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AP Vocabulary Review Flashcards

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9539504921AccommodationThe creation of new cognitive schemas when objects, experiences, or other information does not fit with existing schemas.0
9539504922Action PotentialThe firing on a neuron. Occurs when the charge inside the neuron becomes more positive than the charge outside.1
9539504923AltruismBehavior that is unselfish and may even be detrimental but which benefits others.2
9539505078AmnesiaLoss of memory. Usually only a partial loss such as for a period of time or biographical information.3
9539505079AnxietyThe physiological and psychological reaction to an expected danger, whether real or imagined.4
9539504924AphasiaThe impairment of the ability to communicate either through oral or written discourse as a result of brain damage.5
9539505080Arousal TheoryThe theory stating that we are motivated by our innate desire to maintain an optimal level of arousal.6
9539504925AssimilationIncorporating objects, experiences, or information into existing schemas.7
9539504926AssociationsThe phenomenon in learning that states we are better able to remember information if it is paired with something we are familiar with or otherwise stands out.8
9539504927AttachmentThe strong bond a child forms with his or her primary caregiver.9
9539504928AttributionAn idea or belief about the etiology of a certain behavior.10
9539504929Authoritarian [parents]Parenting style focused on excessive rules, rigid belief systems, and the expectation of unquestioned obedience.11
9539504930Authoritative [parents]Parenting style focused on setting reasonable rules and expectations while encouraging communication and independence.12
9539504931Availability HeuristicA rule of thumb stating that information more readily available in our memory is more important than information not as easily accessible.13
9539504932Aversion TherapyA type of behavioral treatment where an aversive stimulus is paired with a negative behavior in hopes that the behavior will change in the future to avoid the aversive stimuli.14
9539504933AxonThe tail-like part of the neuron through which information exits the cell.15
9539504934Behavior ModificationThe application of behavioral theory to change a specific behavior.16
9539504935Behavior TherapyThe application of behavioral theory (e.g. conditioning, reinforcement) in the treatment of mental illness.17
9539505081BehaviorismThe school of psychology founded on the premise that behavior is measurable and can be changed through the application of various behavioral principles.18
9539505082BisexualityBeing attracted to or aroused by members of both genders.19
9539505083Blind StudyAs a way to avoid the placebo effect in research, this type of study is designed without the subject's knowledge of the anticipated results and sometimes even the nature of the study. The subjects are said to be 'blind' to the expected results.20
9539505084Broca's AphasiaAn aphasia associated with damage to the Broca's area of the brain, demonstrated by the impairment in producing understandable speech.21
9539504936BurnoutChanges in thoughts, emotions, and behavior as a result of extended job stress and unrewarded repetition of duties. Burnout is seen as extreme dissatisfaction, pessimism, lowered job satisfaction, and a desire to quit.22
9539504937Cell BodyThe main part of a neuron where the information is processed.23
9539505085CentrationA young child's tendency to focus only on his or her own perspective of a specific object and a failure to understand that others may see things differently.24
9539505086Chemical ImbalanceA generic term for the idea that chemical in the brain are either too scarce or too abundant resulting in a mental disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.25
9539505087Classical ConditioningThe behavioral technique of pairing a naturally occurring stimulus and response chain with a different stimulus in order to produce a response which is not naturally occurring.26
9539505088Client Centered TherapyA humanistic therapy based on Carl Roger's beliefs that an individual has an unlimited capacity for psychological growth and will continue to grow unless barriers are placed in the way.27
9539505089Coercive PowerPower derived through the ability to punish.28
9539504938CognitionThe process of receiving, processing, storing, and using information.29
9539505090Cognitive Behavioral TherapyTreatment involving the combination of behaviorism (based on the theories of learning) and cognitive therapy (based on the theory that our cognitions or thoughts control a large portion of our behaviors).30
9539504939Cognitive DissonanceThe realization of contradictions in one's own attitudes and behaviors.31
9539504940Cognitive TherapyThe treatment approach based on the theory that our cognitions or thoughts control a large part of our behaviors and emotions. Therefore, changing the way we think can result in positive changes in the way we act and feel.32
9539504941CompulsionThe physical act resulting from an obsession. Typically a compulsive act is done in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort created by an obsession.33
