Psych Final Exam 2013

Behavior refers to any action that can be observed or measured by other people. It includes both overt actions, such as speaking or walking, as well as covert actions, such as thinking or feeling. Behavior is an important concept in psychology as it allows researchers to study and understand human actions and their underlying processes. By observing and measuring behavior, psychologists can gather data that helps them formulate theories and hypotheses about human behavior and mental processes.

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. It focuses on understanding and explaining human behavior, including thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions. This field explores the cognitive and emotional processes that underlie behavior, as well as the factors that influence human behavior. By studying behavior and mental processes, psychologists aim to gain insights into individual and group behavior, mental health, cognitive processes, and various aspects of human experience.

A school psychologist's role is to identify and help students who may have problems that interfere with learning. They do this by assessing the students through interviews and tests to understand their problems and provide appropriate interventions. They work closely with students, teachers, and parents to develop strategies and support systems that address the students' needs and help them succeed academically and emotionally. By identifying and addressing these problems, school psychologists play a crucial role in promoting a positive learning environment and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities for success.

Social psychologists are concerned with studying how individuals behave in social situations. They examine how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. They explore topics such as social perception, attitudes, conformity, group dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. By understanding social behavior, social psychologists aim to gain insights into human nature and improve our understanding of social interactions and relationships.

The survey method is used when people are asked to respond to a series of questions about a particular subject. Surveys typically involve collecting data from a large number of individuals through questionnaires or interviews. This method allows researchers to gather information on people's opinions, attitudes, behaviors, and demographics. It is a popular research technique in social sciences, marketing, and public opinion research, as it provides a systematic way to gather data from a diverse population.

The independent variable in this hypothesis is the number of quizzes. This is because the researcher is testing whether an increase in the number of quizzes taken by the class will have an effect on the test scores. The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in order to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which in this case is the test scores.

Naturalistic observation is a research method in which researchers observe the behavior of people or animals in their natural habitat. This method allows researchers to study behavior in a real-life setting without any manipulation or interference. It provides a more accurate representation of how individuals or animals behave in their everyday lives, as they are not influenced by the artificial environment of a laboratory. Naturalistic observation is particularly useful for studying behaviors that may be difficult to replicate in a laboratory setting or for gaining a deeper understanding of social interactions and natural behaviors.

Metabolism refers to the body's ability to increase the rate at which food is converted to energy. This process involves various chemical reactions that occur in the body to break down nutrients from food and convert them into energy that can be used for various bodily functions. A higher metabolism generally means that the body is able to burn calories more efficiently, which can be beneficial for weight management and overall energy levels.

Night terrors are similar to nightmares but much more severe. Night terrors are characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear, screaming, and flailing during sleep. Unlike nightmares, which are more common in the later stages of sleep, night terrors occur during deep non-REM sleep. They often cause a person to abruptly wake up in a state of confusion and distress, and they are more prevalent in children. Night terrors can be quite alarming for both the person experiencing them and those around them, but they usually resolve on their own without treatment.

This scenario is an example of taste aversion. Taste aversion refers to a learned association between the taste of a particular food and an adverse reaction, such as food poisoning. In this case, Bill developed an aversion to shellfish after getting sick from eating undercooked shellfish. This aversion caused him to avoid eating shellfish in the future to prevent experiencing the negative reaction again.

The fine that Michael had to pay for littering serves as a punishment because it is a consequence that is intended to decrease the likelihood of him repeating the behavior in the future. Punishment is a form of operant conditioning that involves the application of an aversive stimulus to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. In this case, the fine serves as an aversive stimulus that is intended to discourage Michael from littering again.

Aggression is commonly associated with males according to gender stereotypes. This stereotype suggests that men are more likely to display aggressive behavior compared to women. This stereotype may be rooted in societal expectations and cultural norms that have traditionally assigned aggression as a masculine trait. However, it is important to note that aggression is not limited to any specific gender and can be displayed by individuals of any gender.

Psychological disorders refer to behavior patterns and mental processes that cause significant personal distress or impair a person's ability to function effectively in their daily life. These disorders can manifest in various forms such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders. They are characterized by symptoms that significantly impact an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to significant personal suffering and difficulties in coping with everyday life.

A soldier who has just returned from war and is experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety and sleep disturbances is most likely suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the event, heightened anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Given the soldier's recent return from war and the specific symptoms mentioned, PTSD is the most appropriate diagnosis.

