Psychology
Professional organization representing psychologists in the United States
American Psychological Association (APA)
Observational research study focusing on one or a few people
Case study (or clinical study)
Overall group of individuals that the researchers are interested in studying
Protein on the cell surface where neurotransmitters attach
Receptor
Psychotherapy that focuses on cognitive processes and problem behaviors; sometimes used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Theory focusing on the role of the unconscious in affecting conscious behavior--think Freud
Psychoanalytic theory
Tendency to ignore evidence that disproves one's own ideas or beliefs
Confirmation bias
Repeating an experiment using different samples to determine the reliability of research
Replication
Electrical signal that moves down the neuron's axon
Action potential
Result of insufficient sleep on a chronic basis
Sleep debt
Method for acquiring knowledge based on observation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities
Empirical method
Relationship between two or more variables; when two variables are related, one changes as the other does
Correlation
Experiment in which the researcher knows which participants are in the experimental group and which are in the control group
Single-blind study
Major extension of the soma (cell body)
Axon
Characterized by high levels of sensory awareness, thought, and behavior
Wakefulness
Doctoral degree (doctor of psychology) that places less emphasis on research-oriented skills and focuses more on application of psychological principles in the clinical context
PsyD
Complete and truthful information provided to participants at the conclusion of a study involving deception
Debriefing
Well-developed set of ideas that propose an explanation for observed phenomena
Theory
The view that psychological disorders like depression and schizophrenia are associated with imbalances in one or more neurotransmitter systems
Biological perspective
State marked by relatively low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness that is distinct from periods of rest that occur during wakefulness
Sleep
Doctoral degree (doctor of philosophy) conferred in many disciplines; in psychology it focuses more on research-oriented skills than on applying principles in clinical context
PhD
Informing a research participant about what to expect during an experiment, any risks involved, and the implications of the research, then obtaining the person's consent to participate
Informed consent
Subset of individuals selected from the larger population
Sample
Branch-like extension of the soma that receives incoming signals from other neurons
Dendrite
Somnambulism
Sleepwalking