9539504942Conditioned ResponseThe response in a stimulus-response chain that is not naturally occurring, but rather has been learned through its pairing with a naturally occurring chain.34
9539504943Conditioned StimulusThe stimulus in a stimulus-response chain that is not naturally occurring, but rather has been learned through its pairing with a naturally occurring chain.35
9539504944ConditioningThe process of learning new behaviors or responses as a result of their consequences.36
9539504945ConformityChanging your attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors in order to be more consistent with others.37
9539504946ConsciousnessAwareness of yourself and the world around you.38
9539504947ConservationThe understanding, typically achieved in later childhood, that matter remains the same even when the shape changes (i.e., a pound of clay is still a pound of clay whether is is rolled in a ball or pounded flat).39
9539504948ConsolidationThe physiological changes in the brain associated with memory storage.40
9539504949Consolidation FailureThe failure to store information in memory.41
9539505091Context Dependent MemoryThe theory that information learned in a particular situation or place is better remembered when in that same situation or place.42
9539504950Continuous ReinforcementThe application of reinforcement every time a specific behavior occurs.43
9539504951Control GroupThe group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the independent variable.44
9539504952CorrelationStatistical representation of a relationship between two or more variables which does not determine cause and effect.45
9539504953Critical PeriodA time frame deemed highly important in developing in a healthy manner; can be physically, emotionally, behaviorally, or cognitively.46
9539504954CrowdingThe psychological and psychological response to the belief that there are too many people in a specified area.47
9539505092Crystallized IntelligenceThe part of intelligence which involves the acquisition, as opposed to the use, of information.48
9539504955DecayTheory which states that memory fades and/or disappears over time if it is not used or accessed.49
9539504956Declarative MemoryThe part of long-term memory where factual information is stored, such as mathematical formulas, vocabulary, and life events.50
9539504957Deductive ReasoningDecision making process in which ideas are processed from the general to the specific.51
9539505093Defenses (Defense Mechanisms)Psychological forces which prevent undesirable or inappropriate impulses from entering consciousness (e.g., forgetting responsibilities that we really didn't want to do, projecting anger onto a spouse as opposed to your boss). Also called Defense Mechanisms, Defense System, or Ego Defenses.52
9539505094DelusionFalse belief system (e.g., believing you are Napoleon, have magical powers, or the false belief that others are 'out to get you.').53
9539504958Dependent VariableThe variable in an experiment that is measured; the outcome of an experiment.54
9539504959Developmental PsychologyThe area of psychology focused on how children grow psychologically to become who they are as adults.55
9539504960Difference ThresholdThe smallest change in perception which is noticeable at least 50% of the time.56
9539504961DiscriminationIn behavioral theory, the learned ability to differentiate between two similar objects or situations.57
9539505095DisorientationInability to recognize or be aware of who we are (person), what we are doing (situation), the time and date (time), or where we are in relation to our environment (place). To be considered a problem, it must be consistent, result in difficulty functioning, and not due to forgetting or being lost.58
9539505096DisplacementThe pushing out of older information in short term memory to make room for new information.59
9539505097DissociationA separation from the self, with the most severe resulting in Dissociative Identity Disorder. Most of us experience this in very mild forms such as when we are driving long distance and lose time or find ourselves day dreaming longer than we thought.60
9539505098DistinctivenessThe phenomenon in memory that states we are better able to remember information if it is distinctive or different from other information.61
9539504962Divergent ThinkingThe ability to use previously gained information to debate or discuss issues which have no agreed upon definitive resolution.62
9539504963Double Blind StudyResearch method in which both the subjects and the experimenter are unaware or 'blind' to the anticipated results.63
9539505099DriveAn internal motivation to fulfill a need or reduce the negative aspects of an unpleasant situation.64
9539505100EgoIn Psychoanalytical theory, the part of the personality which maintains a balance between our impulses (id) and our conscience (superego).65
9539505101Ellis, AlbertA cognitive Psychologist who developed the concept of Rational-Emotive Therapy.66
9539504964EmotionFeelings about a situation, person, or objects that involves changes in physiological arousal and cognitions.67
9539504965Emotional Intelligence (EQ)The awareness of and ability to manage one's emotions in a healthy and productive manner.68
9539504966EncodingThe transformation of information to be stored in memory.69
