhythms are not in phase (synchronized) with one another
What are the potential consequences of internal desynchronization
-less total sleep and inferior sleep
-insomnia
-heart disease, stomach issues, breast cancer
-increased chance of accidents
What is the modern idea of how much we should be sleeping? What caused this idea
8 hours. Artificial light.
How was sleep before the production of artificial light
.
First, people went to sleep a little after sunset and woke in them middle of the night for an hour or so (during which they engaged in some leisurely activities). Then they would sleep again until dawn
If people are left alone in a dark room, they are likely to sleep closer to _____________
14 hours
North american countries tend to sleep less than people in Japan and india. true or false
false
What are the three ways we measure bodily activity during sleep
-Electrooculograph (EOG):
records eye movements
-Electromyograph (EMG):
records muscle activity and
tension
-EEG (Electroencephalograph)
What are the four types of wave pattern on an EEG
-Beta (13-24 cps)
-Alpha (8-12 cps)
-Theta (4-7 cps)
-Delta (<4 cps)
What are Beta waves indicitive of
Normal waking thought, alert and problem solving
What are Alpha waves indicitive of
Deep relaxation, blank mind, medetation
What do Theta waves indicate
light sleeps
What do delta waves indicate
deep sleep
How long is a sleep cycle on average
90 min
Define REM sleep
rapid eye movement sleep, in which vivid dreams occur. Also known as paradoxal sleep because the body is both active and ddeeply relaxed. paralyzed.
Define NREM sleep
four stages of brain wave when REM is not occurring
What are the stages of sleep
- A brief transitional stage lasting between 1 and 7 minutes
- mixed brain wave frequency. spindles. Minor noises won’t disturb you. This lasts about 10-25 minutes
- Delta waves. Pulse slows, and you are hard to awaken
- Stage 4: delta waves predominant; deep sleep; most likely stage for
sleepwalking
* Takes about 30 minutes to
reach stage 4
* Usually people stay in stages 3
and 4 for about 30 minutes
REM is characterized by :
-an EEG that looks awake and alert
* rapidly moving eyes behind the lids
* irregular pulse and breathing rate
* loss of muscle tone
* vivid dreaming
Sleep and age
As we age we get less deep and restful sleep
Why do we sleep?
-Protection
-Recooperation
-Helps us store memories
-Feeds creative thinking
-Supports growth
What are symptoms of sleep loss
-fatigue & irratibility
-less emotional control
-more amygdala driven processing
-more susceptible to depression
How does sleep loss impact romantic relationships?
-Less empathy
-More negativity
-Conflict resolution problems
-Selfishness
-increased anger
How does sleep loss increase weight gain?
-increasing grehlin (hunger hormone)
-decreasing leptin (hunger-supressing hormone)
- increase cortisol (fat production)
-decreases metabollic rate
Major sleep disorders: Insomnia and hyperarousal model of insomnia
Insomnia: trouble falling asleep, remaining asleep, and persistant early morning waking. Increases with age and is more prevelent in men
Hyperarousal model of insomnia:
insomnia may be the result of
hyperarousal of physical
characteristics like heart rate,
temperature, EEG, and metabolic
activation
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy: Marked by sudden and irresistible
onsets of sleep during normal
waking hours. Sometimes lapsing directly into
REM sleep
Night Terrors
Night terrors:
* Night terrors are associated with non-
REM sleep and are characterized by
intense autonomic arousal and
feelings of panic
* This disorder is more common in
children aged 3-8
Sleep walking and talking
sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
* Doing normal waking activities
(sitting up, walking, speaking)
while asleep (occurs during N3
stage; usually stage 4)
* Sleeptalking can occur during any
sleep stage
REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD)
- Muscle paralysis associated with
REM sleep does not occur, and
sleepers (mostly males) may “act
out” their dreams
What are some natural sleep aids?
Exercise regularly but not in the late evening
* Avoid caffeine after early afternoon, and avoid food
*glass of milk, which provides raw materials for the manufacture of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that
facilitates sleep.
* Relax before bedtime, using dimmer light.
* Sleep on a consistent schedule (rise at the same time, even after a restless night) and avoid long naps
* Hide time displays so you aren’t tempted to check repeatedly.
