Chapter 1
What is the definition psychology?
The scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior
Define Heuristics
Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that we use daily
What are dendrites?
branchlike extensions that receive information from other neurons
Absolute threshold is the lowest level of a stimulus we can detect how much? (percentage)
50%
What is operant conditioning?
Learning controlled by the consequences of the organism's behavior
Define Scientific Theory
an explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world
Define external validity
extent which we can generalize or our findings to the real world
What is plasticity?
What is retina?
What is negative reinforcement?
Negative reinforcement involves taking away a stimulus.
Define Hypothesis
a specific prediction based on theory, which can be tested
Internal Validity
Extent to which we can draw cause and effect inferences
Explain the Stamford Prison Experiment
*See Judge for answer*
what is perception?
The brain's interpretation of raw sensory data
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement involves giving a stimulus.
What is a Metaphysical Claim?
Non testable assertions that fall outside the realm of science?
Experimenter expectancy effect
When researchers' hypotheses lead them to unintentionally bias a study outcome
What is pluralistic ignorance?
Assuming no one else views things as we do
What is Synethesia?
The experience of cross modal sensations
What are mirror neurons
Prefrontal neurons that become active when an animal observes or performs an action
Who invented Structuralism?
William Wundt
What is the Placebo Effect?
Improvement resulting from the mere expectation of improvement
What is a scape goat hypothesis?
Implies that we have a need to see the world as fair
What is the optic nerve composed of?
Ganglion cells
What is observational learning?
Means learning by watching others