Chapter 1 Flashcards
(25 cards)
Summarize the paradox of progress by briefly explaining the points and counterpoints of progress
Technology has advanced so much from cars to cellphones and computers that perform calculations in seconds. Yet most people complain about now having enough time and they suffer from not getting enough sleep.
We have so many options (choices) all around us. Yet people experience “choice overload” and struggle with decisions and have a higher rate of experiencing regret
Modern technology has provided us with unprecedented control over the world. Yet we seem to be destroying the environment with modern technology.
Many theories are in agreement that the basic challenge of modern life has become the search for
Meaning, a sense of direction, and a personal philosophy.
What are reasons people join cults?
Cults seem to appear to provide simple solutions to complex problems, a sense of purpose and belongingness, and a structured lifestyle that reduces the feelings of uncertainty,
Those who feel alienation, identity confusion, and weak community ties are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Laura gives advice over the radio. What does the editor of Psychology Today say about her?
“No legitimate mental health professional would ever give the kind of hateful, divisive advice that Schlessinger doles out daily”
What are self-help books and what are some problems with them?
Books that offer do-it yourself treatments for common personal problems.
Filled with “psychobabble” phrases such as “ You have to be up front”
They place more emphasis on sales than on scientific soundness. Much of the advice is not supported by scientific research.
The books don’t do a good job in giving explicit directions on how to change your behavior.
The books encourage a narcissistic approach to life.
Explain any 3 suggestions for what to look for in self-help books.
Clarity in communication
Books that do NOT promise immediate change.
Investigate Author Credentials
Select books that mention theoretical or research basis
Look for books that provide detailed, explicit directions.
Books that focus on a particular problem are better.
What is Narcissism
“A personality trait marked by an inflated sense of importance, a need for attention and admiration, a sense of entitlement, and a sense to exploit others”
How have self-help books contributed to Narcissism?
Books have phrases such as “Do whatever you feel like doing and don’t worry about the consequences for other people”
The 4 Ss of Critical thinking are
What do Critical Thinkers do?
Subjecting Ideas to Systematic, Skeptical Scrutiny.
Avoid emotional reasoning and oversimplification. They recognize that sometimes we have to tolerate uncertainty.
Define: Psychology
Study of human behavior
Define: Adjustment
The psychological processes through which people manage or cope with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
What is meant by “Scientific Psychology is empirical”
Conclusions are based on systematic observation rather than on reasoning, speculation, traditional beliefs, or common sense.
What is an experiment?
A research method in which the investigator manipulates one (independent) variable under carefully controlled conditions and observes whether any changes occur in a second (dependent) variable as a result.
Define Independent Variable and Dependent Variable.
Identify these variables in the Schachter experiment.
Independent: Condition or event that an experimenter varies in order to see its impact on another variable
Dependent: Variable that is thought to be affected by manipulations of the independent variable.
Schachter experiment
Independent: Participants anxiety level.
Dependent: measure of subjects’ desire to affiliate with others
What is an Experimental Group? A Control Group?
Experimental group: Receives special treatment
Control group: Similar subjects who do not receive special treatment given to the experimental group.
What is Correlation? Give examples of + and - Correlation.
Correlation: A link or association between variable of interest
+: Variables co-vary in the same direction. If variable X goes up then so will variable Y
-: Variables go in opposite direction. if X is up then Y is down
What is Naturalistic Observation?
Careful observation of behavior without intervening directly with the subjects.
What is a Case Study?
An in-depth investigation of an individual subject.
What is a Survey?
Structured questionnaires designed to solicit information about specific aspects of participants’ behavior
What is the major disadvantage to use the Correlation Method in research?
Investigator does not have the opportunity to control events in a way to isolate cause and effect. This means that even though there is a correlation, an investigator cannot claim that the two variables are connected.
When people are asked to rate their level of happiness the vast majority rate themselves as ____
Your book lists three factors that are VERY important to happiness. What are they?
Fairly happy.
(Love, marriage. and relationship satisfaction), Work, and Genetics + Personality.
Explain these conclusions on the research of happiness
Objective realities are not as important as subjective feelings
When it comes to happiness, everything is relative
How good are people at predicting what will make them happy?
People often adapt to their circumstances
Your health, wealth, your job, and your age are not as influential as how you FEEL about your health, wealth, job, and your age
We evaluate what we have by comparing to what others have around us.
People are bad at making this prediction. People overestimate their happiness to good upcoming events and also overestimate their misery and regret they experience.
If someone is poor than their goal is to be in the middle class. Once they get to the middle class they will compare to the rich and feel exactly the same way.
What is Overlearning? Does it help in remember what you learned?
Continued rehearsal of material after you have first appeared to master it. Overlearning does in fact help you retain information and is linked to higher scores on exams.
Explain how the Testing Effect works
Will you use it in this class?
Testing yourself enhances retention. Taking a test on material increases performance on a subsequent test even more than just studying. I will be using this method in this class as brainscape is a method of self-testing.
