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AP PSYCHOLOGY EXAM REVIEW Flashcards

All of the vocab from the Barron's AP Psych review book with definitions

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9833937022Wilhelm WundtSet up the first psychological laboratory. Used Introspection and Structuralism0
9833937023IntrospectionSubject is asked to record exactly their thought reactions to a simple stimuli1
9833937024StructuralismIdea that the mind operates by combining subjective emotions and object sensations2
9833937025William JamesPublished "Principles of Psychology" and furthered Structuralism towards Functionalism3
9833937026Gestalt PsychologyAgainst dividing thought and behavior; examine a person's total perception4
9833937027Sigmund FreudPsychoanalytic approach who believed the unconscious mind showed who a person was - caused by repression of thoughts5
9833937028John WatsonBehavioralist who said that psychology must focus on observable concepts - Little Albert Study6
9833937029BehavioralismPsychology should focus on only 'observable' behavior through stimuli and responses7
9833937030BF SkinnerExpanded ideas of behavioralism to include the concept of reinforcement. He became the father of Operant Conditioning8
9833937031ReinforcementEnvironmental stimuli that encourage or discourage a response9
9833937032EclecticLooking at thought/behavior from multiple perspectives - play it by ear10
9833937033Humanistic PsychologyStresses choice and free will of people; we choose our action and make our own destinies11
9833937034Psycho-Analytic Approachthe unconscious mind controls much of our thought and action; to understand unconscious, dream analysis and other techniques are used12
9833937035Biological PsychologyHuman cognition and reactions are caused by our genes, hormones, and neurology13
9833937036Evolutionary PsychologyExamine human thoughts and actions through natural selection - best thoughts/traits continue14
9833937037Cognitive PsychologyExamine human thought and behavior by how we interpret, process, and remember events. Why we think the way we do15
9833937038Hindsight BiasPeople feel that they've "known all along" after hearing research findings that they did not know16
9833937039Applied Researchresearch that has a clear, practical application that's used in life17
9833937040Basic ResearchResearch that does not intend to impact immediate, real-world problems18
9833937041HypothesisExpresses the relationship between the independent and dependent variables - based on theory19
9833937042TheoryAttempt to explain a phenomena in a way that generates a testable hypothesis for support20
9833937043Valid ResearchMeasures what the researcher intended and is accurate21
9833937044Reliable ResearchResearch results can be replicated to find identical results22
9833937045SamplingProcess of selecting subjects from a totally random cross-section of society23
9833937046Stratified SamplingSampling of random people but all of whom meet a certain criteria (age, gender, race, etc)24
9833937047Case StudyUsed to get a full, detailed picture of one or a small group of participants. Not generalized25
9833937048Descriptive StatisticsDescribe a set of data by using frequency polygons (line graphs) and histograms (bar graphs)26
9833937049Central TendencyAttempt to mark the center of distribution (mean median mode)27
9833937050Positively ScewedCentral Tendency is higher because of an outlier. Mean > Median in this case28
9833937051Negatively ScewedCentral Tendency is lowed because of an outlier. Mean < Median in this case29
9833937052Z ScoresMeasure the distance of a result to the standard mean. Scores below mean are negative and above are positive. Z Score = (score - mean) / (Standard Deviation)30
9833937053CorrelationMeasures the relationship between two variables; positive or negative31
9833937054Inferential StatisticsDetermine whether or not findings can be applied to a larger population than the sample that was selected; can the information be generalized and expanded32
9833937055Sampling ErrorThe extent to which a sample differs from the actual population33
9833937056P ValueSmaller a P-Value, the more significant the findings. Must be over a P-Value of .05 (5% chance of error) to be significant34
9833937057APA Ethical GuidelinesNo Coercion (voluntary). Informed Consent. Anonymity. Risk (not in risk of SERIOUS harm mentally or physically). Debriefing.35
9833937058NeoroanatomyStudy of parts and functions of neurons36
9833937059NeuronsIndividual Nerve Cells37
9833937060DendritesRoot-looking part of a neuron that connects multiple neurons when attaching to the Terminal Buttons38
9833937061AxonWire-like structure that extends from the cell body, covered by the Myelin Sheath for protection39
9833937062Terminal ButtonsBranched end of a neuron that contains neurotransmitters. Connects to Dendrites40
