Test 1 Flashcards
One of the 4 main goals of psychology is to report or __________ what is observed
Describe
Where did the Greek philosopher Plato believe that the truth and knowledge existed in before birth
The Soul
Toward the end of the 19th-century Sigmund Freud focuse most of his attention on what
Abnormal aspects of the mind
Creating A lie requires what kind of resources
Cognitive resources
What are the four major goals that lay foundation for the scientific approach used in psychology
Explain, describe, predict, and publish behavior
The belief that truth and knowledge exist in the soul before birth suggest the role of ______ in cognition
Nature
What does functionalism continue to influence
The practice of psychology as evidenced by educational psychology, studies of emotion and comparative studies of animal behavior
Which perspective examines characteristics in terms of how they influence adaption to the environment and survival
Evolutionary perspective
What is Psuedopsychology and approach of
Cleaning and predicting behavior and events that appears to be in psychology but is not supported by empirical, objective evidence
Psychologists apply the findings of their research to shape and change behaviors in a beneficial way. This refers to how they ______ behavior
Control
The process of weighing various pieces of evidence, synthesizing them, and evaluating and determining the contributions of each
Critical thinking
An approach to explaining and predicting behavior and events that appears to be psychology, but has no empirical or objective evidence to support it.
Psyedopsychology
Social psychologists
Explore how we view and affect one another
Biological psychologists
Explore the links between brain and mind
Organizational psychologist
Study and advise on behavior in the workplace
Clinical psychologists
Assess and treat mental, emotional and behavior disorders
Personality psychologist
Investigate our persistent traits
Psychiatrists
medical doctors licensed to prescribe drugs and treat physical causes of psychological disorders
Counseling psychologist
Help people cope with challenges by recognizing their strengths and resources
Developmental psychologists
Study out changing abilities from womb to tomb
Process scientists used to conduct research, includes a continuing cycle of exploration, critical thinking and systematic observation
Scientific method
Synthesizes observations in order to explain phenomena and guide predictions to be tested through research
Theory
To repeat and experiment generally with the new sample and/or other changes to the procedures, The goal of which is to provide for further support for the findings of the first study
Replicate
A statement that can be used to test a prediction
Hypothesis
Control procedure that involves careful examination to the use of scientific observation and/or manipulation of variables
Experiment
Precise manner in which a variable of interest is defined and measured
Operational definition
All members of an identified group about which a researcher is interested
Population
Measurable characteristics that can vary over time or across people
Variables
A subset of the population chosen through a procedure that ensures all members of the population have an equally likely chance of being selected to participate in the study
Random sample
A subset of the population chosen for inclusion in an experiment
Sample
Acknowledgement of study participants that they understand what their participation will entail
Informed consent
Sharing information with participants after their involvement in a study has ended, including the purpose of the study and deception used in it
Debriefing
A subgroup of a population selected so that its members have characteristics that closely reflect those of the population of interest
Representative example
The committee that reviews research proposals to protect the rights and welfare of all participants
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
Research message that describe and explore behaviors of the findings cannot The nativity state cause-and-effect relationship
Descriptive research
Type of descriptive research the studies participants in their natural environment of systematic observation
Naturalistic observation
Type of descriptive research that closely examines one individual or small group
Case study
Errors introduced into the recording of observations due to the researchers value system, expectations, or attitudes
Observer bias
Type of descriptive research examining the relationships among variables
correlation method
The statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables
Correlation coefficient
Type of descriptive research that uses questionnaires or interviews together data
Survey method
And unaccounted for characteristic of participants that explains changes in the variable of interest
Third variable
The participants in an experiment were not exposed to the treatment bearable; this is the comparison group
Control group
Type of research the manipulated variable of interest to uncover cause-and-effect relationships
Experimental group
In an experimental design, the characteristic or sponsors measure to determine the effect of the researchers manipulation
Dependent variable
A Variable in the environment or of the participants that could unintentionally influence the outcome of the study
Extraneous variable
A study in which neither the researchers who are administering the independent variable nor the participants know what type of treatment is being given
Double-blind study
A type of extraneous variable that changes and sync it with the independent variable making it difficult and to discern which one is causing changes in the independent variable
Confounding variable
The process of appointing participants in the research study to the experimental or control groups, ensuring that every person has an equal chance of being assigned to either
Random assignment
And an experimental design, the variable manipulated by the researcher to determine its effect on the dependent variable
Independent variable (iv)
An inert substance given to members of the control group; the fake treatment that has no benefit but, is administered as if it does
Placebo
An approach that focuses on the positive aspects of human beings, seeking to understand their strengths and uncover the roots of happiness, creativity, humor and so on
Positive psychology
What can psychological studies be conducted through
Observation and measurement
Who was the first black woman to be awarded a PhD in psychology from Columbia University
Mamie Phipps Clark
Mamie Phipps Clark conducted important research on the impact of race recognition on children’s _____.
