Exam 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Why do we look at sayings that contradict each other?
To demonstrate that psychology is more than just common sense.
What is Psychology?
Science that seeks to answer questions about how and why humans think, feel, and behave the way they do.
What is Empirical Approach and why do scientist use it?
An evidence based method that draws on observations and experimentation. It is used to test a theory to a claim.
What is the scientific attitude?
What are the 3 parts of the scientific attitude?
Scientific attitude are the attitudes that helped modern science possible. 3 parts are curiosity, skepticism and humility.
How would you define Curiosity, skepticism, and humility?
Curiosity- does it work?
Skepticism- what do you mean? How do you know?
Humility- Be willing to be surprised and follow new ideas?
What are the 3 levels of analysis?
Biological Influences
Social interactions
Psychological influences
Biological influences
Genetically influenced traits, genetic mutations, natural selection, genes responding to environment
Social influences
Presence of others,
cultural, societal and family expectations
Peer and other group influences,
compelling models (media)
Psychological influences
Learned fears or other expectations, emotional responses, cognitive processing and perceptual interceptions.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
Psychologist: Doctorate degree. Cannot prescribe medications
Psychiatrist: Medical degree with focus on psychology. Can prescribe medications
Hindsight bias
Tendency to believe after learning an outcome, that one would foresee (I knew it all along phenomenon)
Overconfidence
Thinking you I know more than you do
What is the scientific method and how is it self correcting?
Theory, Hypothesis, operational definition, replication. It is self correcting because it is a slow and disciplined process.
Identify frequently used research methods and their strength and weaknesses.
Correlational studies: a study that uses an outcome to come up with multiple conclusions. Weakness is that correlation doesn’t prove causation.
Case studies:Descriptive technique where 1 individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.
Naturalistic Observations:Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations w/o trying to manipulate and control the situation
Surveys: Obtaining self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of group.
Informed consent
Giving potential participants enough info about a study to enable them to choose whether they wish to participate.
Debriefing
Post experimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions to its participants.
What are the parts of a nerve cell
Cell body: Contains nucleus of neuron
Dendrites: neurons branching extensions that receive and integrate messages conducting impulses toward cell body
Myelin Sheath:fatty tissue layer segmentally encasing the axons of neurons; enables greater transmission speed
Axon:neuron extension that passes messages through its branches to other neurons
Terminal Branches: Form junctions with other cells
What kind of process is neurotransmission
Both chemical and electrical processes
What is the process of neurotransmission
Neuron is stimulated and transmits info via neural impulse; communicates by firing this impulse (action potential) or electrical charge; charge moves down axon; + ions are outside axon, first section of axon opens access points, + ions rush into axon which has - ions inside
