click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Psychology
Test #1
Question | Answer |
---|---|
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes | Psychology |
What are the goals of Psychology? | Description, Explanation, Theory, prediction and control |
What is a theory? | Explanation of a set of observations or facts |
Focused on structure or basic elements of the mind | Structuralism |
Established first psychology laboratory | Wilhelm Wundt |
Who was involved in structuralism? | Wilhelm Wundt, Edward Titchener, Margaret Washburn |
Examine and measure personal thought and mental activities | Developed objective introspection |
Wundt's student, brought structuralism to America. | Edward Titchener |
Titchener's student, first woman to earn a Ph.D. in psychology | Margaret Washburn |
When did Structuralism die out? | Early 1900s |
Function in the real world | Functionalism |
How people to adapt, live, work, and play | Functionalism |
Proposed by William James | Functionalism |
Influenced modern fields... | Educational psychology, Evolutionary psychology, Industrial/organizational psychology |
Perception can only be understood as a complete event | Max Wertheimer/Gestalt Psychology |
Understanding patterns, whole figures | Max Wertheimer/Gestalt Psychology |
German translated as "organized whole" | Gestalt |
Ideas are now part of modern cognitive psychology | Field focuses on perception, learning, memory, thought processes, and problem solving/gestalt psychology |
Developed by Sigmun Freud | Psychoanalysis |
Trained as a physician, worked with patients with nervous disorders | Sigmun Freud |
Main Ideas: Unconscious (unaware) mind, Repressed urges create nervous disorders | Psychoanalysis |
Where threatening impulses and desires are repressed | Unconcious (unaware) mind |
Stressed importance of early childhood experiences, formed the basis for modern therapy | Freud's concepts |
Who was involved in Behaviorism | Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson |
Russian physiology, studied digestive processes, reflex can occur with new and unrelated stimulus, conditioned dogs to salivate to metronome. | Ivan Pavlov |
Developed the "science of behavior", Psychology should focus on observable behavior, believed phobias were learned through conditioning | John B. Watson |
Must be directly seen and measure, ignore notion of unconscious | Psychology should focus on observable behavior/behaviorism |
Case of "Little Albert", child conditioned to fear a white rat | Believed phobias were learned through conditioning/behaviorism |
What are some Modern perspectives? | Psychodynamic perspective, behavioral perspective, humanistic perspective, Cognitive perspective, sociocultural perspective, biopsychological perspective, evolutionary perspective |
Modern version of psychoanalysis | Psychodynamic perspective |
Focus on development of a sense of self | Psychodynamic perspective |
Discover motivations behind behavior (no emphasis on sexual motivations) | Psychodynamic perspective |
Developed theory of how voluntary behavior is learned | B. F. Skinner/ behavioral perspective |
Introduced concept of reinforcement | B. F. Skinner/ behavioral perspective |
B. F. Skinner, perspective was major force in the twentieth century | Behavioral perspective |
People have free will to choose destiny, self-actualization (achieving one's full potential or actual self) | Humanistic perspective |
Who were some early contributors to the humanistic perspective? | Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers |
Used in psychotherapy, assists in self-understanding | Modern humanism |
Major force emerging in 1960's | Cognitive perspective |
Focus on memory, intelligence, perception, problem-solving, and learning | Cognitive perspective |
Physical workings of brain and nervous system, use imaging techniques (MRI, PET) | Cognitive neuroscience |
Examines relationship between social behavior and culture | Sociocultural perspective |
Behavior is a result of biological events in the body (Genetic influences, hormones, and the activity of the nervous system) | Biopsychological perspective |
Examines biological bases of universal mental characteristics that all humans share (seeks to explain mental strategies and traits, mind is seen as a set of information processing machines) | Evolutionary perspective |
System of gathering date, bias and error in measurement are reduced | Scientific Method |
Tentative explanation of a phenomenon based on observations | Hypothesis |
What are the steps in the Scientific Method? | 1. Perceive the question 2. Form hypothesis 3. Test the hypothesis 4. Draw conclusions 5. Report results |
Allows for replication (demonstrate reliability of results | 5. Report results |
Watch animals or humans behave in their normal environment | Naturalistic observation |
What is the advantage to naturalistic observation? | Realistic picture of behavior |
What are the disadvantages to naturalistic observation? | Observer effect, Observer bias, each naturalistic setting is unique |
How may you reduce observer effect? | Through participant observation |
People or animals behave differently when they know they are being observed | Observer effect |
Observers see what they expect to see... | Observer bias |
How may you reduce observer bias? | Blind observers |
Watching animals or humans in a laboratory setting | Laboratory observation |
What are the advantages to Laboratory observation? | Control over environment, Allows use of specialized equipment, can lead to the development of hypotheses |
What are the disadvantages to laboratory observation? | Artificial situation that may result in artificial behavior |
Study of one individual in great detail | Case study |
