Research methods
What’s the purpose of random assignment in an experiment? (To minimize pre-existing differences between groups.)
To minimize pre-existing differences between groups.
What part of the brain processes vision?
Occipital lobe.
Hearing is processed in which lobe of the brain?
Temporal lobe.
What are the three stages of memory?
Sensory, short-term, and long-term memory
Who is associated with observational learning?
Albert Bandura.
This type of research observes behavior in its natural environment without manipulation.
Naturalistic observation.
Which neurotransmitter is linked to mood and depression?
Serotonin.
What is the difference between sensation and perception?
Sensation is detecting stimuli; perception is interpreting it.
Define “chunking” and give an example.
Grouping information into meaningful units.
What is classical conditioning, and who discovered it?
Learning through association. Ivan Pavlov.
Identify the independent and dependent variables: A psychologist studies whether caffeine affects reaction time.
Caffeine = independent; reaction time = dependent.
What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
Calms the body after stress.
Which sense is most closely tied to memory?
Smell.
What is a heuristic? How can it lead to errors?
A mental shortcut for decision-making.
Howard Gardner proposed this theory to challenge the idea of a single IQ.
Spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, and interpersonal intelligences.
This type of study examines how strongly two variables are related but doesn’t establish causation.
To prevent researcher and participant bias.
Damage to this part of the brain can result in difficulty forming new memories.
Hippocampus.
Define the gate control theory of pain.
Pain signals are blocked or allowed through a “gate” in the spinal cord.
What’s the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
Explicit involves conscious recall; implicit is automatic (e.g., riding a bike).
Explain fixed vs. growth mindset.
Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases it.
What’s a double-blind procedure, and why is it used?
Correlational study.
Explain the function of the myelin sheath.
It speeds up neural impulses.
Explain bottom-up vs. top-down processing with an example.
Data-driven processing starting with sensory input.
What’s the term for when old information interferes with new information?
When old information disrupts new information.
What’s the difference between reinforcement and punishment in operant conditioning?
Reinforcement increases a behavior; punishment decreases it.