* Reassure yourself that temporary sleep loss happens,
* Focus your mind on nonarousing, engaging thoughts, such as song lyrics or vacation travel
* Manage stress.
What are the 5 basic theories of why we dream
-Freuds wish fulfillment
-Info processing
-Physiological function
-Activation synthesis
-Cognitive development
Define hallucination
false sensory experience, such as seeing something in an absence of external stimuli
Define suprachiasmatic nucleus
a pair of cell clusters in the hypothlamus that controls circadian rhythm. In response to light, the SCN causes the pineal gland to adjust melatonin productoin, thus modifying our feeling of sleepiness
Define manifest content
according to Freud, the symbolic, remembered story line of a dream
Define latent content
According to freud, the underlying meaning of a dream
define REM rebound
the tendency for REM sleep to increase following REm sleep deprevation
During the N1 sleep stage you are most likley to experience _________________
hallucinations
The brain emits large slow waves during _________________ sleep
N3
As the night prgresses what happens to the REM stage of sleep?
It increases in duration
What is a psychoactive drug?
A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods
Define substance use disorder
A disroder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/ or physical risks
When is drug use a disorder?
- Diminished control
- Diminished social functioning
- Hazardous use
- Drug action (tolerance, withdrawl)
What are some depressents, what do they cause
Alcohol, barbituates, and opiates
-slowed neural processing
-memory disruption
-reduced self-awareness
-Expectancy effects
What are some stimulants
Nicotene, Meth, Ecstasy, Cocaine
What are hallicinogens
Marijuana, LSD
What influences drug use?
Biology, Psychological and social-cultural influences
Characteristics of alchohol
-increases helpful and harmful tendencies
-rates of sexual assualt rise
-alcohol use disorder (girls tend to become addicted faster)
-Slows neural processing (SNS, judgment, speaking, reaction time, can’t tell how drunk they are
-memory disruption
-reduced self awareness
-expectancy effect
Characteristics of nicotine
- 12 minute “buzz”
- Release epi and norepi
-temporarily calm anxiety and reduce pain sensitivity
Characteristics of cocaine
-rush of euphoria
-May highten aggressive reactions
-Higher shock
Characteristics of Meth
-stimulate neural activity
-triggers dopamine
-reduce baseline dopamine
Ecstacy (methylkenedioxymethamphetamine, molly)
Dopamine and seretonin
-overheating
-immunity memory
-disrupts C rhythm
LSD
Causes euphoria, detachment, panic
Marijuana
_THC
-mild hallucinogen
-increases risk of accidents, chronic bronchitis, psychosis, social anxiety, suicidal thoughts
What is THC
The major active ingredient in marijuana; triggers a variety of effects, including mild hallucinations
Heroin is a _________________ (depressant, stimulant)
Depressant
Define behavior genetics
The study of the relative power and limit of genetic and environmental influence on behavior.
Define environment
every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to people and things around us.
What are chromosomes
threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
Define gene
The biochemical units of heredity that make up chromosomes; small segments of DNA capable of synthesizing proteins. Blueprints for traits
define genome
the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all genetic material in that organisms chromosomes. shared genetic profile between humans with differing codes.
How many chromosomes in total? how many from each parent ?
- 23.
What determines sex
23 chromosome pair: XX for girl and XY for boy
Whats the different between a phenotype and genotype
phenotype are the genes expressed and genotype is the collective set of genes
What are the previous two perspectives on nature and nurture debate called?
nativists: emphasize genes and inborn characteristics
epiricists: focus on learning and experience.
What is heredability?
-Heritability refers to the extent to
which variation among people on a
given characteristic is due to
genetic differences
What are the methods in the study of heredity?
-Selective breeding
-family studies
-twin studies (compare monozygotic and dizygotic)
-adoption studies
What are some of the similarities that would be seen in identical twins regardless of environment
Personality, styles of thinking and relating
*Abilities/intelligence test scores
*Attitudes
*Interests, tastes
*Specific fears
*Brain waves, heart rate
Identical twins raised in different households are more similar that fraternal twins raised in the same household. true or false
true
What is technical definition?