9833937063SynapseThe space between one neuron's Dendrites and another neurons Terminal Buttons41
9833937064Action PotentialWhen a neuron fired and sends its message through the axon to the Dendrites, then onto the next neuron42
9833937065All of Nothing PrincipleNeurons either fire or don't in Action Potential43
9833937066NeurotransmittersChemicals held in the terminal buttons of a neuron that travel the synaptic gap between neurons. Excitory: make next neuron fire. Inhibitory: stops another neuron from firing44
9833937067Afferent NeuronTake information from the senses and deliver it to the brain45
9833937068Efferent (Motor) NeuronsTake information from the brain and deliver it to the rest of the body46
9833937069Inter-neuronsTake information once it reaches the brain and redirects it to other parts of the body or specific areas of the brain47
9833937070Central Nervous System (CNS)consists of the brain and spinal chord; transmits info to the brain48
9833937071Peripheral Nervous SystemConsists of all nerves not in the CNS; divided into Somatic and Autonomic49
9833937072Somatic Nervous SystemControls voluntary muscle movements, receives info from the motor cortex in the brain50
9833937073Autonomic Nervous SystemControls all of the automatic muscles in our body (heart, lungs, etc). Sympathetic - excited body during stress. Parasympathetic - cools body down after stress51
9833937074Phineas GageRailroad spike through brain caused emotional distress after recovery52
9833937075LesionsRemoving or destroying any part of the brain in surgery or experimentation53
9833937076Electroencephalogram (EEG)Detects brain waves and activity during different activities and functions54
9833937077Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)Uses multiple X-Rays to create a 3D model of the brain. Only shows structure, not function55
9833937078Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Uses magnetic fields to create a model of the brain but without the radiation of X-Rays. Only shows the structure, not function56
9833937079Position Emission Tomography (PET)Shows what parts of the brain are active at a time57
9833937080HindbrainLife Support system that controls our basic biological Functions that keep us alive - Medulla, Pons, Cerebellum58
9833937081MedullaControls blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate59
9833937082PonsConnects the hindbrain to the rest of the brain; in charge of facial expressions60
9833937083CerebellumCoordinates habitual movements, like following a target with your eyes or playing an instrument61
9833937084MidbrainInvolved with sensory info and muscle movement62
9833937085ForebrainControls how much we interpret thought and reasoning; memory involved, too63
9833937086ThalamusRecieves sensory signals from the body and sends them to the appropriate brain areas - secretary64
9833937087HypothalamusControls Metabolism, body temperature, endocrine systems, and hunger65
9833937088AmygdalaDetermines experiences of emotions66
9833937089HippocampusVital to memory - used Amygdala to remember emotions toward subjects67
9833937090Cerebral CortexOuter, wrinkled part of the brain that connects neurons as we learn and grow68
9833937091Left HemisphereGets sensory messages and controls motor skills of the right side of the body. More concrete and logical69
9833937092Right HemisphereGets sensory messages and controls motor skills of the left side of the body. More spatial and creative side70
9833937093Association AreasPart of the cerebral cortex not involved in sensory info or muscle movement71
9833937094Frontal LobeContains Broca's (speech) and Wernicke's (Understanding Speech). Also contains the motor cortex (voluntary movements)72
9833937095Parietal LobeContains the sensory cortex, which receives incoming touch sensations from the body73
9833937096Occipital LobeIn the back of the brain (furthest from eyes); controls how we interpret messages from our eyes74
9833937097Temporal LobeProcess the sounds sensed by our ears, key to understanding language75
9833937098Brain Plasticitythe ability for the brain to adapt and fill roles of damaged parts of the brain76
9833937099Endocrine SystemSystem of glands that secrete hormones that may affect processes in the body77
9833937100Adrenal GlandsProduces adrenaline, which gets the body ready for fight-flight78
9833937101Ovaries and TestesProduce the sex hormones (estrogen - girls) (testosterone - guys)79
9833937102ChromosomesHumans have 23 pairs (46 total); made up of DNA which ontain domnant and recessive genes. Gender is determined on pair 23.80
9833937103Turner's SyndromeOne X Chromosome instead of XX or XY. Cuases some physical characteristics, webbed neck81
9833937104Klinefelter's SyndromeWhen there's an extra X Chromosome resulting in XXY or XXX - causes minimal sexual development82
9833937105Down SyndromeExtra chromosome on 21 - most common chromosomal abnormallity83
