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Psych 1100
Exam #1
118
Psychology
Undergraduate 2
02/24/2009

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Term
DSM-4
Definition
Diagnostic and Statistical manual of mental disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
regulates a hormone released by the pituitary gland.
Term
Speech Production
Definition
Broca's area is important for this
Term
Occipital Lobe
Definition
primary visual cortex is located here
Term
Rene Descartes
Definition
closely associated with the concept of Dualism
Term
Edification & Independent Inquiry
Definition
being uplifted, moral improvement or guidance; enlightenment ... seeking or requesting the truth, information or knowledge
Term
Localization of Function
Definition
Different parts (structures) of the brain have different jobs (functions).
Term
Prosopagnosia
Definition
Face blindness - inability to recognize faces, usually a consequence of a stroke.
Term
Autism
Definition
A birth defect that is present at birth and is typically marked by severe deficits in social interaction, language, acquisition, tendency to perform repetitive actions and a restricted focus of attention and interest
Term
Psychoactive Drug
Definition
A chemical substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain functions, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. A drug that directly and chemically affects a person's mental state when used or administered.
Term
Validity
Definition
The ability of a test to measure what it was designed to measure
Term
Reliability
Definition
The extent to which repeating a test or experiment will generate a similar result (consistency).
Term
Generalizability
Definition
How well do the findings relate to a larger population.
Term
Neuropsychologist
Definition
Specializes in studying behavior relationships most have degrees in clinical psychology. They specialize in research or in evaluating or treating those with neurological disorders.
Term
Psychiatrists
Definition
Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems. CAN prescribe medicine.
Term
Science Literacy
Definition
How to evaluate scientific information related to psychology or other disciplines? Increasing information. Products/Drugs are marketed directly to citizens. How do you evaluate the quality of that information?
Term
Between Subjects Design
Definition
Different participants are used in each group, there is generally a control group and a group that is affected by the Independent Variables. It makes comparisons between the groups of participants to determine the effect of the Independent Variable.
Term
Within Subjects Design
Definition
Subjects are exposed to all levels of the Independent Variable. Only one group of participants and all receive the same treatment (exposure to IV).
Term
Independent Variable
Definition
The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter to test it's effects (ie. - study time)
Term
Dependent Variable
Definition
The variable that is measured to see how the experiment is changed by the independent variable. The variable that you measure. (ie.- test scores)
Term
Confounding Variable
Definition
An uncontrolled variable that changes along with the Independent Variable.
Term
NIH
Definition
National Institute of Health. Primarily responsible for biomedical and health-related research.
Term
NSF
Definition
National Science Foundation. Supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.
Term
ADHD
Definition
Neurobehavioral Developmental Disorder where one has persistent impulsiveness and inattention.
Term
Ritalin
Definition
Medicine used to treat ADHD.
Term
FDA
Definition
Food & Drug Administration
Term
Alzheimer's Disease
Definition
A progressive brain disease that causes loss of cognitive functions beginning with memory of recent events.
Term
Parkinson's Disease
Definition
A degenerative disorder of the brain that often impairs motor skills, speech, and other functions.
Term
Epistemology
Definition
Branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge.
Term
Natural Selection
Definition
Some organisms are better suited or can adapt to their environment. Conditions at ant time and reproduce differently (more offspring than others) - changing environment conditions creates unique selection pressures that can favor physical features or behaviors for success.
Term
Fact
Definition
An observation, an objective statement based upon observation.
Term
Theory
Definition
An idea, conceptual model designed.
Term
Hypothesis
Definition
Any prediction about new facts that is made from a theory.
Term
Descriptive Studies/research
Definition
Study where a researcher describes the behavior of an individual or set of individuals without systematically investigating relationships between specific variables (not designed to test hypothesis)
Term
Experiment
Definition
A procedure in which a researcher systematically manipulates one or more independent variables and looks for changes in one or more IV's while keeping all others constant.
Term
Descriptive Statistics
Definition
Mathematical Methods for summarizing sets of data
Term
Inferential Statistics
Definition
Mathematical methods for helping researchers determine how confident they can be in drawing general conclusions from specific sets of data.
Term
Naturalistic Observation
Definition
Any data collection procedure in which the researcher records subjects on-going behavior in a natural setting without interfering with that behavior.
Term
Mean
Definition
Average of Scores
Term
Median
Definition
Middle number when all scores are lined up in order.
Term
Mode
Definition
Most common number
Term
Variability
Definition
Degree in which the numbers in the set differ from one another or from their mean
Term
Standard Deviation
Definition
Measure of variability. Measures how widely spread the values in a data set are.
Term
Correlational Research
Definition
Range -1.00 to +1.00; a high number = a stronger correlation and a low number = a weaker correlation
Term
Correlation
Definition
Assess two or more variables to determine weather or not a relationship exists between them and when measured numerically, the strength and direction or the relationship can be assessed by a statistic called correlation coefficient.
