Study Guide for Psychology 100

Chapter 1:

        Definition of Psychology: the science of behavior and mental processes

        Types of Data Collection:

1. Case Study – One individual (or a single small group) is studied.
2. Survey – Used to obtain self-reported behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative of that group (also known as the random sample).
3. Naturalistic Observation – Recording behavior in a natural environment without manipulating the situation. Think (the person does not know they are being observed/recorded).
4. Experimentation – A research method where the researcher manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on certain behavior or mental processes (dependent variables). In this method, there are two groups: control and experimental. For example, the experimental group is the one exposed to a treatment while the control group is not exposed to the treatment.

Correlation: A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and how well either factor predicts the other.

Positive: Indicates a direct relationship. Two things either increase (+) or decrease (-) together.

Negative: Indicates an inverse relationship. As one thing increases (+), the other decreases (-).

                        Remember: Correlation is not Causation!

Definition of Theory: an explanation of behaviors or events by offering ideas that organize our observations.

Definition of Hypothesis: a testable prediction.

Scientific Attitude: 4 components to remember –

1. Curiosity – Ask questions!
2. Skepticism – Challenge facts and/or assumptions
3. Humility – Seeking the truth, rather than being correct.
4. Critical Thinking – Objectively analyzing a situation or issue to form a judgement.

Independent Variable: in an experiment, the factor that is being manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied. Example: The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will cook. IV = Temp. of water

Dependent Variable: in an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated. Example: Lemon trees receiving the most water produce the largest lemons. DV = Size of lemons

Nature vs. Nurture:

Nature refers to all the genes and hereditary factors that influence who we are from our physical appearance to our personality characteristics.

Nurture refers to all the environmental variables that impact who we are, including our early childhood experiences, how we were raised, our social relationships, and our surrounding culture.

Chapter 2:

Phrenology: Coined by Franz Josef Gall – A “study of the mind” where “the brain is like a muscle” but remember that is not exactly like a muscle! Only specific parts are. For instance, he believed that the unevenness of one’s skull (like a bump on the back of the head), indicated that perhaps they are more “compulsive” than others because this is part of the “compulsive” organ of the brain.

Neuron: a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system. There are approximately 1 billion neurons in the average human.

All-or-None Response: “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” The more work neurons put in, the stronger the connection. Think of it like a gun firing off!

Neurotransmitters: 4 main types –

1. GABA – the inhibitory transmitter. “Quit overthinking!”

Too little of this = anxiety or insomnia.

1. Endorphins – pain killers; focus to reduce pain.
2. Dopamine – the main factor in addiction.

Too much = schizophrenia. Too little = Parkinson’s.

1. Serotonin – affects mood (happiness or depression), hunger, and sleep.

Too much = insomnia and/or gastro-intestinal issues.

Too little = depression.