9833937106TransductionThe process of Stimuli signals being transformed into neural signals84
9833937107Sensory AdaptionDecreased responsiveness to stimuli due to constant stimulation85
9833937108Sensory HabituationHow much we focus on sensations determines our perception of them86
9833937109Cocktail Party PhenomenaWhen you momentarily switch your attention to another subject (someone calls your name)87
9833937110VisionThe most dominant human sense; used to gather information about the environment88
9833937111CorneaReflected light first enters here; helps focus some of the light89
9833937112PupilAllows light to enter the eye. Light is focused by the lens and then reflected on the Retina90
9833937113ConesCells in the eye that respond to colors91
9833937114RodsCells in the eye that respond to black/white92
9833937115FoveaThe Center of the Retina and contains the most Cones93
9833937116Ganglion CellsMakes up the optic Nerve which transmits vision to the thalamus94
9833937117Opponent Process Theory (Vision)Sensory Receptors in the brain come in pairs - red/green, yellow/blue, and black/white95
9833937118AmplitudeHeight of a wave that determines how loud it is96
9833937119FrequencyLength of waves that determines pitch97
9833937120Hearing ProcessEar Canal -> Ear Drum -> Hammer -> Anvil -> Stirrup -> Oval Window -> Cochlea98
9833937121Organ of CortiMuscles under the hair cells in the ear that send sound transmittion to the brain99
9833937122Place TheoryHair cells in the cochlea respond differently to frequencies - where objects are determine these frequencies100
9833937123Frequency TheoryWe sense pitch because hair cells in the cochlea fire at different rates101
9833937124Conduction DeafnessOccurs when something goes wrong with the system of conducting sound waves in the cochlea102
9833937125Nerve DeafnessWhen hair cells inside the cochlea are damages - usually by loud noises103
9833937126TouchActivated by sense of energy from contact with the skin104
9833937127Gate Control TheorySome pain messages have higher priority than others. When you feel one pain over another. Can be affected by released endorphins (pain killing neurotransmitter)105
9833937128TasteA Chemical Sense that is triggered by chemicals absorbed by taste bus on our tongue (Papillae). Humans have four tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter106
9833937129Olfactory BulbGathers messages from the smell neurons and transmits them to the brain107
9833937130Vestibular SenseTells us about how our body is oriented in space, three canals in inner ear transmit to brain108
9833937131Kinesthetic SenseGives our brain information about space orientation of individual body parts109
9833937132PerceptionProcess of understanding/interpretting sensations110
9833937133Absolute ThresholdSmallest amount of a stimulus we can detect (50% of the time)111
9833937134SubliminalStimuli below Absolute Threshold112
9833937135Weber's LawThe change needed for a stimulus to be noticed is proportional to the original stimulus113
9833937136Just Noticeable DifferenceThe smallest amount of change for us to notice - defined by Weber's Law114
9833937137Signal Detection TheoryInvestigates the effects of the distractions/interference we experience in perception115
9833937138False PositiveWhen we think we perceive a stimulus that isn't there116
9833937139False NegativeWhen we don't perceive a stimulus that is there117
9833937140Top Down ProcessingPerceive things by filling in gaps in what we sense H_Y, _OW A_E Y_U?118
9833937141Botton Up ProcessingUsing features of an object itself to build a complete perception of it119
9833937142Perceptual SetPredisposition on perceiving something a certain way (part of top-down processing120
9833937143Figure Ground RelationshipWhat part of an image is the focus and what part is the background121
9833937144Eleanor GibsonVisual Cliff experiment in order to test for depth perception122
9833937145Monocular CuesCues using one eyes that utilize the linear perspective for distance123
9833937146Binocular cuesCues picked up with both eyes124
9833937147DualismThe thought that humans consist of two materials - thought and matter125
9833937148MonoismThought and matter are one substance that create the universe126
9833937149Mere Exposure EffectWe prefer familiar stimuli over new stimuli127
9833937150PrimingBeing able to preform better after initial exposure to something even without consciously remembering it128
9833937151Conscious LevelInformation about yourself and your environment that you are currently aware of129
9833937152Nonconscious LevelBody process not controlled by conscious though - heart beat, respiration, etc130
9833937153Preconscious LevelInformation that you don't know, but could know - favorite child toy, things that come back into memory131
9833937154Subconsciou LevelInformation we are not consciously aware of but know must exist due to our behavior132