What are advantages to case studies? | Tremendous amount of detail, good for studying rare conditions |
What are disadvantages to case studies? | Cannot apply results easily to similar individuals, vulnerable to bias of researcher |
Researcher asks a series of questions about the topic under study | Survey |
Given to a representative sample, population (randomly selected sample of subjects from a larger group | Survey |
What are advantages to suverys? | Data from large numbers of people, study covert behaviors |
What are disadvantages to surveys? | Have to ensure representative sample (or results not meaningful), people not always accurate (courtesy bias) |
Measure of the relationship between two variables | Correlation |
Anything that can change or vary | Variable |
Knowing the value of one variable allows prediction of the value of the other variable | Correlation |
Mathematical calculation, measures: direction of the relationship & strength of the relationship | Correlation coefficient (r) |
What does correlation coefficient range from? | 1.00 to +1.00 |
How do you know if the relationship is stronger in correlation? | Closer to 1.00 or -1.00 |
Variables are related in the same direction (as one increases the other increases etc.) | Positive correlation |
Variables are related in opposed directions, as one increases, the other decreases | Negative correlation |
Correlation does not prove what? | Causation |
Allows researchers to determine cause and effect, deliberate manipulation of variables, holding constant other variables | The experiment |
Specifies steps or procedures used to control or measure the experimental variables | Operational definition |
Variable manipulated by experimenter | Independent variable (IV) |
Represents measured response of the experimental manipulation | Dependent Variable (DV) |
Receives the manipulation | Experimental Group |
Not subjected to the independent variable, controls for other factors (confounds) that may affect the outcome | Control group |
Participants are assigned randomly to control or experimental group, each participant has equal chance of assignment to experimental or control groups | Random assignment |
Expectations of the participants can influence their behavior, class control-give placebo to control group | Placebo effect |
Experimenter's expectations unintentionally influence study | Experimenter effect |
Subjects do not know if they are in the experimental or the control group, reduces placebo effect | Single-blind study |
Neither experimenter or participants know if in experimental or control group, reduces placebo and experimenter effects | Double-blind study |
Professional group that reviews the safety, consideration of participants | Institutional review board |
What are some common ethical guidelines? | 1. Rights and well-being of participants must be weighed against the study's value to science 2. Participants must be allowed to make an informed decision about participation 3. Deception must be justified |
Attempt to answer questions not obtainable with human research, avoid exposure to unnecessary pain or suffering, animals are used in approximately 7% of psychological studies | Animal research |
A network of cells that carries information to and from all parts of the body | Nervous system |
The brain and spinal cord | Central Nervous system |
Interprets and stores information and sends orders to muscles, glands, and organs | Brain |
Pathway connecting the brain and the peripheral nervous system | Spinal cord |
Transmits information to and from the central nervous system | Peripheral nervous system |
Automatically regulates glands, internal organs and blood vessels, pupil dilation, digestion, and blood pressure | Autonomic nervous system |
Carries sensory information and controls movement of the skeletal muscles | Somatic nervous system |
Maintains body functions under ordinary conditions; saves energy | Parasympathetic division |
Prepares the body to react and expend energy in times of stress | Sympathetic division |
A branch of the life sciences that deals with the structure and function of neurons, nerves, and nervous tissue | Neuroscience |
Branch of neuroscience that focuses on the biological bases of psychological processes, behavior, and learning | Biological psychology/behavioral neuroscience |
The basic cell that makes up the nervous system and that receives and sends messages within that system | Neuron |
Branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons | Dendrites |
the cell body of the neuron responsible for maintaining the life of the cell | Soma |
Tubelike structure that carries the neural message to other cells | Axon |
Cells that provide support for the neurons to grow on and around, deliver nutrients to neurons, produce myelin to coat axons, clean up waste products and dead neurons, influence information processing | Glial cells |
Fatty substances produced by certain glial cells that coat the axons of neurons to insulate, protect, and speed up the neural impulse. | Myelin |
Bundles of axons coated in myelin that travel together through the body | Nerves |
Process of molecules moving from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration | Diffusion |
The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse | Resting potential |
The release of the neural impulse consisting of a reversal of the electrical charge within the axon | Action potential |
Referring to the fact that a neuron either fires completely or does not fire at all | All-or-none |
Rounded areas on the end of the axon terminals | Synaptic knob |
Branches at the end of the axon | Axon terminals |
Saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals | Synaptic vesicles |
Chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that, when released, has an effect on the next cell | Neurotransmitter |
Microscopic fluid-filled space between the synaptic knob of one cell and the dendrites or surface of the next cell | Synapse (synaptic gap) |
Three-dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands, which are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters | Receptor sites |
Synapse at which neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to fire | Excitatory synapse |
Synapse at which a neurotransmitter causes the receiving cell to stop firing | Inhibitory synapse |
Chemical substances that mimic or enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter on the receptor sites of the next cell, increasing or decreasing the activity of that cell | Agonists |
Process by which neurotransmitters are taken back into the synaptic vesicles | Reuptake |
Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in memory and controls muscle contractions | Acetylcholine |
Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in mood, sleep, and appetite | Serotonin |
Major inhibitory neurotransmitter; involved in sleep and inhibits movement | GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) |
Major excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning, memory formation, and nervous system development | Glutamate |
Mainly excitatory; involved in arousal and mood | Norepinephrine |
Excitatory or inhibitory; involved in control of movement and sensations of pleasure | Dopamine |
Inhibitory neural regulators; involved in pain relief | Endorphins |
Process by which structure of neurotransmitter is altered so it can no longer act on a receptor | Enzymatic degradation |
Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord | Central nervous system (CNS) |
A long bundle of neurons that carries messages between the body and the brain and is responsible for very fast, lifesaving reflexes | Spinal cord |
Which part of the neuron receives messages from other cells? | Dendrite |
Which one of the following is NOT a function of the myelin sheath? | Aids in reuptake |
When a neuron's action potential occurs, _____ ions are rushing into the axon through openings on the membrane. | Sodium |
When the action potential reaches the end of the axon terminals, it causes the release of ______. | Neurotransmitters that excite or inhibit the next cell |
Receiving neurons have special _____ that fit the shape of certain molecules. | Receptor sites |
What is associated with sleep, mood, and appetite? | Serotonin |
A neuron that carries information from the senses to the central nervous system | Afferent (sensory) neuron |
A neuron that carries messages from the central nervous system to the muscles of the body | Efferent (motor) neuron |
A neuron found in the center of the spinal cord that receives information from the afferent neurons and sends commands to the muscles through the efferent neurons | Interneuron |
The connection of the afferent neurons to the interneurons to the efferent neurons, resulting in a reflex action | Reflex arc |
The ability within the brain to constantly change both the structure and function of many cells in response to experience or trauma | Neuroplasticity |
Special cells found in all the tissues of the body that are capable of manufacturing other cell types when those cells need to be replaced due to damage or wear and tear | Stem cells |
All nerves and neurons that are not contained in the brain and spinal cord but that run through the body itself | Peripheral nervous system (PNS) |
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that carry information from the senses to the CNS and from the CNS to the voluntary muscles of the body | Somatic nervous system |
Division of the PNS consisting of nerves that control all of the involuntary muscles, organs, and glands. | Autonomic nervous system (ANS) |
Nerves coming from the sensory organs to the CNS consisting of afferent neurons | Sensory Pathway |
Nerves coming from the CNS to the voluntary muscles, consisting of efferent neurons | Motor pathway |
Part of the ANS that is responsible for reacting to stressful events and bodily arousal | Sympathetic division (fight-or-flight system) |
Part of the ANS that restores the body to normal functioning after arousal and is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the organs and glands | Parasympathetic division |
Glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream | Endocrine glands |
Chemicals released into the bloodstream by endocrine glands | Hormones |
Gland located in the brain that secretes human growth hormone and influences all other hormone-secreting glands (also known as the master gland) | Pituitary gland |
Endocrine gland located near the base of the cerebrum; secretes melatonin | Pineal gland |
Endocrine gland found in the neck; regulates metabolism | Thyroid gland |
Endocrine gland; controls the levels of sugar in the blood | Pancreas |
Sex glands; secrete hormones that regulate sexual development and behavior as well as reproduction | Gonads |
The female gonads | Ovaries |
The male gonads | Testes |
Endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that secrete over 30 different hormones to deal with stress, regulate salt intake, and provide a secondary source of sex hormones affecting the sexual changes that occur during adolescence | Adrenal glands |
The neurons of the motor pathway control ________. | Voluntary muscles |
IF you are typing on the computer keyboard, the motions of your fingers on the keys are probably being controlled by _____. | Motor pathway neurons |
What type of cell can become other types of cells in the body? | Stem cells |