9539504967Episodic MemorySubcategory of Declarative memory where information regarding life events are stored.70
9539505102EtiologyCausal relationships of diseases; theories regarding how the specific disease or disorder began.71
9539504968Experimental GroupIn research, the group of subjects who receive the independent variable.72
9539504969Experimental MethodResearch method using random assignment of subjects and the manipulation of variables in order to determine cause and effect.73
9539504970Experimenter BiasErrors in a research study due to the predisposed notions or beliefs of the experimenter.74
9539505103Expert PowerPower derived through advanced knowledge or experience in a particular subject.75
9539505104External Locus of ControlThe belief that the environment has more control over life circumstances than the individual does.76
9539504971ExtinctionThe reduction and eventual disappearance of a learned or conditioned response after it is no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus-response chain.77
9539505105Extrinsic MotivationThe desire or push to perform a certain behavior based on the potential external rewards that may be received as a result.78
9539505106Factor AnalysisA statistical technique used to determine the number of components in a set of data. These components are then named according to their characteristics allowing a researcher to break down information into statistical groups.79
9539505107Family TherapyTreatment involving family members which seeks to change the unhealthy familial patterns and interactions.80
9539504972FixationIn Freud's theory of psychosexual development, the failure to complete a stage successfully which results in a continuation of that stage into later adulthood.81
9539504973Fixed Interval ScheduleA schedule in which the reinforcement is presented after a specific period of time.82
9539505108Fixed Ratio ScheduleA schedule in which the reinforcement is presented after a specific number of responses.83
9539505109FetishA condition in which arousal and/or sexual gratification is attained through inanimate objects (shoes, pantyhose) or non-sexual body parts (feet, hair). Is considered a problem when the object is needed in order to obtain arousal or gratification and the individual can not can not complete a sexual act without this object present.84
9539505110Frequency EffectThe phenomenon in memory which states that we tend to remember information better if it is repeated.85
9539505111Freud, SigmundDr. Freud is often referred to as the father of clinical psychology. His extensive theory of personality development (psychoanalytical theory) is the cornerstone for modern psychological thought, and consists of (1) the psychosexual stages of development, (2) the structural model of personality (id, ego, superego), and (3) levels of consciousness (conscious, subconscious, and unconscious). See Psychoanalysis.86
9539504974FloodingA behavioral technique used to treat phobias in which the client is presented with the feared stimulus until the associated anxiety disapears.87
9539504975Fluid IntelligenceThe part of intelligence which involves the use, as opposed to the acquisition, of information.88
9539504976FramingPresenting information either positively or negatively in order to change the influence is has on an individual or group.89
9539504977Free AssociationThe psychoanalytic technique of allowing a patient to talk without direction or input in order to analyze current issues of the client.90
9539504978Frontal LobeThe lobe at the front of the brain associated with movement, speech, and impulsive behavior.91
9539504979FrustrationThe feelings, thoughts, and behaviors associated with not achieving a particular goal or the belief that a goal has been prematurely interrupted.92
9539505112Fundamental Attribution ErrorThe tendency to over estimate the internal attributes of another person's actions.93
9539504980Gender IdentityThe internal sense of being either male or female. Usually congruent with biological gender, but not always as in Gender Identity Disorder.94
9539504981Gender RoleThe accepted behaviors, thoughts, and emotions of a specific gender based upon the views of a particular society or culture.95
9539504982Gender TypingThe process of developing the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions associated with a particular gender.96
9539504983GeneralizationThe tendency to associate stimuli, and therefore respond similarly to, due to their closeness on some variable such as size, shape, color, or meaning.97
9539505113GestaltGerman word typically translated as meaning 'whole' or 'form.'98
9539505114Gestalt TherapyTreatment focusing on the awareness and understanding of one's feelings.99
9539504984Group PolarizationThe tendency for members of a cohesive group to make more extreme decisions due to the lack of opposing views.100
9539504985Group TherapyPsychotherapy conducted with at least three or four non-related individuals who are similar in some are, such as gender, age, mental illness, or presenting problem.101
9539504986Group ThinkThe tendency for members of a cohesive group to reach decisions without weighing all the facts, especially those contradicting the majority opinion.102