Technical Definition: the proportion
of phenotypic variance in a trait that
is attributable to genetic variance
What is phenotypic variance
Phenotypic variance: is simply the
observed variability in some
characteristic
Heritability coefficient
Heritability coefficient: A statistical estimate of the proportion of the total variance in some trait that is attributable to genetic differences among individuals within a group
What are the varaible of the Heritability coefficient
*0 = none of the phenotypic
variance in a trait is due to genetics
*1 = all of the variance in the trait is
due to genetics
*Between 0 and 1 = the proportion
of variability in the trait that’s due
to genetic influences
Differences within groups may have a genetic basis
but that does not mean differences between groups are genetic. true or false
true
Heritability is a
population statistic and
indicates the degree of genetic
influence on the development of a
trait of an individual
false
Almost all human features
are polygenic (a result of many genes)
and multifactorial (a result of many
factors, both genetic and environmental). true or false
true
What are the three principles that illustrate gene-environment interactions
range of reaction
canalization
gene-environment correaltions
Explain range of reaction
Refers to the idea that there is
a wide range of potential
expressions of a genetic trait
(phenotypes) depending on
environmental opportunities
and constraints
explain canalization
*Some traits have a very narrow
range of development to only one
or a few possible outcomes
*Require extreme changes in the
environment to alter their course
*E.g., age-related motor
development like walking
explain gene-environment correlations
Illustrate how traits often are
supported by both our genes and environment
explain passive gene-environment correlations
Occur because parents are
genetically similar to their children,
the homes that they create in line
with their own interests and
preferences also correspond with
and support the child’s genotype
Explain evocative gene-environment correlations
It’s called evocative because genes
influence the person’s behaviour in
ways that evoke certain reactions in
other people
*A child’s genetic traits, such as
personality characteristics, influence
the social and physical environment,
which shape development in ways
that support the genetic trait
Explain active gene environment correlation
Occurs when the child actively
creates experiences and
environments that correspond to
and influence his or her genetic
predisposition (called niche-picking)
What is epigenetics
“above genetics”
The study of heritable changes in
gene expression that do not involve
modifications to the DNA sequence
*Studies the molecular mechanisms
by which environments can trigger or
block gene expression. The process in which genes self regulate
What are some things parents might influence
-attitude
-mannerisms
-politics
-faith
-values
What are the four stages of life and how do they contribute to gene expression
prenatal: drugs, toxins, nutrition, stress
postnatal: Neglect, abuse, variation in care
juvenille: Social contract, environmental complexity
Adult: Cognitive challenges, excersise, nutrition
What is natural selection?
The principle that favorable traits are passed along to offspring due to their ancestors reproducing well
Define evolutionary psychology
the study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
Define mutation
a random error in gene replication that leads to change
which gender is more likely to have sexual overperception
men. tend to believe that friendliness is a “sexual come on “
What are the main to differences between men and women in an evolutionary scope
-promiscuity
-sex selection
What are the five main critisims of evolutionary psychology?
-differences are more likely caused by social scripts (overlooks cultural expectation)
-works backward. starts with effect and works backwards for explanation
-men could use this as an excuse for their actions towards women
-What we think we do is often different than what we do
-is our instinct and purpose for life just to reproduce
-evolution bad
environment has no effect on brain power. true or false
false. Enriched environment leads to more brain power
why must we start things as children to gain mastery easier?
Rapid brain growth in childhood. easier development of neural pathways
children tend to become more like their ________________
a. parents
b. peers
What is this called?
b.
the selection effect
What is the importance of culture
forces advancment and supports survival and reproduction
define “norm”
an understood rule for accepted and expected bahvior
Contrast individualism and collectivism
individualism: giving priority to your own goals over group goals and defining your identity on personal attributes rather than group characteristics
collectivism: giving priority to the goals of a group and identifying yourself according to that group
Why might an evolutionary psychologist theorize the high number of individualists in the US?
People who were collectivists would tend to not move over and immigrate to the States as many people did. Meaning that a high number of indivudualists in the US is due to the reproduction of individualist kinds from the same parents.
What is the main assumption with evolutionary psychology?