Term
Inferential Statistics
Definition
Mathematical methods for helping researchers determine how confident they can be in drawing general conclusions from specific sets of data. (Not due to chance).
Term
Statistical Signifigance
Definition
If the p value is less than .05 (5%)
Term
Error
Definition
A technical term referring to random variability in research results
Term
Bias
Definition
Non-random (dircted) effects on research results caused by some factors extraneous to the research hypothesis.
Term
Biased Sample
Definition
A subset of the population under a study that is not representative of the population as a whole
Term
Valid
Definition
Degree to which a measurement system act measures the characteristic that it is supposed to
Term
Placebo & Double-Blind Experiments
Definition
Experiments in which both observer and subjects are blind with respect to the subjects treatment conditions. EX) Some recieving drug and some receiving placebo and both observer and subjects don't know who got which.
Term
Placebo
Definition
In drug studies, an inactive substance given to subjects assigned to non-drug group. More generally, any treatment that alters a person's behavior through power or suggestion
Term
Blind study
Definition
Keeps observer uninformed about those aspects of study that could lead to expectations about the outcome. Prevents observer expectancy effects.
Term
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Definition
Composed of brain and spinal cord
Term
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Definition
Composed of somatic nervous system. includes sensory and motor nerves, carries information to and from skin, sensory and motor periphery automatic nervous system. Regulate digestive and Cardiovascular system and other organ systems.
Term
Neurons
Definition
Basic functional unit of the nervous system, nerve cells.
Term
Cell Body
Definition
Widest part of a neuron, which contains call nucleus and other basic machinery common to all cells
Term
Dendrites
Definition
The thin tube like extensions of a neuron that typically branch repeatedly near the neuron's cell body and are specialized for receiving signals from other neurons.
Term
Axon
Definition
A thin, tube like extension from a neuron that is specialized to carry neural impulses (action potentials) to other cells.
Term
Axon terminals and action Potentials
Definition
A swelling at the end of an axon that is designed to release a chemical substance (Neurotransmitter) onto another neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
Term
Synapse
Definition
The functional connection through which neural activity in the axon of one neuron influences the action of another neuron, a muscle cell, or glandular cell.
Term
Synapse
Definition
A chemical substance released from the axon terminal of a neuron, at a synapse that influences the activity of another neuron, a muscle or a glandular cell.
Term
Neurotransmitters
Definition
A chemical substance released from the axon terminal of a neuron at a synapse that influences the activity of another neuron, a muscle cell, or a glandular cell, also called a transmitter.
Term
Cell Membrane
Definition
Skin allows certain chemicals to flow into and out of cell while blocking others
Term
action Potential
Definition
Neural impulses, all or nothing electrical bursts that begin at one end of the axon and move along to the other end.
Term
Cerebral Cortex
Definition
The center for perception, voluntary action, thought has two hemispheres with 4 lobes per hemisphere
Term
Occipital Lobe
Definition
Vision Lobe of the Brain
Term
Temporal Lobe
Definition
Complex Visual Perception (faces) hearing and language comprehension of the brain.
Term
Parietal Lobe
Definition
Orientation of body in space, touch sensations of brain
Term
Frontal Lobe
Definition
Volition, planning and complex social- emotional skills lobes
Term
Hypothalamus
Definition
Controls hormonal systems and the mater endocrine gland (pituitary glad) which acts on the other endocrine glands regulating secretion of hormones (regulates motivation for food, water, temperature, regulation, and of course sex) largely via the pituitary gland.
Term
Hippocampus
Definition
Important for forming episodic memories.
Term
Central Tendency
Definition
Mean, Median, & Mode are all measures of what?
Term
Thalamus
Definition
Relays sensory inputs to the neocortex (from eye, ear, and skin receptors) - heat, pain, and touch. the brain structure that sits directly atop the brainstem.
Term
Amphetamine
Definition
A group of drugs that act by increasing levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain. Used to commonly treat ADHD. (IE- Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine)
Term
Clinical Psychology
Definition
Scientific study and application of psychology for the purpose of understanding, preventing and releiving psychologically based distress or disfunction and promote well bring and personal development.
Term
Measures of Variability
Definition
Range and Standard Deviation are all measures of what?
Term
Psychiatrist
Definition
Physician who specializes in psychiatry and is certified in treating mental disorders. Can prescribe medicine.
Term
Developmental Psychology
Definition
The branch of psychology where how thought, feeling and behavior develop from cradle to... (Do the number of facial expressions change as a function of development - ie) age or experience) is there a critical period for children to learn agressive or anti-social behaviors.. or math?