9539505115GustationSense of taste.103
9539505116HabituationThe decrease in response to a stimulus due to repetition (e.g., not hearing the ticking of a clock after getting used to it)104
9539505117HallucinationFalse perception of reality (e.g., hearing voices that aren't there or seeing people who do not exist) [auditory (hearing); visual (sight); olfactory (smell); tactile (touch); and taste]105
9539505118Halo EffectThe tendency to assign generally positive or generally negative traits to a person after observing one specific positive or negative trait, respectively.106
9539505119Health PsychologyThe specific field in psychology concerned with psychology's impact on health, physical well being, and illness.107
9539505120HeterosexualityBeing attracted to or aroused by members of the opposite gender. See Sexual Orientation.108
9539505121HeuristicA rule of thumb based on experience used to make decisions.109
9539505122Hierarchy of NeedsMaslow's Theory of Motivation which states that we must achieve lower level needs, such as food, shelter, and safety before we can achieve higher level needs, such as belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.110
9539506085Higher Order ConditioningPairing a second conditioned stimulus with the first conditioned stimulus in order to produce a second conditioned response111
9539506086HomeostasisThe tendency of the body (and the mind) to natural gravitate toward a state of equilibrium or balance.112
9539506087HomophobiaAn irrational hostility, hatred, or fear of homosexuals.113
9539506088HomosexualityBeing attracted to or aroused by members of the same gender. See Sexual Orientation.114
9539506089Humanistic PsychologyA theoretical view of human nature which stresses a positive view of human nature and the strong belief in psychological homeostasis.115
9539506090Humanistic TherapyTreatment focused on increasing awareness of one's self concept.116
9539506091HypnosisA deep state of relaxation where an individual is more susceptible to suggestions.117
9539506092HypnotherapistA trained, and often licensed, therapist who utilizes the therapeutic technique of hypnosis as part of a treatment regimen.118
9539506093HypnotistAn individual, most likely unlicensed, who uses hypnosis techniques or variations of these techniques for a variety of reasons, including treatment and/or entertainment.119
9539506094HypothesisA prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.120
9539506095IdIn Psychoanalytical theory, the part of the personality which contains our primitive impulses such as sex, anger, and hunger.121
9539506096IllusionMisperception of reality (e.g., the illusion of a lake in the middle of a desert).122
9539506097ImageryUtilizing the mind to create a mental representation of a sensory experience.123
9539506098Inappropriate AffectExpressing contradictory behavior when describing or experiencing an emotion (e.g., smiling when discussing something sad; laughing when talking about the death of a loved one).124
9539506099Independent VariableThe variable in an experiment that is manipulated or compared.125
9539506100Inductive ReasoningDecision making process in which ideas are processed from the specific to the general.126
9539506101Industrial/Organizational PsychologyThe area or specialty in psychology focused on the application of psychological principles in the work force.127
9539506102InnateOccurring without learning, inborn.128
9539506103InsightThe understanding of a relationship between current thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors and where these originated or how they are maintained.129
9539506104Internal Locus of ControlThe belief that an individual has more control over life circumstances than the environment does.130
9539506105InstinctA behavior we are born with and therefore does not need to be learned.131
9539506106IntelligenceThe ability to adapt to one's environment.132
9539506107Intelligence Quotient [IQ]The scores achieved on psychological tests aimed at quantifying intellectual ability.133
9539506108Intrinsic MotivationThe motivation or desire to do something based on the enjoyment of the behavior itself rather than relying on or requiring external reinforcement.134
9539506109IntroversionThe tendency to focus energy inward resulting in decreased social interaction.135
9539506110Just Noticeable DifferenceThe smallest change in a sensory perception that is detectable 50% of the time.136
9539506111Latent LearningLearning that occurs without apparent reinforcement but is not demonstrated until such time as reinforcement occurs.137
9539506112Law of EffectTheory proposed by Thorndike stating that those responses that are followed by a positive consequence will be repeated more frequently than those that are not.138
9539506113Learned HelplessnessA condition that occurs after a period of negative consequences where the person begins to believe they have no control.139
9539506185Learning TheoryBased on the idea that changes in behavior result more from experience and less from our personality or how we think or feel about a situation.140
9539506114Legitimate PowerPower derived through one's position, such as a police officer or elected official.141
9539506115LibidoSigmund Freud's terminology of sexual energy or sexual drive.142