If the pancreas secretes too little insulin, it causes _______. | Diabetes |
Insertion of a thin, insulated wire into the brain through which an electrical current is sent that destroys the brain cells at the tip of the wire | Deep lesioning |
Brain-imaging method using computer-controlled X-rays of the brain | Computed tomography (CT) |
Brain-imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields of the body to produce detailed images of the brain | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) |
Machine designed to record the electroencephalogram | Electroencephalograph |
A recording of the electrical activity of larger groups of cortical neurons just below the skull, most often using scalp electrodes | Electroencephalogram (EEG) |
Brain-imaging method in which a radioactive sugar is injected into a person and a computer compiles a color-coded image of the activity of the brain | Positron emission tomography (PET) |
Neuroimaging method that is similar to PET but uses a different radioactive tracer and can be used to examine brain blood flow | Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) |
MRI-based brain-imaging method that allows for functional examination of brain areas through changes in brain oxygenation | Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) |
The first large swelling at the top of the spinal cord, forming the lowest part of the brain, which is responsible for life-sustaining functions such as breathing, swallowing, and heart rate | Medulla |
The larger swelling above the medulla that connects the top of the brain to the bottom and that plays a part in sleep, dreaming, left-right body coordination, and arousal | Pons |
An area of neurons running through the middle of the medulla and the pons and slightly beyond that is responsible for general attention, alertness, and arousal | Reticular formation (RF) |
Part of the lower brain located behind the pons that controls and coordinates involuntary, rapid, fine motor movement | Cerebellum |
A group of several brain structures located primarily under the cortex and involved in learning, emotion, memory, and motivation | Limbic system |
Part of the limbic system located in the center of the brain, tis structure relays sensory information from the lower part of the brain to the proper areas of the cortex and processes some sensory information before sending it to its proper area | Thalamus |
Two projections just under the front of the brain that receive information from the receptors in the nose located just below | Olfactory bulbs |
Small structure in the brain located below the thalamus and directly above the pituitary gland, responsible for motivational behavior such as sleep, hunger, thirst, and sex. | Hypothalamus |
Curved structure located within each temporal lobe, responsible for the formation of long-term memories and the storage of memory for location of objects | Hippocampus |
Brain structure located near the hippocampus, responsible for fear responses and memory of fear | Amygdala |
Outermost covering of the brain consisting of densely packed neurons, responsible for higher thought processes and interpretation of sensory input | Cortex |
If you have problems storing away new memories, the damage is most likely in the ______ area of the brain. | Hippocampus |
The two sections of the cortex on the left and right sides of the brain | Cerebral hemispheres |
Thick band of neutrons that connects the right and left cerebral hemispheres | Corpus callosum |
Section of the brain located at the rear and bottom of each cerebral hemisphere containing the visual centers of the brain | Occipital lobe |
Sections of the brain located at the top and back of each cerebral hemisphere containing the centers for touch, taste, and temperature sensations | Parietal lobes |
Area of neurons running down the front of the parietal lobes responsible for processing information from the sin and internal body receptors for touch, temperature, body position, and possible taste | Somatosensory cortex |
Areas of the brain located along the side, starting just behind the temples, containing the neurons responsible for the sense of hearing and meaningful speech | Temporal lobes |
Areas of the brain located in the front and top, responsible for higher mental processes and decision making as well as the production of fluent speech | Frontal lobes |
Rear section of the frontal lobe, responsible for sending motor commands to the muscles of the somatic nervous system | Motor cortex |
Neurons that fire when an animal or person performs an action and also when an animal or person observes that same action being performed by another | Mirror neurons |
Areas within each lobe of the cortex responsible for the coordination and interpretation of information, as well as higher mental processing | Association areas |
Condition resulting from damage to Broca's area, causing the affected person to be unable to speak fluently, to mispronounce words, and to speak haltingly | Broca's aphasia |
Condition resulting from damage to Wernicke's area, causing the affected person to be unable to understand or produce meaningful language | Wernicke's aphasia |
Condition produced most often by damage to the parietal lobe association areas of the right hemisphere resulting in an inability to recognize objects or body parts in the left visual field | Unilateral spatial neglect |
The upper part of the brain consisting of the two hemispheres and the structure that connect them | Cerebrum |
The higher mental functions, such as thinking and problem solving, are found in the ______ lobes. | Frontal |
Dr. Ramachandran's unilateral spatial neglect patient suffered a stroke that most likely cause damage to her _______. | Right parietal lobe |