Research Methods
What is psychology defined as in scientific terms?
Study of behavior and mental processes
Who is known as the “Father of Psychology”?
Wilhelm Wundt
Which modern perspective focuses on conscious thought, information processing, and perception?
Cognitive
What is the basic function of a neuron?
To send and receive neural messages
What are the two main branches of the nervous system?
The Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
What type of research is conducted to advance scientific knowledge rather than practical application?
Basic Research
Which historical psychological perspective focused on the investigation of thought processes and the structure of the mind?
Structuralism
Which modern perspective studies genetics and physiological processes?
Biopsychology/Neuroscience
What is the purpose of the myelin sheath on neurons?
Speed up communication
What does the sympathetic nervous system activate?
Fight or flight
What is the term for "a specific prediction about how one variable is related to another"?
Hypothesis
Which historical perspective stressed the functions of behavior in enabling people to adapt to their environment?
Functionalism
Which modern perspective studies objective, observable, environmental influences?
Behavioral
Neutransmitters are to the nervous system, as _______ are to the endocrine system?
Hormones
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for sensory processing?
Parietal
What type of correlation is demonstrated when two factors vary in OPPOSITE directions?
Negative Correlation
What did behaviorists believe mainly controlled and shaped behavior?
Learning (reward & punishment)
Which modern perspective focuses on self-concept, free will, and human nature as positive and growth-seeking?
Humanistic
What is the term to describe the neural impulse that carries information along the axon of a neuron? (HINT: this is the electrical impulse that triggers communication between neurons!)
Action potential
Which lower-level brain structure is responsible for maintaining homeostasis?
Hypothalamus
What is the name for the group that receives the Independent Variable (treatment) in a psychological experiment?
Experimental/Treatment Group
What did the psychoanalytic perspective emphasize?
The role of the unconscious
What three components make up the foundation for the biopsychosocial model?
Biological
Psychological
Social
How is communication within a neuron different from between neurons? (HINT: think of the KIND of communication)
Electrical (within) vs. chemical (between)
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for motor control, speech, and higher-order functions?
Frontal