9539506116Locus of ControlA belief about the amount of control a person has over situations in their life.143
9539506117Long Term MemoryRelatively permanent memory.144
9539506118Lucid DreamA dream in which you are aware of dreaming and are sometimes able to manipulate the dream.145
9539506119MaturationChanges due to the natural process of aging as determined by your genetics146
9539506120MeanA method of determining an average where the sum of the scores are divided by the number of scores.147
9539506121Measure of Central TendencyAn average (see Mean, Median, and/or Mode)148
9539506122MedianA method of determining an average by using the score that falls in the middle of the distribution.149
9539506186Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, 2nd. EditionAn Objective test utilizing 567 items which have been empirically derived to measure a variety of psychological concerns.150
9539506124ModeA method of determining an average by using the score(s) which occurs most frequently.151
9539506125MotivationThe process that energizes and/or maintains a behavior.152
9539506126Naturalistic ObservationA research method where the subject(s) is(are) observed without interruption under normal or natural circumstances.153
9539506127Negative CorrelationA correlation where as one variable increases, the other decreases.154
9539506128NeurotransmitterA chemical found in animals that plays a role in our behavior, cognitions, and emotions.155
9539506129NightmareA frightening dream occurring in REM sleep.156
9539506130Nondeclarative MemoryA subsystem within Long term memory which consists of skills we acquire through repetition and practice (e.g., dance, playing the piano, driving a car)157
9539506131Normal CurveA graphical interpretation of a population that is 'bell shaped' as it has the highest frequency in the middle and this frequency diminishes the farther you get from the center on either end.158
9539506132NormAn expectation based on multiple observations.159
9539506133Object PermanenceThe understanding that objects exist even when they are not directly observed.160
9539506134Objective TechniquesA generic term for the psychological procedures used to measure personality which rely on measurable or objective techniques such as the MMPI-2 and WAIS-III.161
9539506135ObsessionA persistent and seemingly uncontrollable thought.162
9539506136OlfactionThe sense of smell.163
9539506137Operant ConditioningLearning that occurs due to the manipulation of the possible consequences.164
9539506138OverlearningA technique used to improve memory where information is learned to the point that it can be repeated without mistake more than one time.165
9539506139Panic AttackPeriod of extreme anxiety and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shakiness, dizziness, and racing thoughts. Initial attacks are often reported to feel like a heart attack due to the heart palpitations. A medical exam should be conducted to rule out any such condition.166
9539506140PerceptionThe process of organizing and using information that is received through the senses.167
9539506141Person Centered TherapyThe therapeutic technique based on humanistic theory which is non-directive and empathic.168
9539506142PersonalityThe stable set of individual characteristics that make us unique.169
9539506187Permissive [parents]Parenting style consisting of very few rules and allowing children to make most decisions and control their own behavior.170
9539506143PersuasionThe deliberate attempt to influence the thoughts, feelings or behaviors of another.171
9539506144PhobiaAn intense fear of a specific object or situation. Most of us consider ourselves to have phobias, but to be diagnosable, the fear must significantly restrict our way of life.172
9539506145PlaceboA treatment condition used to control for the placebo effect where the treatment has no real effect on its own.173
9539506146Placebo EffectThe phenomenon in research where the subject's beliefs about the outcome can significantly effect the outcome without any other intervention.174
9539506147PlasticityThe ability of the brain, especially in our younger years to compensate for damage.175
9539506148Pleasure PrincipleFreud's theory regarding the id's desire to maximize pleasure and minimize pain in order to achieve immediate gratification.176
9539506149PopulationThe entire group to which research is hoping to generalize (e.g., males, adults, U.S. citizens).177
9539506188Positive CorrelationA correlation where as one variable increases, the other also increases, or as one decreases so does the other.178
9539506189Positive ReinforcementSomething positive provided after a response in order to increase the probability of that response occurring in the future.179
9539506190PrejudiceNegative beliefs, attitudes, or feelings about a person's entire character based on only one characteristic. This belief is often based on faulty information.180
9539506191Primacy EffectThe tendency to remember the first bit of information in a series due to increased rehearsal.181
9539506150Primary ReinforcerA reinforcer that meets our basic needs such as food or water.182
9539506151ProjectionIn Psychoanalytic Theory, the defense mechanism whereby we transfer or project our feelings about one person onto another.183
