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psychology 1010 > UNIT 1 EXAM TERMS > Flashcards

UNIT 1 EXAM TERMS Flashcards

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1
Q

psychology

A

the scientific study of brain functions, mental processes, and
behavior

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2
Q

variables

A

factors that have a range of values

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3
Q

measurements

A

how we describe a variables quantity

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4
Q

purpose

A

reflects both the observation that motivated the research, and the specific question that youre investigating.

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5
Q

independent variable (x)

A

the variable that is controlled/changed

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6
Q

dependent variable (y)

A

the variable that is measured

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7
Q

ethics in psych

A

refer to protections agains psychological harm as well as physical

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8
Q

IRB

A

institutional review board (decides whats ethical)

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9
Q

IRB ethical principals

A
  1. respect for people. 2. beneficence (do no harm). 3. justice
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10
Q

operationalization

A

defining variables in ways that allow them to be measured

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11
Q

implications

A

refer to the broader meanings, consequences, and applications that can be drawn from a study.

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12
Q

internal validity

A

examines whether a study can answer a question w/o bias from other variables

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13
Q

external validity

A

examines whether the study findings can be generalized to other contexts

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14
Q

descriptive methods

A

research methods designed for making careful, systematic observations

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15
Q

descriptive case study

A

in-depth observation of one person or small number of people

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16
Q

sensation

A

the process of detecting stimuli from the environment or stimuli arising from the body

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17
Q

transduction

A

the process of translating sensory info into neural activity

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18
Q

perception

A

the process of interpreting sensory info

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19
Q

sensory adaptation

A

reduced neural response to unchanging stimulus (ignoring background noise)

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20
Q

selective attention

A

ability to focus on a subset of the available info and ignore the rest

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21
Q

bottom-up processing

A

perception based on building simple input into more complex perceptions (extra processing devoted to a stimulus because it quickly attracts attention)

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22
Q

top down processing

A

a perceptual process in which memory and other cognitive process are required for interpreting sensory info. (extra processing devoted to a stimulus bc we have learned its important)

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23
Q

psychophysics

A

the study of the relationship between the physical qualities of stimuli and the subjective responses the produce

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24
Q

absolute threshold

A

the smallest amount of stimulus that can be detected

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25
Q

difference threshold

A

the smallest detectable difference between 2 stimuli

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26
Q

signal detection theory (SDT)

A

a method for determining an individual’s threshold for making different types of decisions

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27
Q

SDT outcome: Hit

A

detecting a stimulus when a stimulus is present (correct)

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28
Q

SDT outcome: Miss

A

failing to detect a stimulus when a stimulus is present (incorrect)

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29
Q

SDT outcome: False alarm

A

believing a stimulus exists when stimulus is absent (incorrect)

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30
Q

SDT outcome: correct rejection

A

believing there is no stimulus when stimulus is absent (correct)

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31
Q

Cornea

A

the clear surface at the front of the eye that begins the process of directing light to the retina

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32
Q

iris

A

brightly colored circular muscle around the pupil

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33
Q

pupil

A

opening formed by the iris where light enters the eye

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34
Q

lens

A

the clear structure behind the pupil that bends light towards the retina

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35
Q

retina

A

layers of visual processing cells in the back of the eye

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36
Q

fovea

A

and area of the retina that is specialized for highly detailed vision

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37
Q

optic nerve

A

where info leaves the eye and connects to the brain

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38
Q

photoreceptors

A

specialized neurons that react to light

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39
Q

rods

A

detect light and dark (120 million in each eye)

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40
Q

cones

A

detect color (6mil in each eye)

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41
Q

retinal neurons

A

pass info from photoreceptors to the optic nerve which leads to the brain

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42
Q

horizontal cells

A

integrate and modulate output of rods and cones; contribute to contrast perception and control adaptation to bright and dark conditions

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43
Q

bipolar cells

A

receive input from horizontal cells and photoreceptors, causing excitation and inhibition

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44
Q

amacrine cells

A

decode signal from bipolar cells, mediate processing of visual signal to ganglion cells

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45
Q

ganglion cells

A

relay retinal information to the visual processing centers in the brain via the optic nerve; the only neurons in the retina that fire action potentials

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46
Q

neurotransmission

A

the transfer of info between two neurons

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47
Q

synapse

A

the point of communication between 2 neurons

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48
Q

neurotransmitter

A

a chemical messenger that communicates across a synapes; affect the electrical charge of the postsynaptic neuron

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49
Q

glutamate

A

the primary neurotransmitter involved in communication between neurons in the retina

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50
Q

resting poptential

A

neurons naturally carry a charge of about -70 millivolts

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51
Q

graded potential

A

change in membrane potential caused by a neurotransmitter binding to a ligand-gated channel, allowing ions to enter or exit the cell

