Behavioral Sciences

Question 1

Gestalt principles

Answer 1

the brain infers missing parts of a picture when a picture is incomplete

Question 2

law of similarity

Answer 2

similar objects are grouped together

Question 3

law of proximity

Answer 3

objects that are close together are grouped together

Question 4

law of pragnanz

Answer 4

perceive images in their simplest form

Question 5

law of continuity

Answer 5

lines are seen as following smoothest pathway

Question 6

subjective contours

Answer 6

perceiving shapes that are not actually present

Question 7

law of closure

Answer 7

incomplete images are seen as a whole

Question 8

Define bottom-up processing

Answer 8

• Data-driven
• Uses parallel processing and feature detection to recognize objects
• Slower, less mistakes

Question 9

Define top-down processing

Answer 9

• Conceptually-driven
• Uses memories and expectations to recognize objects
• Faster, more mistakes

Question 10

Define motivation

Answer 10

driving force behind our actions

Question 11

What are the 4 primary factors that influence motivation?

Answer 11

instincts, arousal, drives, and needs

Question 12

Define instinct theory

Answer 12

certain behaviors are performed due to evolutionary instincts

Question 13

Define arousal theory

Answer 13

• People perform actions to maintain an optimal level of arousal
• Yerkes-Dodson law = medium level of arousal is optimal.

Question 14

Define drive reduction theory

Answer 14

Motivation arises from the desire to eliminate drives, which create uncomfortable internal states. Want to maintain homeostasis

Question 15

What are Maslow’s 5 hierarchy of needs in order of priority?

Answer 15

physiological, safety (basic needs), love/belonging

social needs), esteem (respect), self-actualization (maximum potential

Question 16

What 3 universal needs does self-determination theory emphasize?

Answer 16

autonomy, competence, and relatedness

Question 17

Define incentive theory

Answer 17

Motivation as the desire to pursue rewards and avoid punishments. Focuses on positive reinforcement

Question 18

Define sensation

Answer 18

The conversion, or transduction, of physical, electromagnetic, auditory, and other information from the internal and external environment into electrical signals in the nervous system

Question 19

__________ is the processing of sensory information to make sense of its significance

Answer 19

Perception

Question 20

What are sensory receptors?

Answer 20

Nerves that respond to stimuli and trigger electrical signals

Question 21

What is the name given to collections of cell bodies outside the central nervous system?

Answer 21

sensory ganglia

Question 22

Define absolute threshold

Answer 22

minimum intensity of a stimulus that one can detect 50% of the time

Question 23

Define difference threshold/just-noticeable difference (jnd)

Answer 23

minimum difference in intensity between two stimuli that one can detect 50% of the time

Question 24

Explain Weber’s law

Answer 24

states that the jnd for a stimulus is proportional to the magnitude of the stimulus, and that this proportion is constant

ΔI / I = K

Question 25

Sensory receptors dealing with temperature are ______,

pressure are _______, pain are _______, and position are ______

Answer 25

Thermoreceptors/Mechanoreceptors/Nociceptors/Proprioceceptors

Question 26

Define signal detection theory

Answer 26

the effects of non sensory factors, such as experiences, motives, and expectations on perception of stimuli

Question 27

Define adaptation

Answer 27

a decrease in response to a stimulus over time