PSY101 Exam 1 Study Guide 2023 with 100% correct questions and answers

What is the definition of psychology? The scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Discuss the early influences of psychology. Aristotle and Descartes. Descartes came up with interactive dualism. What are the basic ideas of structuralism and functionalism, and who were the important people in those early fields? Structuralism: Even the most complex conscious experiences could be broken down into elemental structures, or component parts, of sensations and feelings. Titchner came up with structuralism, and suggested introspection, which is the attempt to recreate a reaction to a stimuli. Functionalism: Stressed the importance of how behavior functions to allow people and animals to adapt to their environments. Unlike structuralists, James did not limit their methods of observation to introspection. Who were the important people that contributed to psychology's building? Wundt is considered the father of psychology. Aristotle and Descartes play a role in the establishment of psychology and it's ideals. Discuss Freud and psychoanalysis. Freud was developing an intriguing theory of personality based on uncovering causes of behavior that were unconscious or hidden from the person's conscious awareness. Psychoanalysis emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in determining behavior and personality. Freud believed that human behavior was motivated by unconscious conflicts that were almost always sexual or aggressive in nature. What are the contributions of Skinner, Maslow and Rogers? Skinner: Skinner believed that psychology should restrict itself to studying outward observable behaviors that could be measured and verified. In compelling experimental demonstrations, Skinner systematically used reinforcement or punishment to shape the behavior of rats and pigeons. Maslow: Developed a theory of motivation that emphasized psychological growth. Rogers: Humanistic psychology was largely founded by him. Rogers emphasized self-determination, free will, and the importance of choice in human behavior. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as psychodynamics? The Psychodynamic perspective may or may not follow Freud's teachings, or take a psychoanalytic approach. However, they do tend to emphasize the importance of unconscious influences, early life experiences, and interpersonal relationships in explaining the underlying dynamics of behavior or in treating people with psychological problems. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as humanism? The humanistic perspective focuses on the motivation of people to grow psychologically, the influence of interpersonal relationships on a person's self-concept, and the importance of choice and self-direction in striving to reach one's potential. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as positive psychology? The field of psychological research and theory focusing on the study of positive emotions and psychological states, positive individual traits, and the social institutions that foster these qualities in individuals and the community. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as biopsychology? Emphasizes the study of the physical bases of human and animal behavior, including the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system and genetics. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as cognitive psychology? Focuses on the important role of the mental process in how people process and remember information, develop language, solve problems and think. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as the evolutionary perspective? Refers to the application if the principles of evolution to explain psychological processes. What are the basic concepts of the modern perspectives known as cross-cultural perspective? Branch of psychology that studies the effect of culture on behavior and mental processes. What's the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, and what other types of professionals work in the various areas of psychology? Psychiatry is a medical specialty. A psychiatrist must go to medical school, and then have additional years of training to become one. Psychiatrists have the ability to prescribe medical treatment because they are medical doctors. A psychologist cannot medically treat someone, even though they can suggest treatment. What are the four primary goals of psychology? 1: Describe: Trying to objectively describe the experience of stress 2: Explain: Seeking to explain the nature of stressful experiences 3: Predict: Be able to predict the kinds of events that produce stress 4: Control or influence: After studying the effectiveness of different coping strategies, Dr. Folkman helps people use these coping strategies to better control their reactions to stressful events. What are the steps in the scientific method? 1: Formulate a specific question that can be tested 2: Design a study to collect relevant data 3: Analyze the data to arrive at conclusions 4: Report the results How do psychologists use naturalistic and laboratory settings to describe behavior, and what are the advantages and disadvantages associated with these settings? The goal of naturalistic observation is to detect behavior patterns that exist naturally- patterns that might not be apparent in a laboratory or if the subjects knew they were being watched. How do psychologists use case studies and surveys to describe behavior, and what are some drawbacks to each of these methods? Case Study: an intensive, in-depth of an individual, a family, or some other social unit. Case studies involve compiling a great deal of information from numerous sources to construct a detailed picture of the person. Survey: People respond to a structured set of questions about their experiences, beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes. A great advantage to surveys is that they can be given to a large group and they are anonymous. What is the correlational technique and what does it tell researchers about relationships? A numerical indicator of strength between two factors. A correlation technique always ranges between -1.00 to +1.00. What are the basic principles of critical thinking, and how can critical thinking help people in their everyday lives? 1: A critical thinker is flexible yet maintains an attitude of healthy skepticism. 2: The critical thinker scrutinizes the evidence before drawing conclusions. 3: The critical thinker can assume other perspectives. 4: The critical thinker is aware of biases and assumptions. 5: The critical thinker engages in reflective thinking. What is the Nervous System made of and what are neurons? The Nervous System is the body's main way of communication. The Nervous System is made up of neurons. There are three kinds of neurons: Sensory Neurons (Communicate information from the environment to the CNS), Motor Neurons (Communicate information from the CNS to the muscles) and Interneurons (Communicate information from one neuron to another) How do neurons use neurotransmitters to communicate with each other? Action Potential, Stimulus Threshold, Resting Potential, Synapse Temporal Lobe An area on each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex that is the primary receiving area for auditory information. Occipital Lobe An area in the back of each cerebral hemisphere that is the primary receiving area for visual information. Parietal Lobe An area on each hemisphere that processes somatic sensations. Frontal Lobe The largest lobe of each cerebral hemisphere; processes voluntary muscle movements and is involved in thinking, planning, and emotional control. Hindbrain Region at the base of the brain that connects the brain to the spinal chord Pons Helps coordinate movements on the left and right sides of the body Cerebellum Coordinates movement, balance and posture Reticular Formation Helps regulate attention and alertness Medulla Controls breathing, heartbeat, and other vital life functions. Midbrain Contains structures involved in processing visual and auditory information Forebrain Uppermost and largest brain region Corpus Callosum Thick band of axons connecting the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex Cerebral Cortex Divided into two hemispheres and responsible for sophisticated mental functions Hypothalamus Links brain and endocrine system; regulates hunger, thirst, sleep and sexual behavior Thalamus Processes and integrates sensory information; relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex Hippocampus Involved in forming new memories Amygdala Involved in memory and emotion, especially fear and anger Consciousness Your immediate awareness of thoughts, sensations, memories, and the world around you Attention the capacity to selectively focus senses and awareness on particular stimuli or aspects of the environment. 1:Attention has limited capacity 2: Attention is selective 3:Attention can be blind