Self esteem
Mental health professionals trained in graduate school
Clinical psychologists
Who was Mary Whiton Calkins a student of
William James
Who was Margaret Floy Washburn a student of
Edward Titchener
Who believed that experience plays an important role in how we acquire knowledge
Aristotle
Acquiring knowledge relies on the importance of
Nurture
Aristotle is credited with laying the foundation for the scientific approach to answer questions about psychological concepts through his suggestion that:
We learn through our sensory experiences
Who suggested we learn through out sensory experiences
Aristotle
Titchener developed the school of structuralism in order to determine the ____ of the mind
Atoms
What provides precise descriptions for variables used in research study
Operational definitions
Which researchers used when other types of experiments are unethical or impossible to do
Correlational
What houses thoughts, motions, and personality and orchestrates behavior
The brain
Goal cells hold neurons together and maintain the structure of the:
Nervous system
The branch of psychology that focuses on how the brain and other biological systems influence behavior
Biological psychology
Study of the brain and nervous system
Neuroscience
Skinny to bike structure of a neuron that extends from the cell body, and which sends messages to other neurons
Axons
The spike in electrical energy that passes to the axon of a neuron, the purpose of which is to convey information
Action potential
Building blocks of the nervous system that transmit electrical and chemical signals in the body
Neurons
Electrical potential of the cell at rest; the state of the cell when it is not activated
Resting potential
Cells that support, nourish, and protect neurons; produce smiling that covers axons.
Glial cells
Fatty substance that insulates the axon and speeds the transmission of neural messages
Myelin sheath
The region of the neuron that includes the nucleus containing DNA, protein producing mechanisms, and other structures that nourish the cell
Cell body
Neuron either fires or does not fire; action potentials are always the same strength
All-or-none
Chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate at the synapse
Neurotransmitters
Tiny, branchlike fibers extending from the cell body that receive messages from other neurons and send information in the direction of the cell body
Dendrites
The location where neurotransmitters attach on the receiving side of the synaptic gap
Receptor sites
Process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the sending terminal bud
Reuptake
Junction between neurons where communication occurs
Synapse
part of the endocrine system involved in responses to stress as well as the regulation of salt balance
Adrenal glands
A major component of the human nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord
Central nervous system
Cognitive psychologists
Experiment with how we perceive, think and solve problems
Neuron specialized for receiving information about the environment from the sensory systems and transmitting this information to the brain for further processing
Sensory neurons
The part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body
Peripheral nervous system
The branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary process within the body, such as contractions in the digestive tract, and activity of glands
Autonomic nervous system
A type of neuron that resides exclusively in the brain and spinal cord; acts as a bridge connecting sensory and motor neurons
Interneurons
Neurons specialized for transmitting information from the central nervous system to other parts of the body, such as muscles and glands.
motor neurons
Bundles of neurons that carry information to and from the central nervous system; provide communication between the central nervous system and the muscles, glands, and sensory receptors.
nerves
Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that influence mood, cognition, appetite, and many other processes and behaviors.
hormones
The division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the “rest-and-digest” response to bring the body back to a noncrisis mode.
parasympathetic nervous system
The communication system that uses glands to convey messages by releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
endocrine system
The branch of the parasympathetic nervous system that includes sensory nerves and motor nerves; gathers information from sensory receptors and controls the skeletal muscles responsible for voluntary movement.
somatic nervous system
The bundle of neurons that allows communication between the brain and the peripheral nervous system, connecting with the body’s muscles, glands, and organs.
spinal cord
An automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the “knee jerk” reaction; a simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through interneurons in the spinal cord back out through motor neurons.
