Foundations of Psychology
Name an enduring issue of psychology.
Person-Situation
Nature-Nurture
Mind-Body
Diversity-Universality
Stability-Change
What are the three main parts of EVERY neuron?
Dendrite, cell body, axon
What is the minimum stimulus intensity that can be detected at least 50% of the time called?
Absolute Threshold
You pass a favorite restaurant and suddenly feel hungry. What type of learning is this?
Classical Conditioning
What model compares memory processing to the function of a computer?
Information-processing model
True or false: Ethics can be violated in psychology
Fale
What would happen if your efferent neurons stopped working?
You would not be able to control your muscles or glands.
What do researchers currently believe about the function of sleep?
Its exact purpose is unclear, but it likely plays a key role in restoring the brain and body.
What’s the difference between semantic memory and episodic memory?
Semantic: facts/general knowledge. Episodic: personal experiences.
What is the Flynn effect, and what do research believe causes it?
A rise in average IQ scores over generations due to environmental improvements like education and nutrition.
What does it mean to say "psychology has a long past, but a short history"?
For centuries, philosophers questioned human nature, but only in the late 1800s did psychology use scientific methods.
Which lobe of the brain is responsible for vison?
Occipital lobe
What is it called when you fail to notice something obvious because your attention is focused elsewhere?
Inattentional Blindness
What is learned helplessness, and what effects does it have?
After repeated failure, people give up trying. It can cause passivity, depression, and poor motivation.
Gabe tries every key on a keyring until one works. What type of problem-solving strategy is this?
Trail & Error
Identify and briefly explain the five enduring issues in psychology.
Person–situation, Nature–nurture, Stability–change, Diversity–universality, and Mind–body.
Define brain plasticity & neurogenesis
Plasticity is the brain's ability to adapt; neurogenesis is the creation of new neurons.
What are circadian rhythms, and how can their disruption impact health or functioning?
Daily biological cycles. Disruption can cause fatigue, mood swings, sleep problems, etc.
Describe an example from your life where you were classically conditioned. Name the US, UR, CS, and CR.
Answers vary
What is functional fixedness, and give an example?
Inability to use familiar objects in new ways. Ex: Not realizing a coin can be used as a screwdriver.
Titchener is known for which theoretical perspective?
Structualism
What is the general function of dopamine and serotonin?
Dopamine: reward/movement; Serotonin: mood/sleep.
What is the difference between sensation and perception, and what steps are involved in creating a sensation?
Sensation: detecting physical stimuli. Perception: interpreting them. Steps: stimulus → receptor → nerve signal → brain.
Name and explain three common cognitive biases. What are their pros and cons?
Examples: hindsight bias, confirmation bias, functional fixedness. Pros: mental shortcuts. Cons: inaccurate thinking.
How can the reconstructive nature of memory lead to forgetting or distortion?
We often alter or reinterpret memories based on current beliefs or emotions.