Vocab Flashcards
define EMPIRICISM
idea knowledge originates in experience & science should rely on observation & experimentations
define STRUCTURALISM
early school of thought promoted by Wundt & Titchener using introspection to reveal structure of mind
define FUNCTIONALISM
early school of thought promoted by James & influenced by Darwin, exploring mental & behavioral processes’ function enabling adaptation, survival, & flourishment
define EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
study of behavior & thinking using experimental method
define BEHAVIORISM
view that behaviors should be studied w/o consideration of mental processes & that any behavior can be conditioned; psychology should be objective
define HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
historically significant perspective emphasizing potential growth of healthy people
define COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
interdisciplinary study of brain activity linked w/cognition (& perception, thinking, memory, & language)
define PSYCHOLOGY
science of behavior & mental processes
define NATURE-NURTURE ISSUE
longstanding controversy over relative contributions genes & experiences make to development of psychological traits & behaviors
define NATURAL SELECTION
principle that among range of inherited trait variations, those reproducing & survive will most likely pass trait to next generation
define LEVELS OF ANALYSIS
differing complementary views of biological, psychological, & social-cultural to analyze any phenomenon
define BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH
integrated approach (& perspective) incorporating biological, psychological, & social-cultural levels of analysis
define BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study of observable behavior & its explanation by principles of learning
define BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study of links between biological & psychological processes
define COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study all mental activities associated w/thinking, knowing, remembering, & communicating
define EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study of evolution of behavior & mind using principles of natural selection
define PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study of how unconscious drives & conflicts to influence behaviors; uses info to treat people w/psychological disorders
define SOCIAL-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
perspective & study how situations & cultures affect our behavior & thinking
define PSYCHOMETRICS
study of measurement of human abilities, attitudes, & traits
define BASIC RESEARCH
pure science aiming to increase scientific knowledge base
define DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
studies physical, cognitive, & social change throughout life span
define EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
how psychological processes affect & enhance teaching/learning
define PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY
study of individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling & acting
define SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
study of how we think about, influence & relate to one another
define APPLIED RESEARCH
scientific study aiming to solve practical problems
define INDUSTRIAL-ORGANIZATIONAL (I/O) PSYCHOLOGY
application of psychological concepts & methods to optimize human behavior @ work
define HUMAN FACTORS PSYCHOLOGY
I/O psychology subfield exploring how ppl & machines interact & how machines & physical environments can be made safe & easy to use
define COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
assists people w/problems in living & achieving greater well-being
define CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
studies, assiesses, & treats ppl w/psychological disorders
define PSYCHIATRY
medicine dealing w/psychological disorders & provides medical treatments & therapy
define POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
study of human function w/goals of discovering & promoting stresgnths & virtues that help individuals & communities thrive
define COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
studies how people interact w/social environment & how social institutes affect individuals & groups
define ARCHIVAL MEASURES
data obtained from existing records & storage
define CASE STUDY
descriptive technique which 1 indiv/group studied in depth in hope of revealing universal principles
define CONFOUNDING VARIABLES
factor other than independent variable that might produce effect in environment
define CONTROL GROUP
group not exposed to treatment to contrast experimental group & compare to evaluate effect of treatment
define CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH
non-experimental research measuring 2 variables & understand the statistical relationship between them
define CORRELATION COEFFICIENT
statistical index of relationship between 2 variables from (-1 to +1)
define COUNTERBALANCING
technique to deal w/order effects when using repeated measures design
define DEMAND CHARACTERISTICS
cues that might indicate research objectives to participants
define DEPENDENT VARIABLES
outcome factor; the variable that may change due to manipulation of independent variable
define DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS
numerical data to measure & describe characteristics of groups including measures of central tendency & variation
define DOUBLE-BLIND PROCEDURE
experiment in which both research participants & research staff are ignorant about whether participants received treatment or placebo
define EXPERIMENT
research method where investigator manipulates 1 or more factors to observe effects on some behavior/mental process
define EXPERIMENTAL GROUP
group exposed to treatment, that is, to 1 version of independent variable
define experimenter expectancy effects
how perceived expectations of observer can influence ppl being observed; aka observer expectancy effect
define EXTERNAL VALIDITY
how well outcome of research study can be expected to apply to other settings
define HYPOTHESIS
testable prediction often implied by theory
define INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
experimental factor that is manipulated whose effect is being studied
define INFERENTIAL STATISTICS
numerical data allowing one to generalize/infer sample data of probability of something true in population
define INFORMED CONSENT
ethical principle that research participants be told enough to choose whether they wish to participate
define INTERNAL VALIDITY
extent observed results represent truth in population
define MEAN
mathematical average of distribution from adding scores then dividing by number of scores
define MEDIAN
middle score where half the scores are above & half are below
define META-ANALYSIS
procedure for statistically combining results of many different research studies
define MODE
most frequently occurring score
define NATURALISTIC OBSERVATION
observing & recording behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate/control situation
define NEGATIVE CORRELATION
2 variables move in opposite size & direction from each other
define OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
carefully worded statement about procedures used in study
define PLACEBO
experimental results from expectations that participants received treatment when they did not