reflex arc
The division of the autonomic nervous system that mobilizes the “fight-or-flight” response to stressful or crisis situations.
sympathetic nervous system
The pea-sized gland located in the center of the brain just under the hypothalamus
pituitary gland
secretes hormones that dictate the release of hormones by other glands
pituitary gland
known as the master gland
pituitary gland
Gland of the endocrine system that regulates the rate of metabolism by secreting thyroxin.
thyroid gland
The largest part of the brain, includes virtually all parts of the brain except primitive brain structures; has two distinct hemispheres.
cerebrum
The thick band of nerve fibers connecting the right and left cerebral hemispheres
corpus callosum
principal structure for information shared between the two hemispheres.
corpus callosum
The idea that each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities.
lateralization
An area of the cortex that is critical for speech production.
Broca’s area
A rare procedure used to disconnect the right and left hemispheres by cutting the corpus callosum.
split-brain operation
A region of the cortex that plays a pivotal role in language comprehension.
Wernicke’s area
The generation of new neurons in the brain
neurogenesis
The brain’s ability to heal, grow new connections, and reorganize in order to adapt to the environment.
neuroplasticity
An early approach to explaining the functions of the brain by trying to link the physical structure of the skull with a variety of characteristics.
phrenology
Cells responsible for producing new neurons.
stem cells
The wrinkled outermost layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher mental functions, such as decision making, planning, and processing visual information.
cerebral cortex
The area of the cortex that organizes information among the other lobes of the brain and is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions and behavior.
frontal lobes
The area of the cortex in the back of the head that processes visual information.
occipital lobes
The area of the cortex that receives and processes sensory information such as touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation.
parietal lobes
Regions of the cortex that integrate information from all over the brain, allowing us to learn, think in abstract terms, and carry out other intellectual tasks.
association areas
The area of the cortex that processes auditory stimuli and language.
temporal lobes
A band of tissue toward the rear of the frontal lobes that works with other brain regions to plan and execute voluntary movements.
motor cortex
A band of tissue running parallel to the motor cortex that receives and integrates sensory information from all over the body.
somatosensory cortex
A pair of almond-shaped structures in the limbic system that processes basic emotions, such as fear and aggression, as well as associated memories.
amygdala
A pair of seahorse-shaped structures located in the limbic system
hippocampus
primarily responsible for creating new memories
hippocampus
Structure located behind the brain stem that is responsible for muscle coordination and balance; Latin for “little brain.”
cerebellum
A horseshoe-shaped collection of structures that regulates emotions and basic drives like hunger, and aids in the creation of memories.
limbic system
Largest part of the brain; includes the cerebral cortex and the limbic system.
forebrain
A small structure located below the thalamus that maintains a constant internal environment within a healthy range
hypothalamus
helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, sexual behavior, and appetite.
hypothalamus
A structure in the limbic system that processes and relays sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cortex.
thalamus
Includes areas of the brain responsible for fundamental life-sustaining processes.
hindbrain
A network of neurons running through the midbrain that controls levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex.
reticular formation
A structure that oversees vital functions, including breathing, digestion, and heart rate.
medulla
A hindbrain structure that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and coordinate movement between the right and left sides of the body.
pons
The part of the brain stem involved in levels of arousal
midbrain
responsible for generating movement patterns in response to sensory input.
midbrain
The axon is not entirely enclosed by _____, but instead is covered in segments.
myelin sheath
The membrane encasing a neuron is _____, allowing only some ions to pass in and out of its channels.
selectively permeable
secreted by one neuron under certain conditions can cause neighboring neurons to fire.
Neurotransmitters
The peripheral nervous system provides the communication pathway between the central nervous system(CNS) and the:
the rest of the body
The peripheral nervous system includes all the neurons that are not in the:
central nervous system.
Following an action potential, _____ are released into the synaptic gap and their effects can be almost instant.
neurotransmitters
Schwann cells produce the _____ that envelops axons.
myelin
The purpose of a(n) _____ is to convey information between neurons.
action potential
The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a key role in:
learning through reinforcement.
_____ are specialized for receiving information about the environment and transmitting this information to brain for further processing.
Sensory neurons
If the endocrine system had a gland that worked as a chief executive officer, it would be the:
pituitary gland.
