Untitled Deck Flashcards
What are the key steps of the scientific method?
The key steps include observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, analysis, and conclusion.
What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?
A theory is a well-substantiated explanation, while a hypothesis is a testable prediction.
What is correlation, and how do positive and negative correlations differ?
Correlation measures the relationship between two variables. Positive correlation means both variables move in the same direction, while negative correlation means they move in opposite directions.
Why does correlation not imply causation?
Correlation does not imply causation because other factors may influence the relationship between the two variables.
What are the key components of an experiment?
The key components include independent and dependent variables, control groups, and random assignment.
What are the main structures of a neuron, and how do they function?
Main structures include the cell body, dendrites, and axon. Dendrites receive signals, the cell body processes them, and the axon transmits signals.
What is an action potential, and how does it work?
An action potential is a rapid rise and fall in voltage across a neuron’s membrane, allowing for the transmission of signals.
How do neurons communicate with each other?
Neurons communicate through synapses using neurotransmitters.
What are neurotransmitters, and what roles do they play in the brain?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses and influence various brain functions.
What are the major structures of the brain and their functions?
Major structures include the cerebrum (higher functions), cerebellum (coordination), and brainstem (basic life functions).
What are the major issues in developmental psychology?
Major issues include nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. stages, and stability vs. change.
What is the role of genetic code and epigenetics in development?
Genetic code provides the blueprint for development, while epigenetics involves changes in gene expression influenced by the environment.
What are the three periods of prenatal development, and what influences them?
The three periods are germinal, embryonic, and fetal. Influences include genetics and environmental factors.
How does the brain develop during infancy and childhood?
The brain undergoes rapid growth and synaptic pruning, influenced by experiences and environment.
What are the key stages of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development?
The key stages are sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.
What is theory of mind, and how does it develop?
Theory of mind is the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings, developing around age 4-5.
What are the different attachment styles, and how do they form?
Attachment styles include secure, anxious, and avoidant, formed through interactions with caregivers.
What are the main psychological and cognitive changes during adolescence?
Changes include identity formation, increased abstract thinking, and emotional regulation.
What are the major theories of motivation?
Major theories include drive theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and self-determination theory.
How do physiological and psychological factors influence hunger?
Physiological factors include hormones and brain signals, while psychological factors include emotions and social cues.
What are the main theories of emotion?
Main theories include James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter-Singer theories.
How do we express and experience emotions, and how does culture influence this?
Emotions are expressed through facial expressions and body language, influenced by cultural norms.
What are the three characteristics that make an event stressful?
The characteristics are unpredictability, lack of control, and perceived threat.
What are the stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?
The stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
How do stress and health relate to the immune system, heart disease, personality, and depression?
Stress can weaken the immune system, increase heart disease risk, and influence personality and depression.
What is the difference between problem-focused and emotion-focused coping?
Problem-focused coping addresses the problem, while emotion-focused coping manages emotional responses.
How do personal control, optimism, and social support influence stress management?
Higher personal control, optimism, and social support can enhance stress management and resilience.
What are some ways to improve happiness and well-being?
Ways include practicing gratitude, fostering relationships, and engaging in meaningful activities.
What is the fundamental attribution error?
It is the tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors in others’ behavior.
How do attitudes influence behavior?
Attitudes can shape how we respond to situations and influence our decisions.
What is the foot-in-the-door phenomenon, and how does it work?
It is a compliance tactic where a small request is followed by a larger request.
What is cognitive dissonance, and how do people resolve it?
Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs, resolved by changing beliefs or behaviors.
What is the difference between the peripheral and central routes of persuasion?
The central route involves careful consideration of arguments, while the peripheral route relies on superficial cues.
How do individualist and collectivist cultures differ?
Individualist cultures emphasize personal goals, while collectivist cultures prioritize group goals.
What were the key findings of Asch’s conformity experiments?
Asch found that individuals often conform to group pressure, even when the group is incorrect.
What were the key findings of Milgram’s obedience experiments?
Milgram found that people are likely to obey authority figures, even when asked to perform harmful actions.
What factors influence conformity and obedience?
Factors include group size, unanimity, and perceived authority.
How do normative and informational social influences differ?
Normative influence is based on the desire to fit in, while informational influence is based on the desire to be correct.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit prejudice?
Explicit prejudice is openly expressed, while implicit prejudice is unconscious and automatic.
What are the main targets and roots of prejudice?
Targets include race, gender, and religion; roots include socialization, competition, and stereotypes.
What factors contribute to aggression?
Factors include biological influences, frustration, and social learning.
What are the key steps of bystander intervention?
Key steps include noticing the event, interpreting it as an emergency, and assuming responsibility.
What are the main personality theories, and how do they compare?
Main theories include trait, psychoanalytic, humanistic, and social-cognitive theories.
What are the key aspects of Freud’s psychoanalytic perspective?
Key aspects include the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and the importance of childhood experiences.
How do modern psychologists evaluate Freud’s theories?
Modern psychologists often critique Freud’s theories for lack of empirical support and overemphasis on sexuality.
What are the key ideas of humanistic personality theories (Maslow, Rogers)?
Key ideas include self-actualization, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of personal growth.
What are the Big Five personality traits?
The Big Five traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
What is the social-cognitive perspective on personality?
This perspective emphasizes the interaction of personal traits, behavior, and environmental factors.
How do we define psychological disorders?
Psychological disorders are patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause significant distress or impairment.
What are the medical model and biopsychosocial approaches to understanding disorders?
The medical model focuses on biological factors, while the biopsychosocial model considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of DSM-V classification?
Advantages include standardized diagnosis; disadvantages include potential stigma and over-diagnosis.
What are the symptoms and causes of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, PTSD, and OCD?
Symptoms vary by disorder but often include excessive fear, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts.
How does the biopsychosocial model explain anxiety disorders?
It explains that anxiety disorders result from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
What are the symptoms of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder?
Major depressive disorder includes persistent sadness; bipolar disorder includes mood swings between depression and mania.
How does the biopsychosocial model explain depression?
It suggests that depression arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
What is neuroadaptation, and how does it relate to addiction?
Neuroadaptation refers to changes in the brain due to substance use, leading to tolerance and dependence.
What are the effects of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens?
Depressants slow brain activity, stimulants increase it, and hallucinogens alter perception.
What are the symptoms and potential causes of schizophrenia?
Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking; causes may involve genetics and brain abnormalities.
How do brain abnormalities, genetics, and the prenatal environment contribute to schizophrenia?
These factors can increase vulnerability to developing schizophrenia.
What are the different types of eating disorders?
Types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
What are personality disorders, and how are they categorized?
Personality disorders are enduring patterns of behavior and inner experience, categorized into clusters A, B, and C.
What are the symptoms and causes of antisocial personality disorder?
Symptoms include disregard for others’ rights; causes may involve genetic and environmental factors.
What are the major types of psychological therapies, and how do they work?
Major types include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, each with different approaches.
How do psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and humanistic therapies compare?
Psychoanalytic focuses on unconscious processes, psychodynamic on interpersonal relationships, and humanistic on self-actualization.
What are the key techniques used in behavior therapy?
Key techniques include reinforcement, exposure therapy, and systematic desensitization.
How do cognitive therapies (such as Beck’s therapy) work?
Cognitive therapies aim to change negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being.
What are the major types of drug therapies, and what conditions do they treat?
Major types include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics, treating various mental health conditions.
How do brain stimulation therapies (ECT, magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation) work?
These therapies involve using electrical or magnetic fields to stimulate brain areas associated with mood regulation.