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52
Q

IPSP

A

inhibitory postsynaptic potential, reduced membrane potential

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53
Q

EPSP

A

excitatory postsynaptic potential, increased membrane potential

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54
Q

action potential

A

neural firing, a sudden, massive rise and subsequent fall of membrane potential; occurs when membrane potential exceeds a threshold of -55 mv

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55
Q

spike rate

A

number of action potentials per unit of time

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56
Q

optic chasm

A

directs all info from left eye to right brain and right eye to left brain

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57
Q

optic tracts

A

carry info between the optic chasm to the thalamus

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58
Q

axons

A

what optic nerves/tracts are made of. carry messages via patterns of neural firing that code for stuff

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59
Q

light spectrum

A

measures of amplitude, frequency

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60
Q

depth perception

A

monocular/binocular cues

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61
Q

auditory perception

A

pitch, loudness, localization, grouping

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62
Q

McGurk effect in auditory perception

A

an auditory-visual illusion that illustrates how perceivers merge information for speech sounds across the senses.

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63
Q

vestibular system

A

provides balance and stuff for the body. who fucking knows

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64
Q

pain and gate theory

A

a mechanism, in the spinal cord, in which pain signals can be sent up to the brain to be processed to accentuate the possible perceived pain, or attenuate it at the spinal cord itself

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65
Q

nervous system

A

command center of the body; responsible for controlling your movements, body processes, thoughts, and automatic responses to the world

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66
Q

Central Nervous system (CNS)

A

consists of the brain and spinal cord; central source of any message that needs to be sent anywhere else in the body

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67
Q

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

A

consists of the nerves that branch out all over the body; relays info to organs, arms, legs, fingers, toes,

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68
Q

somatic nervous system

A

relays info from the sensory organs to and from the CNS and guides voluntary movements

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69
Q

Autonomic nervous system

A

controls the activities your body does w/o thinking (ex. heart beating)

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70
Q

sympathetic nervous system

A

prepares the body for situations that require the expenditure of energy; pupils dilate, airways dilate, HR increases, stomach inhibits digestion, kidneys release adrenaline

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71
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

prepares body for rest/repair. pupils constrict, airways constrict, HR slows, stomach digests

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72
Q

enteric nervous system

A

relays messages related to the gastrointestinal system

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73
Q

emotion

A

a combo of arousal/physical sensation and subjective feelings that occur spontaneously in response to the environmental stimuli

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74
Q

arousal

A

ones physiological level of alertness and intensity

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75
Q

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A

in cognitively difficult tasks (taking a test) medium arousal is best. Direct, uncomplicated tasks (sprinting) high arousal best

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76
Q

physical sensations

A

changes in the body associated w arousal. HR, respiration, sweating, pupil dialation

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77
Q

subjective feelings

A

experience of positive or negative valence

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78
Q

circumplex model of emotion

A

emotions are distributed in a space w dimensions of arousal and valence

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79
Q

structuralism

A

belief that the mind could be broken down into smaller components, such as sensations, feelings, and thoughts, and that the study of these elements could lead to a greater understanding of the human experience

80
Q

gestalt psychology

A

belief that experience is not just the sum of our perceptions, but rather is influenced by the organization and grouping of elements into meaningful wholes or patterns

81
Q

functionalism

A

belief that mental processes exists because they serve specific functions in helping individuals survive and fulfill their needs. (William James chief proponent)

82
Q

James-Lange Theory

A

proposes that physical sensations lead to subjective feelings; emphasizes that the physical sensations that arise due to stimulus come BEFORE any subjective feelings about the stimulus

83
Q

Facial feedback hypothesis

A

facial expressions can influence and regulate human emotions

84
Q

Cannon-Bard theory

A

proposes that physical sensation and the subjective feelings of an emotion occur simultaneously and independently

85
Q

limbic system

A

part of the brain that interprets stimuli and regulates physical sensation

86
Q

Schachter-singer Two-factor theory

A

proposes that physical sensations cause us to appraise the environment, which contributes to our subjective feelings

87
Q

universal emotions hypothesis

A

proposed by paul ekman, humans are born with 6 basic emotions

88
Q

hypothalamus

A

involved in regulating/coordinating the physiological responses to emotional stimuli

89
Q

amygdala

A

processes the emotional significance of stimuli

90
Q

Thalamus

A

recieves input from sensory organs and projects info to the appropriate region of the cerebral cortex

91
Q

hippocampus

A

primary function is formation of memories for facts/events

92
Q

fast pathway

A

sensory info goes to thalamus then straight to amygdala

93
Q

slow pathway

A

sensory info goes to thalamus, the cortex, then to amygdala

94
Q

appraisals

A

detection and assessment of stimuli with relevance for ones personal well being

95
Q

cognitive reappraisal

A

reinterpreting the meaning and significance of the situation in a more positive or adaptive way.