9833937155Circadial RhythmThe pattern one';s metabolism and though processes follow in a 24 hour time - including sleep133
9833937156Sleep OnsetThe process of falling asleep134
9833937157REM SleepRapid Eye Movement sleep - most dreaming occurs here135
9833937158NarcolepsySleep disorder that causes periods of intense drowsiness at inappropriate times136
9833937159Night TerrorsWhen a person experiences anxiety while asleep and has no recollection of the dream (usually in children)137
9833937160Manifest ContentThe literal content of your dream138
9833937161Latent ContentUnconscious meaning of manifest content. Freud used to show what one truly desires139
9833937162Role TheoryStates Hypnosis is not an altered state, rather some people placebo into hypnosis working140
9833937163AgonistsMedicines that mimic neurotransmitters141
9833937164AntagonistsBlocks the usage of neurotransmitters142
9833937165Activation Synthesis TheoryDreams are meaningless brain waves that are interpreted143
9833937166LearningLasting change in behavior due to experience144
9833937167Classical ConditioningPeople can learn to pair a neutral stimuli with stimuli that produce a reflexive, involuntary response and will learn similarly to the new stimuli as they did the old one - Pavlov145
9833937168Unconditioned StimulusOriginal Stimulus that causes a natural, reflexive response -> Unconditioned Response146
9833937169Conditioned StimulusThe stimulus that now causes the Conditioned Response after classical conditioning147
9833937170Aversive ConditioningA Stimulus that will keep someone from doing something - Albert with the white rats148
9833937171Learned Taste AversionWhen one-time exposure to something makes you avoid it long-term149
9833937172Operant ConditioningLearning based on association with rewards (good or bad) with behavior150
9833937173Law of EffectActions that bring good rewards are likely to be repeated more than actions that don't151
9833937174Escape LearningWe can escape an aversive stimulus152
9833937175Avoidance LearningEnables one to avoid an aversive stimulus altogether rather than just escape153
9833937176ShapingWhen reinforcement is given after each step of the desired behavior (dog treats when learning a trick)154
9833937177ChainingTeaching a desired behavior in order consecutively to obtain a reward155
9833937178AcquisitionThe first step of classical conditioning, stimulus is identified with a reward156
9833937179Primary ReinforcersRewarding materials, food - water - shelter157
9833937180Secondary ReinforcersThings that we have learned to be rewarding - money, video games, etc158
9833937181Premack PrincipleReinforcers have different effects based on situation. Whichever of two activities preferred can outweigh an unpleasant response159
9833937182Instinctive DriftTendency for animals to follow instincts160
9833937183Insight LearningWhen one suddenly figures out how to solve a problem - AHA!161
9833937184MemoryIndication that learning has persisted over time162
9833937185Three-Box Processing ModelProposes the way that memory is stored: sensory -> STM -> LTM163
9833937186Sensory MemoryAll the information is clearly stores for a split second before forgotten164
9833937187Echoic MemorySplit Second perfectly remembered sound165
9833937188Iconic MemorySplit second perfect photograph of a scene166
9833937189EncodingProcess of transferring info from one memory to another. Iconic memories become visual codes and echoic memory becomes acoustic167
9833937190Selective Attentionwe only encode what we are paying attention to or what's important to us168
9833937191STM - Working ModelSTM is bunched memories that we are consciously aware of169
9833937192ChunkingGrouping objects to help us remember them better. Usually in groups of 7 because that is the max one person can remember at a time170
9833937193Mnemonic DevicesMemory Aids171
9833937194LTMPermanent Memory storage172
9833937195Episodic MemoryMemories of specific events, stored in a sequential series of events (remembering your last date)173
9833937196Semantic MemoryGeneral knowledge that is stored as facts, meanings, or categories (knowing the difference in red and read)174
9833937197Procedural MemoryMemory of skills or how-tos; these are sequencing and can be hard to explain175
9833937198Explicit MemoryDECLARATIVE memory that is conscious facts of events that we actively try to remember176
9833937199Implicit MemoryNONDECLARATIVE memory that is unconscious that we may not realize we have (knowing how to clean a floor after watching your parents do it for years)177
9833937200Eidetic (Photographic) Memoryvery rare individuals who can recite things visually represented in their brains178
9833937201RecognitionMatching a current event with a past memory (Have I met you before?)179
9833937202RecallRetrieving a memory with an external cue (What does pizza smell like)180