Behavioral patterns developed because they were necessary for our ancestors to survive
What is evolutionary mismatch. Provide an example
The modern
environment does not match human
history; “natural” tendencies can be
harmful or dangerous
eg. the overeating problem emerged from not having enough to eat and nowhere to store food (humans prefer fatty foods with high sugar)
what are some ways fear could be caused by evolutionary psychology?
Those who feared dangerous things had a higher possiblity of reproducing successfully
Heights: those who stayed away from cliffs were more likely to survive
What is sociobiology?
Interdisciplinary field that emphasizes evolutionary
explanations of social behaviour in animals and humans
What’s the difference between intersexual and intrasexual selection?
Intersexual selection: a member
of one sex chooses a mate from
the other sex on the basis of
certain characteristics
Intrasexual selection: members of
the same sex compete for a
partner of the other sex
What is the modern thought of difference between gender and sex?
Gender is a social construct formed my the norms applies to a sex
sex is a biological anatomy
What are the three claims of the modern gender definition?
-it is a social construct
-it changes overtime
-it changes over cultures
True or false: the more gender equality in a country (egalitarianism), the greater the differences in the way men and women think (e.g., preferences for job selection etc.)
true
How much more would women have to be interested in ‘things’ than most woman to be as interested as the average man?
85%
What are the two main reasons men and women differ
One is cultural/environmental
and the other is biological
True or false. Men and women are more alike than they are different
true
What are the 5 big personality traits in men and women
*Openness (or intellect)
*Conscientiousness
*Extraversion
*Agreeableness
*Neuroticism
Do men or women typically score higher on neurotisim
women
What are some attributes of someone who would score high on neuroticsim? Low?
High scorers tend to be anxious, self-
conscious, moody, nervous, high-
strung, insecure, worrying; Low
scorers tend to be calm, relaxed,
secure, hardy
What are primary sex characteristics
ovaries, testes, external genetalia. they maybe reproduction possible
What are secondary sex characteristics
Breasts, pubic hair, low voice,
What are spermarche and menarche
first ejaculation and first period
What is klinefelter syndrome?
men born with an extra X chromosome (XXY). it results in sterility and small testes
what is turner syndrome
a female with only one X chromosome
resulting in infertility and more masculine charcteristics
Eriksons stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Infancy
-to one year
-Trust vs mistrust
-If needs are met, infant gains basic trust
Eriksons stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Toddlerhood
-1-3
-Autonomy vs shame and doubt
-excersize will and doubt their abilities
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Pre-school
-3 to 6
-Initiative vs guilt
-can feel guilty about their efforts fro independence
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Elementary school
-6 to puberty
-Competence vs inferioirity
-Pleasure of applying themselves to new tasks, or feel incompetent
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Adolescence
-teen to early 20s
-Identity vs role confusion
-Refine sense of self through social testing, or are confused
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Young adulthood
-20s to early 40s
-Intimacy vs isolation
-either gain intimate love or feel socially isolated
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Middle adulthood
-Generavity vs stagnation
-40s to 60s
-Contribute to the world or lack purpose
Erikson’s stages (ages, issues, and tasks)
Late adulthood
-60+
-Integrity vs despair
-Satisfaction or faliure
Preconventional morality
-Before age 9
-Focus is self interest
Conventional Morality
-early adolesence
-Uphold rules and laws for social
Postconventional Morality
-Adolesence and beyond
-Reflect and belief in basic rights and self defined ethical principles
explain the Sensorimotor stage
-experienceing the work through senses
-object permanence
-stranger anxiety
-before 2 years of age
Explain the Preoperational stage
-ages 2 to 7
-Represent images with words
-Pretend play
-Egocentrism
Explain the Concrete operational stage
-ages 7 to 11
-Think logically
-Can do math
-undersatnd conservation
Formal operational
-reasoning abstractly
-Potential for mature moral reasoning
What are Piagets three main insights
*Errors are as interesting as correct responses
*Strategies are not random or meaningless
*Strategies reflect a the child’s
maturational stage and the child’s experience in the world
What are the Limits of the preoperational stage
*Centration: focusing on one feature of a problem
*Irreversibility: inability to envision reversing an action