9539506152Projective TechniquesA generic term for the psychological procedures used to measure personality which rely on ambiguous stimuli.184
9539506153PsychiatristA medical doctor with training in mental illness.185
9539506154PsychoanalysisDeveloped by Sigmund Freud, this type of therapy is known for long term treatment, typically several times per week, where the unresolved issues from the individual's childhood are analyzed and resolved. These issues are considered to be primarily unconscious in nature and are kept from consciousness through a complex defense system.186
9539506155Psychodynamic TherapyA modern adaptation of psychoanalytic therapy which has made sometimes minor and sometimes major changes to Freud's original theories.187
9539506156PsychologyThe study of emotion, cognition, and behavior, and their interaction.188
9539506192PsychosisBreak from reality, usually identified by hallucinations, delusions, and/or disorientation.189
9539506157PunishmentThe adding of a negative stimulus in order to decrease a response (e.g., spanking a child to decrease negative behavior).190
9539506158Random AssignmentAssigning subjects to experimental groups based on chance.191
9539506159Random SampleA group of subjects representing the population who are selected through chance.192
9539506160RangeA statistical term representing the difference between the highest score and the lowest score.193
9539506161Rational Emotive TherapyA Cognitive Therapy based on Albert Ellis' theory that cognitions control our emotions and behaviors; therefore, changing the way we think about things will affect the way we feel and the way we behave.194
9539506193RationalizationA defense mechanism where one believes or states an acceptable explanation for a behavior as opposed to the real explanation.195
9539506162Reaction FormationA defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are converted to their opposite.196
9539506163Recency EffectThe tendency to remember the last bit of information due to the shorter time available for forgetting.197
9539506164ReconstructionTendency to fill in the gaps in our memory and often believe these represent true memories.198
9539506166RehearsalRepeating information in order to improve our recall of this information.199
9539506167ReinforcerAnything that follows a behavior that increases the chances of that behavior occurring again.200
9539506168RegressionA defense mechanism where one reverts to an earlier stage of development.201
9539506169ReliabilityA statistical measure of a tests consistency, or ability to result in similar scores if given repeatedly.202
9539506170Representativeness HeuristicA rule of thumb where similarity to a prototype or similar situation dictates a decision.203
9539506171RepressionIn Psychoanalytic Theory, the defense mechanism whereby our thoughts are pulled out of our consciousness and into our unconscious.204
9539506172RetrievalThe process of bringing material out of long term memory and into consciousness.205
9539506173Reward PowerPower derived through an ability to offer rewards.206
9539506174Rogers, CarlA humanistic Psychologist who developed Client-Centered Therapy.207
9539506175Rorschach Inkblot TestA projective technique utilizing ambiguous inkblots as stimuli.208
9539506176SchemaThe cognitive structure utilized to make sense of the world.209
9539506177Secondary ReinforcerA reinforcer other than one which meets our basic needs such as food or water (e.g., intellectual stimulation, money, praise).210
9539506194Selection BiasErrors in the selection and placement of subjects into groups that results in differences between groups which could effect the results of an experiment.211
9539506178Self ActualizationThe process of understanding oneself more completely and being aware of issues affecting one's life.212
9539506195Self EfficacyOne's belief in his or her own ability.213
9539506196Self Serving BiasThe tendency to assign internal attributes to successes and external factors to failures.214
9539506179Semantic MemoryThe part of declarative memory that stores general information such as names and facts.215
9539506197SensationInformation brought in through the senses.216
9539506198Sensory MemoryThe brief storage of information brought in through the senses; typically only lasts up to a few seconds.217
9539506199Sexual OrientationA feeling of attractedness or arousal associated with a particular gender. Sexual behavior can be a result of this but does not necessarily define a person's orientation.218
9539506200ShapingGradually molding a specific response by reinforcing responses that come close to the desired response.219
9539506180Short Term MemoryThe stage of memory where information is stored for up to 30 seconds prior to either being forgotten or transferred to long term memory.220
9539506181Skinner, B. F.Considered the father of behavioral therapy. He once stated that with the ability to control a child's environment, he could raise a child to become anything he wanted.221
9539506182Social FacilitationThe effect of other's presence on one's performance. Typically we perform simple or well-learned tasks better in front of others and difficult or novel tasks worse.222
