Chapter 1
Structuralism vs. Functionalism
Structuralism (Wilhelm Wundt): An approach in which the mind is broken into the smallest elements of mental experience. Structure/ Function
Functionalism (William James): An approach to psychology that saw behavior as purposeful and
contributing to survival. Function/Structure
Heuristic
A short cut to a conclusion—it
can be sufficient at times, but not always
optimal or perfect.
Epigenetics:
Explain how our nature and nurture has an impact on us.
Nature is what we are. This includes of biological components like our genes. Nurture is how we were raised. This would include our environment. These both play a big role in who we are today.
Sensation
the brain receives input from the sensory organs
List out the 5 neurotransmitters
Norepinephrine- alertness
Dopamin- award anticipation
Seratonin- regulation of mood, sleep, attention, and learning
Endorphins- pain and pleasure
Oxytocin- social bonding and love
What is Psychology?
The scientific study of the mind and behavior
Dependent vs Independent Variables.
Independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or controlled by the experimenter
Dependent variable is what is being measured
Central and Peripheral Nervous system.
Central (CNS)
Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral (PNS)
–Somatic NS
Sensory nerves
Motor nerves
Explain Top-Down and Bottom-Up processing
Bottom Up: assembling sensory information
Top Down: Interpreting sensory information
Parasympathetic & Sympathetic
Autonomic NS
-Parasympathetic (rest & digest)
-Sympathetic (Fight or flight)
Rachel has started feeling anxious and believes that her childhood events have been a large reason why she feels this way. The best approach to uncovering the causes of Rachel’s anxiety is most likely _____.
Psychodynamic Approach
Explain the Scientific Attitudes.
curious, skeptical, and humble
38. When you decide to pick up a book, the ____________ transmits signals from your brain to your arm muscles. These signals prompt your muscles to contract, allowing you to reach for the book, grasp it, and bring it to you. This involves both voluntary movement and sensory feedback.
A) Sympathetic nervous system
B) Central nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
Come up with an example of perceiving constancy
Up to interpretation
When we see objects that are similar
to each other, they tend to be seen as a unit. Is this closure, proximity, or similarity?
Similarity
Explain the biopsychosocial model.
Using Biological influences (genetics, hormones...), Psychological influences (learned behaviors, emotions, cognitive processes...), and social influences (culture, media, environment) to evaluate a behavior or mental process.
Descriptive vs Correlation Methods
Descriptive Method: The goals is to define whats happening. The types are: case studies, naturalistic observation, and surveys/interviews.
Correlational Method: To see the strength of a relationship. Remember that Correlation does not equal causation. Make sure to review the third Variable problem
Using the white board, draw out a neuron and its components.
Include cell body, dendrites, axon, myelin seath, axon terminal.
True or False:
If you lose a limb, you cant feel any sensation in that spot anymore.
False
Recall Phantom Limb Pain
Whats an example of the stroop effect?
When something is perceived automatically. Name, hometown, favorite sports team.
Choose an approach to psychology to explain.
This answer is up for interpretation.
Approached:
-Psychoanalysis
-Behaviorism
-Humanistic Psychology
-Cognitive Psychology
What does a correlation of 0 indicate?
That the relationship between the variables isnt strong.
What are the 4 lobes of the brain and its functions?
-Frontal Lobe: higher order thinking, empathy, decision making
-Parietal Lobe: top of the brain, spatial awareness
-Occipital lobe: back of the brain, vision
-Temporal Lobe: side of the brain, hearing and language processing
What are the two types of pains?
Acute and Chronic
Its not about what you study but...
how you study it.