9833937203PrimacyPredicts that we are more likely to recall items at the beginning of a list181
9833937204RecencyPredicts that we are more likely to recall items at the end of a list182
9833937205Serial Positioning EffectRecall is affected by the positioning of an item in a list183
9833937206Semantic Network TheoryOur brain forms new memories by connecting their meaning/context with older memories184
9833937207Mood Congruent TheoryWe are more likely to remember something if our current mood reflects the mood we were in when we learned it185
9833937208State Dependent EffectRecalling events while in a certain state of consciousness (homework right before you fall asleep)186
9833937209Elizabeth LoftusCONSTRUCTIVE MEMORY - can report false details about an event by leading questions, situations, etc. Feels like the real memory to the person reciting it187
9833937210DecayWhen you forget something because of time188
9833937211Retroactive InterferenceNew info blocks out the old189
9833937212Proactive InterferenceOld info blacks new info from forming190
9833937213Anterograde AmnesiaWhen someone can't encode new memories - damaged hippocampus191
9833937214PhonemesSmallest unit of sound in a language (letters)192
9833937215MorphemesSmallest unit of meaning in a language (roots)193
9833937216SyntaxRules of grammar for a language194
9833937217Language AcquisitionProcess of learning a language. Babbling -> Holophrastic -> Telegraphic -> overgeneralization (misuse of syntax) -> learned195
9833937218Language Acquisition DeviceTheory that it is easier for children to learn a language at a young age (Chomsky)196
9833937219Whorf's Linguistic Relative HypothesisTheorized that language we use affects out thought197
9833937220AlgorithmsTrying every possible solution to solve. Is foolproof. Can be a formula that works every time198
9833937221HeuristicA rule that is generally true - a rule of thumb199
9833937222Availability HeuristicJudging a situation based on examples of similar situations that come to mind200
9833937223Representative HeuristicJudging a situation based on what they typically believe to be true201
9833937224Belief BiasNot changing your mind even after being proven wrong factually (Republican Party)202
9833937225Mental SetTendency to fall into certain patterns and not change from them203
9833937226Functional FixednessWhen you fail to see another use of an item204
9833937227Confirmation BiasWhen you only pay attention to facts that back up your beliefs205
9833937228Convergent ThinkingTrying to find one solution206
9833937229Divergent ThinkingTrying to find multiple solutions to a problem207
9833937230MotivationsFeelings or ideas that cause us to act toward a goal - conscious and unconscious208
9833937231Drive Reduction TheoryOur behavior is motivated by biologically needed things; needs cause drives209
9833937232HomeostasisA balanced Internal State210
9833937233Primary DrivesBiological Needs211
9833937234Secondary DrivesLearned drives that can sometimes help us meet our primary drives212
9833937235Arousal TheoryEach of us has a a different level of arousal and seek activities that meet this level213
9833937236Yerkes Dodson LawAt certain levels of stress, people tend to preform better or worse214
9833937237Opponent Process TheoryMotivation to return back to the baseline level of your body - causes withdrawal215
9833937238IncentivesStimuli that we are drawn to because of learning216
9833937239Maslow Heirarch of NeedsNot all needs are equal and some are mroe driven to be met first. Physiological -> Safety -> Love -> Esteem -> Self Actualization217
9833937240Lateral HypothalamusHunger center of the brain that causes animals to eat218
9833937241Ventromedial HypothalamusHunger center of the brain that causes animals to stop eating219
9833937242Set Point TheoryDescribes how the hypothalamus would decide what impulse to send - states body wants to stay at a certain weigh and uses metabolism accordingly220
9833937243Metabolic RateHow quickly your body uses energy221
9833937244External FoodsMotivation to eat because of abundance or appeal of a food (not because you need it)222
9833937245Internal FoodsLess affected by presentation of food. eat because of physiological needs223
9833937246Masters-Johnson Sex CycleInitial Excitement -> Plateau -> Orgasm -> Resolution224
9833937247Acheivment Motivationexamines our desires to master tasks and reach our personal goals225
9833937248Conflicting MotivesAPPROACH -desireable AVOIDANCE - not desireable226
9833937249James-Lange TheoryWe feel emotion because of biological changes due to stress. Stimulus > reaction > emotion227
9833937250Canon Bard TheoryWe feel the biological changes due to stress then use cognitive ability to figure which emotion it is228
9833937251Hans SeyleGeneral Adapton Syndrome describes general response to stress: alarm, resistence, exhaustion229

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