Introductory Psychology: Concepts, Theories, and Research Methods

Aristotle believed in using both rational thinking and empirical evidence to gain knowledge, which involved directly studying nature and the world around us.

The early major figures in psychology focused on different aspects such as human nature, behavior, learning, and evolutionary theory. While Isaac Newton and Marie Curie made significant contributions to science in their respective fields, they were not directly related to the development of psychology as a discipline. Sigmund Freud is a well-known figure in psychology for his work in psychoanalysis, which was not among the specific contributions listed in the correct answer.

Paradigms are theoretical assertions that provide a model or abstract picture of the object of study, using shared metaphors to aid understanding.

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that can be tested through research and observations. It is not a proven fact, random thought, fixed opinion, or baseless assumption.

An independent variable is the variable that is being manipulated or changed by the experimenter in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable. It is not held constant, irrelevant, or observed in response to changes.

The dependent variable is what is being measured or tested in a study, which are the participants' responses in this case. The independent variable is what is being manipulated to observe its effects on the dependent variable. The control group is a group not exposed to the independent variable in order to provide a baseline for comparison. The research hypothesis is a statement predicting the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

In the field of psychology, researchers often use descriptive and experimental research methods to study human behavior and mental processes. These methods help in understanding, predicting, and controlling various psychological phenomena.

Naturalistic observation involves studying a phenomenon in its natural setting without any manipulation by the researcher. It aims to gather data in a realistic and authentic manner.

Neurons can be classified into motor neurons, sensory neurons, efferent neurons, and afferent neurons based on their functions and locations within the nervous system. Interneurons, glial cells, and neurotransmitter neurons are not types of neurons, but rather serve different functions within the nervous system.

A neuron consists of dendrites, myelin sheath, nucleus, and cell body which are responsible for transmitting signals in the nervous system. Axon, cytoplasm, and chloroplast are not part of a neuron's anatomy.

Motor neurons, also known as efferent neurons, carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the glands and muscles.

The myelin sheath is a protective layer around certain nerve fibers in the body, helping to insulate and speed up the transmission of nerve impulses.

Axons are long extensions of a neuron that carry electrical impulses away from the cell body, allowing for communication between neurons.

Synapses are specialized junctions between neurons where communication occurs through the release of neurotransmitters.

Control groups are essential in experiments to provide a baseline for comparison and to isolate the effects of the independent variable. It helps researchers determine the true impact of the independent variable by comparing it to a group that is not exposed to it.

The correct answer accurately describes the double blind technique as a procedure where both the participants and the experimenter are kept unaware of group assignments until after data collection. The incorrect answers provide alternatives that do not align with the core principle of double-blind methodology.

An action potential refers to the temporary shift in the polarity of the cell membrane, allowing for the firing of a neuron to transmit signals. The incorrect options provided do not accurately define an action potential.

Resting potential is the condition in which a neuron is not actively sending signals or firing. It is the baseline electrical potential of a neuron when it is not stimulated.

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce hormones to regulate various bodily functions. The correct answer includes major glands like pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and gonads, which play crucial roles in hormone production and regulation.

The pituitary gland is referred to as the 'master gland' due to its role in releasing hormones that regulate the function of other endocrine glands in the body.

The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that plays a crucial role in controlling growth and metabolism by releasing hormones. It is not located in the abdomen, brain, or chest.