define PLACEBO EFFECT
effect on behavior from placebo
define POPULATION
all those in group being studied from which samples may be drawn (except for national studies)
define POSITIVE CORRELATION
2 variables move in same direction
define RANDOM ASSIGNMENT
assigning participants to experimental & control groups by chance minimizing preexisting differences between different groups
define RANGE
difference between highest & lowest scores in distribution
define REPLICATION
repeating essences of study w/diff people in dif. situations to see whether basic findings extends to other participants & circumstances
define REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE
group closely matching characteristics of population as whole
define SAMPLE
subset of population used in experiment
define SCATTERPLOT
graphed cluster of dots representing values of 2 variables & slope suggests direction of relationship & amnt of scatter suggests correlation
define STANDARD DEVIATION
computed measure of how much scores vary around mean
define STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE
statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance
define SURVEY RESEARCH
technique for ascertaining self-reported attitudes of behaviors of particular group gen by questioning representatitve random of group
define THEORY
explanation using integrated set of principles that organizes observations & predicts behaviors/events
define UNOBTRUSIVE MEASURES
method of data collection no involving direct contact w/participants
define VARIABLE
condition in experiment
define MOTIVATION
driving force that energizes/leads to behavior
define INSTINCT
unlearned, innate complex behavior specific to a species
define DRIVE-REDUCTION THEORY
idea that physical needs causes drive to motivate satisfaction of needs
define HOMEOSTASIS
balanced internal state/check & balance of body chemistry to maintain balanced state
define INCENTIVE
positive/megative consequence motivating behavior
define HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
Maslow’s theory that physical needs must be met before all other needs, most basic needs must be met before reaching self-actualization
define GLUCOSE
sugar in blood/muscle tissue responsible for energy in body
define SET POINT
point of ideal weight
define BASAL METABOLIC RATE
rate of energy use by body when at rest
define ANOREXIA NERVOSA
eating disorder characterized by starvation & being at least 15% underweight & most prevalent in adolescent femal
define BULIMIA NERVOSA
eating disorder characterized by binge-eating & purging/fasting
define BINGE-EATING DISORDER
periods of binge-eating w/distress/disgust/guilt w/o purging
define SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
4 stages of sex by Masters & Johnson (excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution)
define REFRACTORY PERIOD
period of inactivity/rest after neuron firing or male orgasm
define ESTROGENS
sex hormone responsible for female characteristics, ovulation, & sexual receptivity; most dominant in females
define TESTOSTERONE
most important male sex hormone responsible for male sex characterisitics & developments
define SEXUAL ORIENTATION
atttraction toward own/other/both sexes
define EMOTION
response to stimuli composed of physical arousal, behavioral response, & conscious experience
define JAMES-LANGE THEORY
one of the 4 theories of emotion stating physical arousal comes before awareness of emotion
define CANNON-BARD THEORY
one of the 4 theories of emotion statying physical arousal & emotion happen simultaneously
define TWO-FACTOR THEORY
one of the 4 theories of emotions stating arousal comes first & is consciously labeled an emotion
define CATHARSIS
idea that releasing aggresseive urges releases them
define FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD PHENOMENON
tendency to be more helpful when in good mood
define ADAPTATION-LEVEL PHENOMENON
tendency to form judgments relative to neutral baseline determined by previous experience
define RELATIVE DEPRIVATION
perception we are worse off than people we compare ourselves with
define BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
utilizes behavioral, psychosocial, & biomedical concepts to prevent, diagnose, & treat psychosomatic shows
define STRESS
process we perceive & respond to events that are threatening/challenging
define GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME
body’s adaptive response in 3 stages
define TYPE A
generalization of people who are competitive, hard-driving, impatient, verbally-aggressive, and anger-prone
define TYPE B
generalization for easygoing, relaxed people
define PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY
study of relationship between psychological, neural, & endocrime processes
define LYMPHOCYTES
2 types of WBC (B & T)
define ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
test to assess what taker has learned
define APTITUDE TESTS
test to predict future performance/capacity to learn
define CONTENT VALIDITY
extent which test samples behavior being studied
define PERSONALITY
characteristics & behavior making up major traits/interests/drives/values/self-concept/abilities/emotional patterns/adaptability
define FREE ASSOCIATION
technique where pt relaxes and says whatever comes to mind
define PSYCHOANALYSIS
ideology centered on infantile sexuality, oedipus complex, instinct theory, pleasure & reality principle, id/ego/superego, defense mechanisms
define UNNCONSCIOUS
reservoir of mostly unacceptable thoughts/wishes/feelings/memories & information processing we are not aware of
define ID
reservoir of unconscious psyche energy striving to satisfy basic sexual & aggressive desires
define EGO
largely conscious part of personality mediating id, superego, and reality
define SUPEREGO
part of personality representing internalized ideals & gives standards for judgment & future aspirations
define PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES
childhood stages of development where id’s pleasure seeking energies focus on erogenous zones
define OEDIPUS COMPLEX
boy’s sexual desire to mom and hatred for father
define IDENTIFICATION
process kids incorporate parent’s values into their superegos
define FIXATION
lingering focus of pleasure-seeking energies at earlier psychosexual stage where conflict was unresolved
define DEFENSE MECHANISM
ego’s protective methods of reducing anxiety by unconsciously distorting reality
define REACTION FORMATION
defense mechanism where unacceptable/threatening impulses are consciously replaced with their opposite
define PROJECTION
defense mechanism attributing impulse to others
define DISPLACEMENT
defense mechanism transfering feelings/behavior from original subject to another person/thing
define SUBLIMATION
defense mechanism where unacceptable drives channeled into socially acceptable drives
define COLLECTIVE UNCONSCIOUS
idea of shared inherited reservoir of memories
define PROJECTIVE TEST
personality test providing ambiguous stimuli to trigger projection inner dynamics
define THEMATIC APPERCEPTION TEST
projective test where ppl express inner feelings & interests through stories of ambiguous scenes
define RORSCACH TEST
inkblot test
define TERROR MANAGEMENT THEORY
theory exploring emotional and behavioral responses to reminders of death
define SELF-CONCEPT
all thoughts & feelings about ourselves answering “who am I?”
