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Psychology in Everyday Life Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

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753921419behaviorismThe view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not (2).0
753921420humanistic psychologyEmphasized the growth potential of healthy people and the individual's potential for personal growth.1
753921421cognitive neuroscienceThe interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with mental activity (including perception, thinking, memory, and language.)2
753921422psychologyThe science of behavior and mental processes.3
753921423critical thinkingThinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, uncovers hidden values, weighs evidence, and assesses conclusions.4
753921424biopsychosocial approachAn integrated approach that incorporates different but complementary views from biological, psychological, and social-cultural perspectives.5
753921425cultureThe enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.6
753921426nature- nurture issueThe longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today's psychological science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.7
753921427dual processingThe principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks.8
753921428positive psychologyThe scientific study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.9
753921429hindsight biasThe tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that we could have predicted it.10
753921430theoryAn explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.11
753921431hypothesisA testable prediction, often implied by a theory.12
754007215operational definitionA statement of the procedures used to define research variables.13
753921432replicationRepeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding extends to other participants and circumstances.14
753921433case studyA descriptive technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.15
753921434surveyA descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of people, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of a population.16
753921435random sampleA sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.17
753921436naturalistic observationA descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to change or control the situation.18
753921437correlationA measure of the extent to which two events vary together, and thus of how well either one predicts the other. The correlation coefficient if the mathematical expression of the relationship, ranging from -1 to +1.19
753921438illusory correlationThe perception of a relationship where none exists.20
753921439experimentA method in which researchers vary one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable).21
753921440random assignmentAssigning participants to experimental and control groups by change, thus minimizing and differences between the groups.22
753921441experimental groupThe group in an experiment that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.23
753921442control groupThe group in an experiment that is not exposed to the treatment and therefore serves as a comparison with the experimental group for evaluating the effect of the treatment.24
753921443placeboAn inactive substance or condition that is sometimes given to control group members in place of the treatment given to the experimental group.25
753921444double-blind procedureA procedure in which participants and research staff are ignorant about who had received the treatment or a placebo.26
753921445placebo effectResults caused by expectations alone.27
753921446independent variableThe experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.28
753921447dependent variableThe outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable.29
753921448SQ3RSurvey, question, read, rehearse, review.30
754007216biological psychologyA branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior.31
754007217dendritesNeuron extensions that receive messages and conduct them toward the cell body.32
754007218axonNeuron extension that sends messages to other neurons or cells.33
754007219neurona nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.34
754007220action potentialA nerve impulse.35
754007221synapseJunction between the axon tip of a sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of a receiving neuron.36
754007222thresholdLevel of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.37
754007223all-or-none responseA neuron's reaction of either firing (with a full-strength response) or not firing.38
754007224neurotransmittersNeuron-produced chemicals that cross synapses to carry messages to other neurons or cells.39
754007225opiateChemical, such as opium, morphine, and heroin, that depresses neural activity, temporarily lessening pain and anxiety.40
754007226endorphins"Morphine within" -- natural, opiatelike neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.41
754007227nervous systemThe body's speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems.42
754007228central nervous system (CNS)The brain and spinal cord.43
754007229peripheral nervous system (PNS)The sensory and motor neurons connecting the central nervous system to the rest of the body.44
754007230nervesBundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.45
754007231sensory neuronNeuron that carries incoming information from the sensory receptors to the central nervous system.46
754007232motor neuronNeuron that carries outgoing information from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands.47
754007233interneuronNeuron that processes information between sensory input and motor outputs.48
754007234somatic nervous systemPeripheral nervous system division controlling the body's skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system.49
754007235autonomic nervous systemPeripheral nervous system division controlling the glands and the muscles of the internal organs. Its sympathetic subdivision arouses; its parasympathetic subdivision calms.50
754007236sympathetic nervous systemAutonomic nervous system subdivision that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.51
754007237parasympathetic nervous systemAutonomic nervous system subdivision that calms the body, conserving its energy.52
754007238endocrine systemThe body's "slow" chemical communication system; a set of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream.53
754007239hormonesChemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues.54
754007240adrenal glandsPair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secret hormones (epinephrine and norephinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress.55
754007241pituitary glandMost influential endocrine gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, it regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands.56
754007242brainstemThe oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; responsible for automatic survival functions.57
754007243medullaThe base of the brainstem; controls heartbeat and breathing.58
754007244thalamusArea at the top of the brainstem; directs sensory messages to the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.59
754007245reticular formationNerve network running through the brainstem and thalamus; plays an important role in controlling arousal.60
754007246cerebellumThe "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating the movement output and balance.61
754007247limbic systemNeural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.62
754007248amygdalaTwo lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system; linked to emotion.63
754007249hypothalamusA neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion.64
754007250cerebral cortexThin layer of interconnected neurons covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.65
754007251frontal lobesPortion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscles movements and in making plans and judgements.66
754007252parietal lobesPortion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.67
754007253occipital lobesPortion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receives information from the visual fields.68
754007254temporal lobesPortion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes areas that receives information from the ears.69
754007255motor cortexCerebral cortex area at the rear of the frontal loves; controls voluntary movements.70
754007256sensory cortexCerebral cortex area at the front of the parietal lobes; registers and processes body touch and movement sensations.71
754037554hallucinationFalse sensory experience, such as hearing something in the absence of an external auditory stimulus.72
