Intro to Psyschology Flashcards
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of observable actions (the way we act) and internal mental (The way we think) processes.
Behavior
Actions that can be observed.
The way we ACT.
Cognition
The INTERNAL working functions of the mind. The way we THINK.
Mental Process
the way your brain works to think, remember, learn, and make decisions.
Empirical evidence
Emiprical edvice is is gathered through observation, experimentation, and a scientific approach.
Independent variable
The factor in a study that psychologists CHANGE in order to see the effect it might have on behavior
Dependent variable
The factor the researchers measure in the study – it is the effect of the IV
Extraneous variable
Other variables than the ones you might be interested in that may be infering with the results
Confounding variable
A type of extraneous variable that is associated with both the independent and dependent variables.
Treatment group
The group that receives a treatment that is hypothesised to have an effect
Control group
The group that receives no treatment
Localization of Brain Function
Localization of brain function refers to the concept that specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions, such as movement, speech, or memory.
Functions of the frontal lobe (in general)
The frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, impulse control, emotional regulation, and voluntary movement.
Specific areas of the Frontal Lobe AND their individual functions
The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and regulating social behavior,
Broca’s area controls speech production and language processing.
The primary motor cortex is responsible for initiating and controlling voluntary muscle movements.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between brain function and behavior, focusing on how injuries, diseases, or disorders of the brain affect cognitive processes and behaviors.
Theory
principles or concepts that explain and predict behavior, mental processes, or phenomena based on empirical evidence and observations.
Model
simplified structure used to represent and explain specific psychological processes or behaviors.
Heuristics
mental shortcuts that people use to make quick, efficient decisions or judgments, often at the cost of accuracy.
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
(vmPFC) brain region involved in processing risk, reward, emotion regulation, and decision-making, particularly in social and emotional contexts.
Experimental paradigm
structured approach used in research to test specific hypotheses through controlled experimental procedures.
Processing
mental activities involved in interpreting, organizing, and integrating information to make sense of experiences and guide responses.
Judgement
process of forming opinions, evaluations, or conclusions about information, situations, or people based on reasoning, experiences, and biases.
Decision Making
selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives based on evaluating information, preferences, and potential outcomes.
Temporal Lobe
crucial role in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory, all of which are fundamental to understanding behavior and emotional regulation