9539506183Social LoafingThe tendency for people to work less on a task the greater the number of people are working on that task.223
9539506184Social PsychologyThe branch of psychology which focuses on society and it's impact on the individual.224
9539507107Social RolesAccepted behaviors associated with a particular position within a group.225
9539507108Standard DeviationA statistical formula used to determine the amount of difference expected from one score to the next.226
9539507109StateA temporary internal characteristic (e.g., depressed, angry)227
9539507110State Dependent MemoryThe theory that information learned in a particular state of mind (e.g., depressed, happy, somber) is more easily recalled when in that same state of mind.228
9539507111StimulusAnything in the environment to which one responds.229
9539507112StorageThe process of saving information in long term memory230
9539507131StressThe physical and psychological result of internal or external pressure.231
9539507132StressorAnything, internal or external, which applies psychological pressure on an individual.232
9539507133SublimationA defense mechanism where undesired or unacceptable impulses are transformed into behaviors which are accepted by society.233
9539507113SuperegoIn Psychoanalytical theory, the part of the personality that represents the conscience.234
9539507114SupertraitsHans Eysenck's term for his two distinct categories of personality traits. They include Introversion-Extroversion and Neuroticism. According to Eysenck, each of us fall on a continuum based on the degree of each supertraits.235
9539507115SuppressionThe defense mechanism where we push unacceptable thoughts out of consciousness and into our unconscious.236
9539507116SurveyA research technique in which subjects respond to a series of questions.237
9539507117SyllogismAristotle's theory of reasoning where two true statements are followed by a single logical conclusion.238
9539507134Systematic DesensitizationA treatment technique where the client is exposed to gradually increasing anxiety provoking stimuli while relaxing; the goal is for the client to eventually confront a phobia or fear without the previously associated anxiety.239
9539507118TactileThe sense of touch.240
9539507135TemperamentA person's typical way of responding to his or her environment.241
9539507136Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)A subjective personality test where ambiguous pictures are shown to a subject and they are asked to tell a story related to them.242
9539507120TheoryA general idea about the relationship of two or more variables.243
9539507121TraitA relatively permanent internal characteristic (e.g., friendly, outgoing)244
9539507122TransferenceIntense feelings directed toward the therapist that many clients experience in the process of therapy.245
9539507123Type A PersonalityA theory used to describe a person with a significant number of traits focused on urgency, impatience, success, and excessive competition.246
9539507124Type B PersonalityA theory used to describe person with a significant number of traits focused on relaxation, lack of urgency, and normal or reduced competition.247
9539507137Unconditional Positive RegardThe nonjudgmental empathy and respect for another person.248
9539507138Unconditioned ResponseThe response in a stimulus-response chain that is naturally occurring as opposed to learned.249
9539507139Unconditioned StimulusThe stimulus in a stimulus-response chain that is naturally occurring as opposed to learned.250
9539507140UnconsciousAccording to Freud, the area of the psyche where unknown wishes and needs are kept that play a significant role in our conscious behavior.251
9539507141ValidityStatistical technique used to determine if a test is actually measuring what it is intended to measure.252
9539507125VariableAny factor which has the potential to influence another factor in a research study.253
9539507126Variable Interval ScheduleA schedule in which the reinforcement is presented after a varying amount of time.254
9539507127Variable Ratio ScheduleA schedule in which the reinforcement is presented after a varying number of responses.255
9539507129Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third EditionAn objective measure of intelligence. The Stanford-Binet test is also used, has very similar validity, but is not as popular.256
9539507142Wernicke's AphasiaAphasia resulting from damage to the Wernicke's area of the frontal lobe. Affects written and spoken language.257
9558279680Sensorimotor StagePiaget's first stage of cognitive development. In this stage, infants progressively construct knowledge and understanding of the world by coordinating experiences (such as vision and hearing) with physical interactions with objects (such as grasping, sucking, and stepping).258
9558290175Preoperational StagePiaget's second stage of cognitive development. In this stage, children learn through play.259
9558294200Concrete Operational StagePiaget's third stage of cognitive development. In this stage, children start to use logic.260
9558300804Formal Operational StagePiaget's last stage of cognitive development. In this stage, children start to think logically, hypothetically, and abstractly.261

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