754037555association areasCerebral cortex area involved primarily in higher mental functions, such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.73
754037556Broca's areaFrontal lobe area, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech; controls language expression.74
754037557Wernicke's areaBrain area, usually in the left temporal lobe, involved in language comprehension and expression; controls language reception.75
754037558plasticityThe brain's ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.76
754037559neurogenesisFormation of new neurons.77
754037560corpus callosumLarge band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them.78
754037561split brainCondition in which the brain's two hemispheres are isolated by cutting the fibers (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them.79
754037562consciousnessOur awareness of ourselves and our environment.80
754037563selective attentionFocusing conscious awareness on a particular stimulus.81
754037564inattentional blindnessFailure to see visible objects when our attention is directed elsewhere.82
754037565circadian rhythmInternal biological clock; regular bodily rhythms that occur on a 24-hour cycle.83
754037566REM (rapid eye movement) sleepRecurring stage of sleep during which vivid dreams commonly occur. Also known as paradoxical sleep because the muscles are relaxed (except for minor twitches) but other body systems are active.84
754037567alpha wavesRelatively slow brain waves of a relaxed, awake state.85
754037568sleepPeriodic, natural, reversible loss of consciousness- as distinct from unconsciousness resulting from a coma, general anesthesia, or hibernation.86
754037569insomniaRecurring problem in falling or staying asleep.87
754037570narcolepsySleep disorder in which a person has uncontrollable sleep attacks, sometimes lapsing directly into REM sleep.88
754037571sleep apneaA sleep disorder in which a sleeping person repeatedly stops breathing until blood oxygen is so low it awakens the person just long enough to draw a breath.89
754037572dreamSequence of images, emotions, and thought passing through a sleeping person's mind.90
754037573manifest contentAccording to Freud, the remembered story line of a dream.91
754037574latent contentAccording to Freud, the underlying meaning of a dream.92
754037575REM reboundThe tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation.93
754037576EEG (electroencephalograph)Device that uses electrodes places on the scalp to record waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain's surface.94
754037577PET (position emission tomography) scanA view of brain activity showing where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.95
754037578MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generates images of soft tissue; shows brain anatomy.96
754037579fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)A technique for revealing bloodflow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans; shows brain function.97
754129147developmental psychologyBranch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.98
754129148chromosomesThreadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes.99
754129149DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)A molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.100
754129150genesThe biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA.101
754129151heredityThe genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring.102
754129152genomeThe complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes.103
754129153environmentEvery external influence, from prenatal nutrition to social support later in life.104
754129154interactionThe interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity).105
754129155zygoteThe fertilized egg; it enters a 2-week period of rapid cell division and develops into an embryo.106
754129156embryoThe developing human organism from about 2 weeks after fertilization through the second month.107
754129157identical twinsTwins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating genetically identical siblings.108
754129158fraternal twinsTwins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than non-twin brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment.109
754129159fetusThe developing human organism from 9 weeks after conception to birth.110
754129160teratogenAn agent, such as a chemical or virus, that can reach the embryo or fetus during prenatal development and cause harm.111
754129161fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)Physical and cognitive abnormalities in children caused by a pregnant woman's heavy drinking. In severe cases, symptoms include noticeable facial misproportions.112
754129162reflexAn unlearned, automatic response to a sensory stimulus.113
754129163temperamentA person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity.114
754129164maturationBiological growth processes leading to orderly changes in behavior, independent of experience.115
754129165critical periodA period early in life when exposure to certain stimuli or experiences is needed for proper development.116
754129166schemaA concept or framework that organizes and interprets information.117
754129167cognitionAll the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.118
754129168sensorimotor stageIn Piaget's theory, the stage (from birth to about 2 years of age) during which infants know the world mostly in terms of their sensory impressions and motor activities.119
754129169object permanenceThe awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived.120
754129170preoperational stageIn Piaget's theory, the stage (from about 2 to 6 or 7) in which a child learns to use language but cannot yet perform mental operations of concrete logic.121
754129171conservationThe principle (which Piaget believed to be a part of concrete operational reasoning) that properties such as mass, volume, and number remain the same despite changes in shapes.122
754129172egocentrismIn Piaget's theory, the preoperational child's difficulty taking another's point of view.123
754129173theory of mindPeople's ideas about their own, and others' mental states- about their feelings, perception, and thoughts, and the behaviors these might predict.124
754129174autismA disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by deficient communication, social interaction, and understanding of others' state of mind.125
754129175concrete operational stageIn Piaget's theory, the stage of cognitive development (6 or 7 to 11) during which children gain the mental operations that enable them to think logically about concrete events.126
754129176formal operational stageIn Piaget's theory, the stage of cognitive development (normally beginning around age 12) during which people begin to think logically about abstract concepts.127
754129177stranger anxietyThe fear of strangers that infants commonly display, beginning by about 8 months of age.128
754129178attachmentAn emotional tie with another person; shown in young children by their seeking closeness to the caregiver, and showing distress on separation.129
754129179basic trustAccording to Erik Erikson, a sense that the world is predictable and trustworthy; said to be formed during infancy by appropriate experiences with responsive caregivers.130
754129180adolescenceThe transition period fro childhood to adulthood, extending from puberty to independence.131
754129181pubertyThe period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing.132
754129182menarcheThe first menstrual period.133
754129183identityOur sense of self; according to Erikson, the adolescent's task is to solidify a sense of self by testing and integrating various roles.134
754129184social identityThe "we" aspect of our self-concept; the part of our answer to "Who am I?" that comes from our group memberships.135
754129185intimacyIn Erikson's theory, the ability to form close, loving relationships; a primary developmental task in early adulthood.136
754129186emerging adulthoodA period from about age 18 to mid-twenties, when many in Western cultures are no longer adolescents but have not yet achieved full independence as adults.137
754129187menopauseThe end of menstruation. In every day use, it can also mean the biological transition a woman experiences from before to after the end of menstruation.138
754129188crystallized intelligenceAccumulated knowledge and verbal skills; tends to increase with age.139
754129189fluid intelligenceAbility to reason speedily and abstractly; tends to decrease during late adulthood.140
754129190social clockThe culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement.141

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