Term
Social Psychology
Definition
The branch of psychology where the influence of thought, feelings, and behaviors are studied. How does class size influence student's behavior? How does the presence of others influence aggressive behavior? Why do some people socialize better at big parties and others at small gatherings?
Term
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Definition
The branch of psychology where the infuence of organization "structure" on an individual's behavior is examined. Do hierarchal structures increase or decrease worker productivity? How best to deign human/computer interfaces (better mice, better keyboards, etc)?
Term
Educational Psychology
Definition
The branch of psychology which examines what variables influence learning in educational settings. Does class size influence the way children learn to read? Do boys and girls learn better in single sex schools? What is the best way to teach reading?
Term
Health Psychology
Definition
The branch of psychology which examines psychological factors that influence health. How do work schedules (rotating schedules) influence health risks? Are there genetic differences in susceptibility to work stressors?
Term
Materialism
Definition
The only thing that can be truly proven to exist is matter, and it is considered a form of physicailism.
Term
Thomas Hobbes
Definition
This scientist did work on political philosophy and contributed to Materialism
Term
Empiricism
Definition
Theory of knowledge which asserts that knowledge arises from exprience
Term
Nativism
Definition
The view that certain skills or abilities are "native" or hard wired into the brain at birth.
Term
John Locke
Definition
This scientist was an influential enlightenment figure and dealt with concepts of identity and the self. Closely identified with Empiricism.
Term
Immanuel Kant
Definition
This man was an Enlightenment thinker, dealt with the nature of reality and epistemology writings
Term
Behavioral Neuroscience
Definition
Application of the principles of biology to the study of mental processes and behaviors.
Term
Evolutionary Psychology
Definition
The type of psychology which attempts to explain mental and psychological traits such as memory, perception, or language - as adaptatons that is as the functional products of natural selection or sexual selection.
Term
Biased Sample
Definition
Some members of the population are more likely to be included than other members
Term
Somatosensation
Definition
Sensations coming from the skin
Term
Autonomic Nervous System
Definition
Part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system, maintaining homeostasis in the body. Usually performed without conscious control.
Term
Spinal Cord
Definition
Long thin tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extend from the brain. (added with the brain = central nervous system)
Term
Medulla
Definition
Lower portion of the brain stem. Deals with automatic functions, such as breathing and blood pressure.
Term
Pons
Definition
Located on the brain stem. Above the medulla. Relays sensory information between the cerebellum and cerebrum.
Term
Basal Ganglia
Definition
A group of nuclei in the brain interconnected with the cerebral cortex, thalamus and brain-stem. Associated with motor control, cognition, emotions, and learning.
Term
T-Test
Definition
Used as a way of measurement in Inferential Statistics
Term
Cognitive Neuroscientist
Definition
Uses a fMRI to display cognitively.
Term
Bold Signal fMRI
Definition
This is used to measure the amount of oxygen released by hemoglobin molecules in a given region in the brain.
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
Region of the brain that plays an important role in the integration of sensory perception, coordination, and motor control.
Term
Broca's Area
Definition
Inferior frontal gyrus of brain. Impairment of various speech and language functions. Language tasks association.
Term
Wernicke's Area
Definition
Part of the brain that forms part of the cortex (pink outer part) Left hemisphere is located usually specialize for language skills.
Term
Wernicke's Aphasia
Definition
A type of aphasia caused by neurological damage to this same named area of the brain. Speech is preserved but language content is incorrect.
Term
Broca's Aphasia
Definition
Aphasia caused by damage or developmental issues in anterior regions o the brain, including the area with the same name of the brain. Speech is difficult to initiate, non-fluent, labored, and halting.
Term
Neuroimaging
Definition
Uses various techniques to either directly or indirectly image the structure, function of the brain.
Term
Nervous System
Definition
The body's electrochemical communication circuitry and is made up of billions of neurons and other supporting cells
Term
Somatic Nervous System
Definition
Carries information to and from the skin. Sensory and motor nerves to periphery.
Term
Autonomic Nervous System
Definition
Regulate digestive and cardiovascular system and other organ systems.
Term
Spinal Cord
Definition
Sensory neurons convey info about touch, pain, and heat to the brain. Motor neurons convey info from the brain to the muscles and other body organs.
Term
Pons & Medulla
Definition
Elaboration of spinal cord. Regulates a breathing and heart rate.
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
Fine sensorimotor control and balance
Term
Reticular Formation
Definition
Network of neurons that project diffusely to the neo cortex and play an important role in arousal and attention.
Term
Amygdala
Definition
Important for certain emotional responses to sensory inputs (fear, anger, joy)
Term
Neocortex
Definition
Center for all perceptual processes (IE - hearing, seeing, smelling, touch) Center for voluntary control of movement, including future movements (What will i do after time?)
Term
Peer Review
Definition
Papers are evaluated anonymously by other scientists (reject, more experiements, reanalyze, ewwrite, accept)
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