Introduction to Psychology: Exploring Core Theories and Concepts

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1. What is the mind-body problem?

Explanation

The mind-body problem specifically focuses on the relationship between subjective experience (mind) and the physical brain, rather than control, influence, or the nature of their separation.

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Psychology Quizzes & Trivia

This Psych 100 Exam 1 focuses on foundational concepts in psychology, assessing knowledge in key psychological theories and practices. It is designed to test understanding and application of psychological principles, making it crucial for beginners in the field.

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2. What is the main idea of dualism, and what conflict does it present?

Explanation

Dualism is the philosophical concept that the mind and body are separate entities, with the mind having a non-physical existence. This idea conflicts with the basic law of physics which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, leading to a conflict in understanding how the mind, as a non-physical entity, can influence the physical brain.

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3. What is the main principle of physicalism?

Explanation

Physicalism is the philosophical view that only physical things exist and that the mind and brain are essentially the same - mental phenomena can be reduced to physical processes.

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4. What is the concept of Idealism?

Explanation

Idealism is a philosophical concept that posits that reality is ultimately mental or spiritual in nature.

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5. According to Freud, how does the conscious mind differ from the preconscious and unconscious?

Explanation

In Freudian psychology, the conscious mind deals with current perceptions and opinions, while the preconscious holds memories and stored knowledge that can be easily retrieved. The unconscious, however, contains subconscious wants, needs, and feelings that are typically hidden from awareness.

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6. What is the Freudian term for the part of the unconscious that wants immediate gratification?

Explanation

The ID is one of the three parts of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory, according to Freud, it operates on the pleasure principle.

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7. What is the EGO in psychology?

Explanation

The EGO in psychology refers to the Freudian concept which acts as a mediator between the ID (primitive instincts) and SUPEREGO (internalized societal norms). It is not related to personal self-esteem or self-importance, self-defense mechanisms, or cognitive biases.

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8. What is SUPREMO?

Explanation

SUPREMO is actually a Freudian term used to describe the moral part of the unconscious mind, containing stored knowledge of rules and regulations according to Freudian theory.

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9. What is the manifest content?

Explanation

The manifest content refers to the literal events, objects, and people that appear in a dream, as opposed to the latent content which represents the hidden meanings and symbolism.

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10. What is the significance of latent content in relation to dreams?

Explanation

Latent content refers to the underlying messages and symbolism behind the manifest content of the dream, according to Freudian theory.

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11. According to Freud, which is more important, manifest content or latent content?

Explanation

Freud believed that latent content, which represents the hidden and symbolic meaning of dreams, is more important than manifest content, which is the literal content and storyline of dreams.

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12. What is physicalism?

Explanation

Physicalism is the philosophical position that all phenomena, including consciousness, can be explained by physical causes.

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13. What psychological theory is associated with the idea that if one can control and manipulate the environment, they can produce desired behavior?

Explanation

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviors and how they can be influenced by manipulating the environment. This theory suggests that behavior can be predicted and controlled through environmental stimuli.

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14. What is Behaviorism?

Explanation

Behaviorism is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors without reference to the subjective mind, focusing on how we can achieve desired behaviors by controlling and manipulating a person's environment.

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15. What study did SMITH AND CO. conduct?

Explanation

Smith and Co. conducted a study in 1947 that went against behaviorism, where an individual paralyzed himself due to excessive thinking reliant on muscle activity.

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16. What is the concept referred to as HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS?

Explanation

The concept of Hierarchy of Needs was proposed by Maslow, where human needs are divided into different levels ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization and self-improvement.

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17. What is the cause of dysfunction according to Carl Rogers?

Explanation

Carl Rogers, a prominent humanistic psychologist, believed that conditional acceptance from others can lead to dysfunction as it inhibits individuals from fully accepting themselves and reaching their true potential. In contrast, providing unconditional positive regard creates an environment where individuals can grow and thrive.

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18. What are the main differences between experimental psychologists and applied psychologists?

Explanation

Experimental psychologists primarily focus on research and academic settings, while applied psychologists focus on the practical application of psychological principles in real-world settings such as clinics and counseling offices.

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19. What are the main functions of sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous systems?

Explanation

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, resulting in the 'fight-or-flight' response. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and helps the body conserve energy.

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20. What type of nerves are afferent nerves?

Explanation

Afferent nerves are sensory nerves that carry information from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system. They are part of the autonomic nervous system (PNS), entering the dorsal (back) part of the spinal cord.

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21. What term refers to nerves that carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands?

Explanation

Efferent nerves, also known as motor nerves, carry signals away from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, enabling motor functions. Afferent nerves, on the other hand, carry signals towards the central nervous system. Receptor nerves function to send signals from sense organs to the CNS, while interneurons serve as association neurons connecting sensory to motor neurons.

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22. What is the function of the medulla in the human brain?

Explanation

The correct answer describes the function of the medulla as part of the hindbrain responsible for vital body functions and containing the point of decussation. The incorrect answers provide inaccurate functions that do not align with the actual role of the medulla in the brain.

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23. What is the function of the cerebellum?

Explanation

The cerebellum, located in the hindbrain along with the pons and medulla, is primarily involved in motor control and balance. It is not associated with sensory processing (forebrain), cognitive functions (midbrain), or hormone regulation (spinal cord) as mentioned in the incorrect options.

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24. What is the function of the tegmentum in the brain?

Explanation

The tegmentum is a region of the midbrain that plays a key role in controlling voluntary movement and reward motivation. It is not located in the frontal lobe, cerebellum, or occipital lobe, and its functions are distinct from processing visual or auditory information, balance, and coordination.

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25. What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Explanation

The thalamus is a part of the forebrain located in the diencephalon region. Its primary function is to act as a relay station for sensory information except smell, filter information, and can be affected by drugs leading to hallucinations or perceptual distortions.

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26. What is the main function of the hypothalamus?

Explanation

The hypothalamus is a region of the forebrain that plays a crucial role in various vital behaviors, controls the pituitary gland as the master gland, and samples blood to measure hormone levels. It is not directly involved in voluntary movements, body temperature regulation, or insulin production in the pancreas.

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27. What is the main function of the occipital lobe?

Explanation

The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain and is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes.

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What is the mind-body problem?
What is the main idea of dualism, and what conflict does it present?
What is the main principle of physicalism?
What is the concept of Idealism?
According to Freud, how does the conscious mind differ from the...
What is the Freudian term for the part of the unconscious that wants...
What is the EGO in psychology?
What is SUPREMO?
What is the manifest content?
What is the significance of latent content in relation to dreams?
According to Freud, which is more important, manifest content or...
What is physicalism?
What psychological theory is associated with the idea that if one can...
What is Behaviorism?
What study did SMITH AND CO. conduct?
What is the concept referred to as HEIRARCHY OF NEEDS?
What is the cause of dysfunction according to Carl Rogers?
What are the main differences between experimental psychologists and...
What are the main functions of sympathetic vs parasympathetic nervous...
What type of nerves are afferent nerves?
What term refers to nerves that carry signals away from the central...
What is the function of the medulla in the human brain?
What is the function of the cerebellum?
What is the function of the tegmentum in the brain?
What is the primary function of the thalamus?
What is the main function of the hypothalamus?
What is the main function of the occipital lobe?
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