Quiz 1 Flashcards
Research Methods and Biopsychology
Scientific Method
Procedure for getting information to see relationships between variables
Hypothesis
Testable, based on theory from literature
Good Theory
Testable, definition for each variable in circumstance, importance (falsifiable)
Descriptive Research Methods
Sample of people are asked about behavior via polls, self-reports, interviews and case studies
Correlational Research Methods
Determines how closely variables are related indicated by correlation coefficient
Experimental Research Methods
Random assignment of participants to different conditions (IV changes between them)
Between Subjects Design
Different groups of people randomly assigned to conditions
Within Subjects Design
Each participant experiences the IV and control condition
Confounding Variable
Another reason for experiment outcome (confusion for IV)
Longitudinal Studies
Measure at different time points
Quasi Experiments
Measure preexisting groups (no randomization)
Experiment Reliability
Test has same outcome each time
Experiment Validity
Tests what it is meant to test (accuracy)
Internal Reliablity
Ensures only the IV effects outcome via standardization
Convergent Validity
Scale correlates with similar scales
Discriminant Validity
Scale does not correlate with dissimilar scales
Motor neuron
Efferent neurons, part of PNS
Sensory neuron
Afferent neurons, part of PNS
Interneurons
Connect sensory neurons to motor neurons or ther interneurons
Action potential
Nerve impulse (Na+ gate closes)
Resting potential
polarized cytoplasm providing a potential for an action potential
Absolute refractory period
Time where a neuron cannot have another action potential
Relative refractory period
Time where a neuron needs a stronger stimuli to have an action potential
Sodium-Potassium Pump
Na+ enters the cell and K* exits to depolarize the cell (negative to positive)
Hyperpolarization
K+ gates close
Autonomic system
Involuntary responses
Somatic system
Voluntary responsees
Parasympathetic system
Arousal responses (fight or flight)
Sympathetic system
Fightor flight
Limbic system
Regulation of behavior from emotions
Thalamus
Sensory relay station
Cingulate cortex
Cortical component of limbic system with emotional processing
Left hemisphere
Controls language
Broca’s area
Production of speech
Wernicke’s area
Understanding of speech
Hypothalamus
Regulates life sustaining functions and secretes hormones to influence pituitary gland
Pituitary gland
Master gland, releases HGH, regulates estrogen/testosterone and secretes hormones to direct other glands
Psychodynamic Perspective
Behavior is a result of unconscious conflictions (early life issues)
Humanistic Perspective
Someone’s capacity for being rational
Behavioral Perspective
How environmental and ascendent factors influence a behavior
Developmental Perspective
How people change over their life
Goals of Psychology
To describe, explain, predict and control
