What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It focuses on how people think, feel, and act.
What is behavior in psychology?
Behavior is the way people or animals act in response to their environment, including thoughts, actions, and emotions.
What is the “nature vs. nurture” debate?
The nature vs. nurture debate discusses whether a person’s behavior is shaped more by their genes (nature) or their environment and upbringing (nurture).
What is the difference between the conscious and unconscious mind?
The conscious mind is what we are aware of and can think about. The unconscious mind contains thoughts and feelings we are not aware of but still influence our behavior.
What is cognition in psychology?
Cognition refers to the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
What is classical conditioning?
Classical conditioning is when someone or something learns to connect one thing with another, so they react the same way to both. For example, in the famous experiment with Pavlov’s dogs.
What is operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning is learning through rewards and punishments. Behavior is strengthened if followed by a reward (reinforcement) or weakened if followed by punishment.
What is a psychological disorder?
A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause distress or impair daily functioning (like depression, anxiety, or OCD).
What is the central nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It controls most functions of the body and mind, sending and receiving messages throughout the body.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It connects the CNS to the limbs and organs, allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the body.
What is a cognitive bias?
A cognitive bias is a pattern of thinking that leads to errors in judgment or decision-making. For example, confirmation bias is when people look for information that supports their existing beliefs.
What is cognitive dissonance?
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort or tension we feel when we hold two conflicting beliefs or when our actions don’t match our beliefs. We are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing our beliefs or behaviors.
What is attachment theory?
Attachment theory suggests that early relationships with caregivers (like parents) shape how we form emotional bonds and trust with others throughout our lives.