define TRAIT
characterisitc pattern of behavior/disposition to feel and act
define PERSONALITY INVENTORY
questionnaire where items gauge wide range of feelings & behaviors to assess personality traits
define MINNESOTA MULTIPHASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY (MMPI)
most widely researched & clinically used of all personality test
define EMPIRICALLY DERIVED TEST
test developed by testing pool of items then selecting those that discriminate
define PERSONAL CONTROL
perception one has ability/resources/opportunities to get positive outcomes through own actions
define RECIPROCAL DETERMINISM
behavior, individual, and environment all influence each other
define EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
perception that chance/outside forces determine our fate
define INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
perception that we control our own fate
define POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
study of human function w/goals of discovering & promoting strengths and viritues helping communities & individuals thrive
define SELF
assumed to be center of personality & organizer of thoughts/feelings/actions
define SELF-ESTEEM
feelings of self worth
define SELF-SERVING BIAS
readiness to perceive oneself favorable
define INDIVIDUALISM
giving priority to own goals over group & defining identity from personal attributes
define COLLECTIVISM
giving priority to goals of group and defining identity accordingly
define MEMORY
learning over time via encoding, storage, and retrieval
define ENCODING
the processing of info to memory
define STORAGE
process of retaining encoded info
define RETRIEVAL
process of retrieving info from memory
define SENSORY MEMORY
immediate brief recording of sensory info in memory
define SHORT-TERM MEMORY
memory that only holds little info before being forgotten
define LONG-TERM MEMORY
relatively permanent and limitless memory storage of knowledge, skills, and experience
define WORKING MEMORY
newer short-term memory focusing on conscious, active processing of auditory and visual-spatial info and info from long-term memory
define PARALLEL PROCESSING
process many aspects simultaneously and is brain’s natural preferred method
define AUTOMATIC PROCESSING
unconscious encoding of info of space, time, frequency, and word meaning
define EFFORTFUL PROCESSING
encoding needs conscious effort
define REHEARSAL
repetition of info to maintain memory
define SPACING EFFECT
tendency for distributed study/practice to achieve better long-term retention than mass study
define SERIAL POSITION EFFECT
tendency to recall first and last items best
define VISUAL ENCODING
process visual stimuli converted into info able to be processed in memory
define ACOUSTIC ENCODING
process auditory stimuli converted into info to be processed in memory
define SEMANTIC ENCODING
cognitive encoding of new info focusing on meaningful aspects
define IMAGERY
cognitive combination of sensory input from 5 senses creating mental image
define MNEMONICS
memory aids
define CHUNKING
organizing items into familiar units automatically
define ICONIC MEMORY
momentary memory of visual stimuli lasting few-tenths of a second
define ECHOIC MEMORY
momentary memory of auditory stimuli
define LONG-TERM POTENTIATION (LTP)
increase in cell’s firing potential after stimulation
define FLASHBULB MEMORY
clear memory of emotionally significant event
define AMNESIA
partial/complete temporary/permanent loss of memory
define IMPLICIT MEMORY
memory independent of conscious recollection
define EXPLICIT MEMORY
memory of facts and experiences that can be declared
define HIPPOCAMPUS
neural center in limbic system helping process explicit memories for storage
define RECALL
retrieving info w/o external prompts/cues
define RECOGNITION
ability to identify items previously learned w/cues
define RELEARNING
assessing amount of time saved when learning material again
define PRIMING
activation of certain associations predisposing perception/memory/response
define DEJA VU
eerie sense of “I’ve experienced this before” because cues unconsciously trigger retrieval
define MOOD-CONGRUENT MEMORY
tendency to recall experiences congruent w/good or bad mood
define PROACTIVE INTERFERENCE
disruptive effect of prior learning on recall of new info
define RETROACTIVE INTERFERENCE
disruptive effect of new learning on recall of old info
define REPRESSION
defense mechanism that banish conscious anxiety, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
define MISINFORMATION EFFECT
incorporating misleading info into one’s memory of event
define SOURCE AMNESIA
attributing to wrong source an event we experienced/heard or read about/imagined