96
Q

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A

a form of psychological treatment that presents patients w tools for changing negative thinking patters

97
Q

incentives

A

motivation/rewards

98
Q

intrinsic reward

A

rewards that arise internally; feeling of accomplishment when a task is complete

99
Q

extrinsic reward

A

rewards that come externally to the task itself (grades, money,)

100
Q

homeostatis

A

a state of internal balance or equilibrium

101
Q

drive

A

a state of tension and arousal triggered by cues that are important for survival

102
Q

drive reduction

A

a state of relief and reward produced by removing tension of the drive state

103
Q

maslows hierarchy of needs

A

basic needs, psychological needs, self-fulfillment needs

104
Q

catharsis

A

the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from

105
Q

display rules

A

a socially learned standard that regulates the expression of an emotion

106
Q

set points

A

posits that individuals react to the experience of major life events, but quickly adapt back to the pre-event baseline levels or subjective well-being in the following years.

107
Q

hypothalamus

A

acts as the control center for hunger and satiety

108
Q

affiliation motivation theory

A

belief that people desire to belong to a group or organization

109
Q

learning

A

a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience

110
Q

neuroplasticity

A

the selective organizing of connections between neurons in our brains based on experience

111
Q

associative learning

A

the formation of associations or connections among stimuli and behavior

112
Q

classical conditioning

A

a type of learning in which associations are formed between two stimuli that occur sequentially in time

113
Q

operant conditioning

A

a type of learning in which associations are formed between voluntary behaviors and their outcomes

114
Q

contingency

A

stimuli repeatedly occur together, such that the presence of one stimulus reliably predicts the presence of the other

115
Q

contiguity

A

stimuli must occur close together in time

116
Q

generalization

A

a conditioned response to one object is exhibited in the presence of similar stimuli

117
Q

extinction

A

presenting the conditioned stimulus by itself until it no longer elicits a response (ex. exposure therapy)

118
Q

exposure therapy

A

treating phobias by exposing people to feared stimuli until they no longer respond

119
Q

spontaneous recovery

A

a reappearance of a conditioned response during extinction followed by a period of rest

120
Q

inhibition

A

condition stimulus predicts the non occurrence of an unconditioned stimulus

121
Q

counterconditioning

A

substituting one conditioned response with another

122
Q

aversion therapy

A

conditioning an organism to be repelled by an addictive substance

123
Q

systematic desensitizaition

A

associations between the phobic stimulus and fear are replaced with a positive emotion

124
Q

law of effect

A

behaviors that produce rewards are likely to be repeated (Edward Thorndike)

125
Q

behaviorism

A

a school of thought whereby behaviors are conditioned responses to an environmental stimuli (BF skinner)

126
Q

positive reinforcement

A

adding something good to increase the behavior

127
Q

negative reinforcement

A

removing something adverse to increase the behavior

128
Q

positive punishment

A

adding something aversive to decrease the behavior

129
Q

negative punishment

A

removing something good to decrease the behavior

130
Q

primary reinforcers

A

support our natural need for survival; food, water, safety

131
Q

secondary reinforcers

A

gain value and ability to influence behavior from being associated with other things that are valued.

132
Q

schedules of reinforcement

A

rules for determining how frequently or after how many behaviors an organism will receive reinforcement

132
Q

continuous reinforcement

A

reinforcing a behavior every time the behavior occurs

133
Q

partial reinforcement

A

reinforcing a behavior on some occasions, but not on others

134
Q

fixed ratio schedule

A

reinforcement occurs after a certain number of behaviors (needing to sell a certain number of items to get a bonus)

135
Q

fixed interval schedule

A

reinforcement occurs after the behavior has continued for a certain duration (getting a paycheck at the end of every week)

136
Q

variable ratio schedule

A

reinforcement occurs after some variable number of behaviors (slot machines play out after a variable number of plays)

137
Q

variable interval schedule

A

reinforcement occurs at variable times (social media notifications)

138
Q

rewards system in the brain

A

function is to reinforce sets of behaviors

139
Q

dopamine

A

neurotransmitter that produces a subjective feeling of pleasure when released in the reward system

140
Q

ventral tegmental area (VTA)

A

structure that initiates dopamine release in response to a behavior

141
Q

nucleus accumbens

A

integrates dopamine signaling from the VTA with prediction error; if a reward is better than expected, nucleus accumbens is involved in reinforcing the circuits involved in creating the behavior

