Psychology Basics
This is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
What is psychology?
These cells send messages throughout the nervous system.
What are neurons?
This electrical signal travels down the axon to send messages.
What is an action potential?
Pavlov’s dogs taught us this type of learning through association.
What is classical conditioning?
These are mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions.
What are heuristics?
This three-part approach says behavior is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
What is the biopsychosocial model?
This part of the brain controls balance and coordination.
What is the cerebellum?
These chemicals cross the synapse to send messages to the next neuron.
What are neurotransmitters?
In operant conditioning, this increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
What is reinforcement?
This first stage of memory holds information for only a few seconds.
What is sensory memory?
This major perspective focuses on how the brain, nervous system, and genetics influence behavior.
What is the biological perspective?
This system connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
This neurotransmitter is linked to pleasure, reward, and movement; too little is linked to Parkinson’s.
What is dopamine?
B.F. Skinner studied behavior using these animals and a special box.
What are rats (or pigeons)?
This memory system can hold about 7 items for around 20–30 seconds.
What is short-term (or working) memory?
This research method uses careful observation and manipulation to establish cause and effect.
What is an experiment?
This emotion-related system includes the amygdala and hippocampus.
What is the limbic system?
The tiny gap between neurons where communication occurs.
What is the synapse?
Copying others’ behavior—like Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment—is called this.
What is observational learning?
This type of long-term memory stores facts and general knowledge.
What is semantic memory?
This perspective emphasizes free will, personal growth, and the human potential for self-improvement.
What is the humanistic perspective?
This term describes the brain’s ability to change and reorganize after injury or experience.
What is neuroplasticity?
This neurotransmitter helps with mood; low levels are associated with depression.
What is serotonin?
This happens when a conditioned response disappears after the stimulus is no longer presented.
What is extinction?
This process involves getting information into memory, the first step of the memory system.
What is encoding?