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Psychology: Intro Terms
Key terms from introductory psychology: the brain, learning, memory, development, emotion and social behavior.
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- PsychologyTermThe scientific study of behavior and mental processes
- Wilhelm WundtTermFounded the first psychology lab in 1879 in Leipzig
- William JamesTermAmerican pioneer who wrote Principles of Psychology
- Sigmund FreudTermFounder of psychoanalysis; emphasized the unconscious
- B.F. SkinnerTermBehaviorist known for operant conditioning
- Ivan PavlovTermDiscovered classical conditioning with dogs
- Jean PiagetTermDescribed stages of cognitive development in children
- Lev VygotskyTermStressed the role of social interaction in learning
- Carl RogersTermHumanistic psychologist who emphasized acceptance and growth
- Abraham MaslowTermProposed a hierarchy of human needs
- BehaviorismTermApproach that studies observable behavior
- Cognitive psychologyTermStudy of thinking, memory and problem solving
- Humanistic psychologyTermApproach focused on personal growth and potential
- NeuroscienceTermStudy of the brain and nervous system
- NeuronTermA nerve cell that sends signals
- SynapseTermThe gap where neurons communicate
- NeurotransmitterTermChemical messenger between neurons, like dopamine
- Brain stemTermControls basic life functions like breathing
- CerebellumTermHelps with balance and coordination
- Cerebral cortexTermOuter layer of the brain involved in thinking
- Frontal lobeTermInvolved in planning and decision-making
- HippocampusTermBrain region important for forming new memories
- AmygdalaTermBrain region involved in emotion, especially fear
- Nature vs nurtureTermDebate about how much genes versus experience shape behavior
- HypothesisTermA testable prediction
- ExperimentTermA study that changes one variable to see its effect
- Independent variableTermThe factor the researcher changes
- Dependent variableTermThe outcome that is measured
- Control groupTermGroup that does not receive the treatment, for comparison
- CorrelationTermA relationship between two variables
- PlaceboTermA harmless treatment with no active ingredient
- Random sampleTermA sample chosen by chance
- SensationTermDetecting stimuli with the senses
- PerceptionTermInterpreting sensory information
- AttentionTermFocusing mental resources on something
- ConsciousnessTermAwareness of yourself and your surroundings
- REM sleepTermSleep stage with rapid eye movement and vivid dreams
- Circadian rhythmTermThe body's roughly 24-hour clock
- Classical conditioningTermLearning by linking two stimuli
- Operant conditioningTermLearning from the consequences of behavior
- ReinforcementTermSomething that increases a behavior
- PunishmentTermSomething that decreases a behavior
- Observational learningTermLearning by watching others, studied by Albert Bandura
- MemoryTermThe process of storing and retrieving information
- EncodingTermPutting information into memory
- StorageTermKeeping information over time
- RetrievalTermGetting information out of memory
- Short-term memoryTermHolds a small amount of information briefly
- Working memoryTermMental workspace for handling information
- Long-term memoryTermLasting storage of knowledge and experiences
- Forgetting curveTermHermann Ebbinghaus's finding that memory fades quickly without review
- Spaced practiceTermStudying over time rather than all at once
- MnemonicTermA memory aid
- CognitionTermMental activities like thinking and knowing
- HeuristicTermA mental shortcut for making decisions
- BiasTermA systematic error in thinking
- IntelligenceTermAbility to learn, reason and adapt
- Developmental psychologyTermStudy of how people change across life
- AttachmentTermEmotional bond between a child and caregiver
- Erikson's stagesTermEight stages of psychosocial development across life
- AdolescenceTermPeriod of development between childhood and adulthood
- EmotionTermA feeling with physical, mental and behavioral parts
- MotivationTermThe drive to act toward goals
- Maslow's hierarchyTermNeeds from basic (food, safety) to love, esteem and self-actualization
- PersonalityTermLasting patterns of thinking, feeling and acting
- Big FiveTermOpenness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism
- StressTermResponse to demands or threats
- CopingTermWays of managing stress
- Psychological disorderTermA pattern of thoughts or behaviors that causes distress or difficulty
- TherapyTermTreatment to help with mental health concerns
- Social psychologyTermStudy of how people influence each other
- ConformityTermChanging behavior to match a group
- Bystander effectTermPeople are less likely to help when others are present
- Cognitive dissonanceTermDiscomfort from conflicting beliefs or actions
- StereotypeTermOvergeneralized belief about a group
- PrejudiceTermNegative attitude toward a group
- AltruismTermHelping others without expecting rewards
- Growth mindsetTermBelief that abilities can grow with effort
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