Methods
The study design that can actually begin to establish causality in relationships between variables
experimental
This term for the ability of the brain to change in response to experience is why it is easier for humans to learn new languages earlier in life
neuroplasticity
The name of the level of the BioEcological model that involves cultural factors and societal norms
Macrosystem
The attachment classification for a dyad where the infant is distraught when their parent leaves them alone in an unfamiliar environment, but then is soothed shortly after reunion
secure
The chemical that releases in response to positive social interaction and hugs, and operates as a biological stress buffer, reducing effects of cortisol
oxytocin
In an experiment, the two terms for (a) what you manipulate and then (b) what you measure after the manipulation
independent and dependent variables
The neurotransmitter/chemical most associated with reward and addiction
dopamine
This theory might help explain why it was hard to change gender stereotyped beliefs that only men would be firefighters–because they had well-established priors!
Bayesian Learning Theory
The understanding that others can hold beliefs different from yours (and different from reality, like in the Sally-Anne task)
theory of mind
The two characteristics of a situation most influential in predicting a heightened psychobiological stress response
unpredictability and uncontrollability
The study design where a separate age group (e.g., 25-, 30-, and 35-year olds) is studied at the same time to understand change across time
cross-sectional
The names of both (a) the type of brain cell and (b) the area where brain cells connect
neuron and synapse
The theory that describes how learning occurs via imitation of others’ behaviors
Social Learning Theory
The name for the procedure used to assess attachment security (where the parent leaves the child in an unfamiliar environment and then they are reunited)
strange situation
The three components of Critical Consciousness
reflection, efficacy, action
This research method identifies community members as experts and is focused explicitly on social change
participatory action research
The name of the nervous system that the spinal cord is part of
central nervous system
The Marcia identity development theory stage in which the person has explored an element of their identity a lot (e.g., thought a lot about career plans), but has not committed to something (e.g., not decided on a career)
moratorium
The learning process outlined under Behaviorism where behavior changes in response to rewards and punishments
operant conditioning
The two names for the social media phenomenon that narrow what you see. One is a social phenomenon of gravitating towards like-minded people and the other is an algorithmic phenomenon resulting in seeing more of the same content.
echo chamber & filter bubble
In a well-designed experiment, this procedure ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any condition, helping rule out preexisting differences as alternative explanations for the results
random assignment
The body’s ‘biological clock;’ processes light signals and then triggers modulation of melatonin
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
The theory that describes why an expert radiologist can detect a tumor in a brain scan much quicker than a novice by distinguishing meaningful information from background noise
Signal Detection Theory
The classical conditioning term for nausea/aversion experienced in response to seeing (safe to eat) scallops after having a food poisoning episode with scallops
conditioned response
Psychological disorder that is marked by, among other symptoms, unexpected biological fight-or-flight responses, interoceptive avoidance, and sense of impending doom
Panic Disorder