142
Q

prefrontal cortex

A

assesses value of rewards and exerts control over behaviors

143
Q

applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy

A

use of token reward system to modify behavior in autistic children

144
Q

non-associative learning

A

changes in the magnitude of response to a single stimulus

145
Q

habituation

A

decreased reactions to repeated stimuli

146
Q

observational learning

A

type of learning where one organism watches the actions of another organism

147
Q

instincts and reflexes

A

innate behaviors that occur naturally and do not involve learning

148
Q

sensitization

A

non-associative learning process that leads to increased responsiveness to a stimulus and is considered complementary to habituation

149
Q

role of surprise

A

to interrupt an ongoing action and reorient attention to a new, possibly significant event

150
Q

shaping

A

a form of behavior modification based with operant conditioning

151
Q

token economies

A

a reward system used in a behavior modification program

152
Q

phoneme

A

the smallest component os speech sound

153
Q

morpheme

A

the smallest component of speech that carries meaning

154
Q

grammar

A

rules for combining morphemes into phrases and sentences

155
Q

linguistic relativity theory

A

our opinion of the world is shaped by the semantic categories of our native language

156
Q

critical period hypothesis

A

the ideal time during brain development for language acquisition

157
Q

synaptic pruning

A

as the brain matures, some synaptic connections are strengthened while some are weakened/eliminated

158
Q

behaviorist perspective

A

B.F. Skinner. language is learned through operant conditoning

159
Q

nativist perspective

A

Noam Chomsky. the human brain is innately hardwired to learn language, regardless of the environment

160
Q

Wernicke’s area

A

responsible for language comprehension (located in temporal lobe near primary auditory cortex)

161
Q

wernicke’s aphasia

A

deficit in language comprehension caused by damage to wernicke’s area

162
Q

broca’s area

A

located in the frontal lobe near motor cortex, responsible for language production

163
Q

broca’s aphasia

A

deficit in language production caused by damage to broca’s area

164
Q

cognition

A

internal mental processes including information processing, thinking, reasoning, and problem solving

165
Q

representation; concepts

A

mental groupings of similar things

166
Q

representational cues

A

ways of activating a particular concept or mental representations

167
Q

analogical cues

A

bear physical similarity to the concepts represented (drawings)

168
Q

symbolic cues

A

used to represent concept but dont bear any physical similarity to the object (words)

169
Q

exemplar

A

a specific example of a category that was actually observed

170
Q

prototype

A

a single, standard, or average representation of a cateogry

171
Q

problem solving

A

finding a way around an obstacle to reach a goal

171
Q

algorithms

A

precise sets of rules that will reliably generate a solution to a problem

171
Q

stereotype

A

a concept involving generalized beliefs

171
Q

trial and error

A

explore different behaviors, receive feedback from environment

172
Q
A
173
Q

heuristics

A

shortcuts to problem solving, rules of thumb

174
Q

recognition heuristic

A

higher value is placed on the more easily recognized alternative

175
Q

availability heuristic

A

the frequency of an event’s occurrence is predicted by the ease with which the event is brought to mind

176
Q

representativeness heuristic

A

stimuli that are more similar to a prototype are believed to be more likely

177
Q

affect heuristic

A

choosing between alternatives based on gut reactions

178
Q

speed-accuracy trade off

A

inverse relationship between speed an accuracy

179
Q

aging effects

A

older adults are slower and more accurate than younger adults during perceptual decision tasks

180
Q

intelligence

A

the ability to understand complex ideas, adapt effectively to the environment, learn from experience, engage in reasoning, and overcome obstacles

181
Q

eugenics

A

set of beliefs purported to improve the quality of human population

182
Q

general intelligence

A

people may vary in individual skillsets, but intelligence is best represented as a single quantity

183
Q

specific intelligence

A

people can be intelligent in a subset of domains and not in others

184
Q

fluid intelligence

A

the ability to think logically w/o learned knowledge

185
Q

crystallized intelligence

A

ability to think logically using specific learned info

186
Q

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

A

iq test used today, reliable, standardized, valid

187
Q

cultural biases

A

presence of elements w/in a test that systematically favor or disadvantage individuals from specific cultural backgrounds

188
Q

administrator bias

A

impacts of the person administering the test on how the student performs; women/minorities perform better w shared-identiy proctors

189
Q

stereotype threat

A

members of a stigmatized group find themselves in a situation where negative stereotypes provide a possible framework for interpreting their behavior

190
Q

functional fixedness

A

a type of cognitive bias that involves a tendency to see objects as only working in a particular way

191
Q

emotional intelligence

A

the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you

psychology 1010 (4 decks)

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