What are the four main Revisions of Piagets theories
-Ability is more like climbing up a hill rather than steps
-children reveal ability earlier than he thought
-preschoolers are not as egocentric
-cognition influenced by culture and education
developmental used to be known as…
Child psychology
What are the three main tenets of Bowlby’s theory of attachment
- Sensitivity: Responsive care-
giving creates secure attachment - Secure base: Secure attachment
leads to greater exploration - Competence: Secure attachment
promotes social competence
later in life
What are the three main attachment types
-Secure
-anxious
-avoidant
What are secure attachment behaviors
- Secure Attachment:
- Cry or protest if the parent leaves the room;
- Welcomes her back and then plays happily again;
- Clearly more attached to the mother than to the stranger
What are insecure avoidant attachment behaviors
- Insecure Avoidant
- Doesn’t care if the mother leaves the room
- Makes little effort to seek contact with her on her return
- Treats the stranger about the same as the mother
What are insecure anxious (ambivilant) attachment behaviors
- Resists contact with the mother at reunion but protests loudly if she leaves
- Anxious or ambivalent babies may cry to be picked up and then demand to be
put down - May behave as if angry and resist her efforts to comfort them
What are the characteristics of each attachment styles parent:
- Secure babies: caregivers are responsive, sensitive to expressions of
need - Anxious/ambivalent babies: caregivers are inconsistent, hit-or-miss or
chaotic, expressions of need ineffective - Avoidant babies: emotionally unavailable and/or rejecting caregivers
What are the five main contributures to attachment style
-Genetics
-Neglect
-Unresponsivness
-abandonment
stressful circumstance
How does avoidant attachment impact relationships
-less support and provision
-less sexual intimacy and more casual sex (more likely to cheat)
-infidelity
How does anxious attachment impact relationships
-controlling, intrusive caregiving
-sexual activity to avoid rejection or feel loved
-percieving partner as inattentive or unwilling to commit
-overpercieve conflict
Types of rules children as young as 3 can differentiate
- Moral: applies to everyone; cannot be changed; based on values
- Conventional: applies to certain groups; changeable; based on
agreed-upon norms - Personal: applies to individuals; changeable; based on preferences
of specific person
Social Intuitionist Approach to morality
-you get a feeling (amygdala driven) and then your try to make sense of it through reasoning
What is Cold and Hot cognition
Cold: “…relatively
intellectual, information-
driven processes.”
Hot: “mental
processes driven by our
desires and feelings… cases
where our goals and moods
colour our judgments.”
The ability to suppress their
initial wish to do something
in favour of doing something
else that is not as much fun is known as
self-regulation
What two brain structures develop and increase in use as we enter into adolecents
frontal cortex and Limbic system
You gain relative independence around the same time you’re self control is at its lowest. True or false
true
Teenagers are less prone to dangerous activity. true to false
false
What marks an identity crisis
-A person’s internal
struggle to decide what to be and
what to make of this life
-Identity crisis is marked by curiosity,
questioning, and exploration of
different identities
What are the four different outcomes of an identity crisis.
- Identity diffusion (refusal to commit to one identity)
- Identity foreclosure (committing to identities
handed down by parents) - Identity moratorium (not committing to an identity)
- Identity achievement (I know who I am!)
What are the two types of intellegnce
Fluid and Chrystallized
What is fluid intellegence
The capacity for deductive reasoning and the ability to use new information to solve problems; it is relatively independent of education and tends to decline in old age
What is chrystallized intellegence
cognitive skills and specific knowledge of information acquired over time; it depends heavily on education and tends to remain stable over the lifetime.
Inductive reasoning, spatial orientation, preceptual speed and verbal memory__________________ with age
decrease
Neumeric ability, verbal ability _____________________with age
remain stable/ increase
What is the neronal loss of the prefrontal cortex from ages 20 to 80
17%
What is the neuronal loss of the Thalamus from ages 20 to 80
22%
What is the neuronal loss of Basal ganglia from age 20 to 80
21%
Why are older adults more likely to remember practical information such as an appointment even though they score lower on lab memory tests
They are more likely to engage in compensary behavoirs such as writing notes
Are older people more likely to be happy or sad
happy
Why are older adults more likely to be happy
-positivity bias
-no kids lol
-more likely to remember positive images