They outnumber neurons in the human brain by approximately 50 to 1.
glial cells
Neurotransmitters that are not reabsorbed into the axon buds, drift out of the _____ through diffusion.
synaptic gap
What is involved in regulating arousal and sleep.
norepinephrine
The simple pathway of communication from sensory neurons through interneurons in the spinal cord back out through motor neurons is called a(n):
reflex arc
The division of the autonomic nervous system that orchestrates the rest-and-digest response to bring the body back to noncrisis mode is called the:
parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the function of neurons
To transmit information up and down the body.
Reuptake is the process by which _____ can be reabsorbed by the sending terminal bud
neurotransmitters
It is an antagonist because it blocks the release of acetylcholine.
Botox
What can act as both neurotransmitters and hormones depending on where they are released.
norepinephrine
The branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary processes within the body, such as contractions in the digestive tract and activity of glands, is called the:
autonomic nervous system
Glial cells that multiply and secrete substances to defend the brain from infection and inflammation are called:
microglia
What resides exclusively in the brain and spinal cord and act as bridges connecting sensory and motor neurons.
interneurons
Neurons are _____ that communicate with each through electrical and chemical signals.
nerve cells
Which statement BEST characterizes the cell body of a typical neuron
It contains a nucleus, protein-producing mechanism, and other structures that nourish the cell.
_____ are a type of glial cell that have been found to support communication between neurons.
Astrocytes
They multiply and secrete substances to defend the brain from infection and inflammation.
microglia
How do neighboring neurons signal for channels to open up to let the positive sodium ions move into the dendrites of a neuron?
Neighboring neurons send more excitatory signals than inhibitory signals
How is the voltage of a neuron determined?
By the electrical characteristics of ions.
How does the myelin sheath speed the transmission of neural messages?
It insulates the axon, facilitating faster transmission of the impulse.
The _____ generally excels at visual spatial tasks
right hemisphere
Research suggests that the _____ is important for our ability to recognize faces.
right hemisphere
Whowas the founder of phrenology, the now discredited brain “science” that achieved enormous popularity at the beginning of the 19th century.
Franz Joseph Gall
The tendency for the left and right hemispheres to excel in certain activities.
Lateralization
The early approach to explaining the functions of the brain by trying to link physical structures of the skull with a variety of characteristics.
Phrenology
Each cerebral hemisphere processes certain types of information and excels in certain activities, which is known as:
lateralization
_____ uses radioactive glucose to detect active areas of the brain, which have absorbed the most sugar.
Positron emission tomography
On Penfield’s map of the _____, the size of each body part roughly reflects the amount of cortex devoted to it.
motor cortex
In dangerous situations, activity in the nervous system increases drastically, including in the _____, triggering an emotional reaction such as terror.
amygdala
Located beneath the structures of the limbic system, the _____ includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla.
brainstem
Just below the thalamus is the _____, which keeps the body’s systems in a steady state.
hypothalamus
The cortex overlaying each hemisphere is separated into several different:
lobes.
The _____ includes the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
limbic system
What coordinates movement between the right and left sides of the body.
medulla
What helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.
medulla
What responsible for levels of arousal and quickly analyzes sensory information on its way to the cortex.
medulla
Hearing and language comprehension are largely handled by the:
temporal lobes
Located immediately beneath the structures of the _____, the brainstem includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla.
limbic system
What is responsible for muscle coordination and balance.
cerebellum
Who conducted a study of dogs that provided evidence for the motor cortex’s involvement in muscle movement.
Fritsch and Hitzig
The great majority of the data picked up by the sensory systems, except olfaction, pass through the _____ before moving to the cortex for processing.
thalamus
The body has two main systems of communication, including the fast-acting _____ and the slower _____.
nervous system; endocrine system
The brain and spinal cord are protected by the _____, which is a layer of three thin membranes.
meninges
Neurons from the digestive system send signals to the _____, which then sends signals to higher regions of the brain.
hypothalamus
What part of the brain is responsible for the basic emotions and the memories associated with them
The amygdala.
The largest part of the brain, which includes the cerebral cortex and the limbic system
the forebrain
What processes information and is the layer of cells surrounding nearly all the brain’s structures.
cerebral cortex
What is involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles and appetite.
hypothalamus