A panic attack is a relatively short period of intense fear or discomfort, characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart rate, trembling or shaking, and sweating. This sudden onset of overwhelming fear or anxiety can be accompanied by a sense of impending doom or loss of control. It is different from other mental health conditions listed, such as schizophrenia, phobia, and bipolar disorder, as it specifically refers to a specific episode of intense fear and physical symptoms.

Eustress is the correct answer. Eustress refers to positive stress that motivates and energizes an individual, leading to improved performance and personal growth. It is different from distress, which is negative stress that can cause anxiety, discomfort, and harm to one's well-being. While stress is a general term encompassing both positive and negative stress, eustress specifically denotes the positive aspects of stress that can enhance productivity and overall well-being. Joy, on the other hand, is a positive emotion but not specifically related to stress.

A stressor is the event or situation that causes stress. It can be any external or internal factor that triggers the body's stress response. Stressors can vary from person to person and can include things like work pressure, relationship issues, financial problems, or even positive events like getting married or starting a new job. Stressors can have both positive (eustress) or negative (distress) effects on an individual's well-being.

The occipital lobe is responsible for visual processing within the brain. It contains the primary visual cortex, which receives and processes visual information from the eyes. This region helps in interpreting and understanding visual stimuli, such as shapes, colors, and movements. The occipital lobe plays a crucial role in our ability to see and perceive the world around us.

Depression is an example of a mood disorder. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It affects a person's mood, emotions, and overall well-being, often interfering with their daily functioning. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and it can be effectively treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Wilhelm Wundt is considered the "Father of Psychology" because he opened the first psychology lab in 1879 that focused on the scientific study of human behavior and consciousness. This marked the beginning of psychology as a separate scientific discipline. Wundt's lab laid the foundation for the development of experimental psychology and his work greatly influenced the field, making him a key figure in the history of psychology.

The correct answer is "Central". The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and coordinating information received from the peripheral nervous system and sending out appropriate responses.

Messages sent from one neuron to the next must cross the synapse. The synapse is a small gap between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron. It is in this gap that neurotransmitters are released from the axon terminal, travel across the synapse, and bind to receptors on the dendrite, allowing the transmission of the message from one neuron to the next. The synapse plays a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the nervous system.

The correct answer is Corpus Callosum. The Corpus Callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to communicate and share information. It plays a crucial role in coordinating and integrating functions between the two hemispheres, such as language processing, motor coordination, and sensory perception. Without the Corpus Callosum, the two hemispheres would not be able to work together effectively.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. It plays a crucial role in the growth of muscles, bone density, and the production of sperm. Testosterone is primarily produced in the testicles in males, although it is also produced in smaller amounts in females. It is responsible for the deepening of the voice, growth of facial and body hair, and the development of male sex organs during puberty.

Genes are the basic building blocks of heredity because they carry the instructions needed for the development and functioning of all living organisms. They are segments of DNA that contain specific genetic information, such as the traits and characteristics that are passed down from parents to offspring. Genes determine various aspects of an individual's physical and biological traits, including eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases. Through the process of inheritance, genes are inherited from both parents and play a crucial role in determining the genetic makeup and traits of an individual.

After Stage 4, if we are not awakened, we enter the stage of sleep known as REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased brain activity, and vivid dreaming. It is an important stage of sleep for memory consolidation and emotional processing. During REM sleep, our muscles are relaxed and temporarily paralyzed to prevent us from acting out our dreams. This stage is crucial for overall sleep quality and restoration.

Extinction refers to the phenomenon in which the conditioned stimulus no longer elicits the conditioned response. It occurs when the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without being followed by the unconditioned stimulus. As a result, the association between the conditioned stimulus and the conditioned response weakens and eventually disappears. This process is crucial in the process of unlearning and breaking the association between a conditioned stimulus and a conditioned response.

Repression is a defense mechanism that removes anxiety-causing ideas from conscious awareness by pushing them into the unconscious. This process allows individuals to avoid dealing with uncomfortable or distressing thoughts, memories, or desires. By repressing these thoughts, individuals can temporarily alleviate anxiety and protect their ego from experiencing psychological distress. This defense mechanism is often used unconsciously and can have long-term effects on an individual's mental well-being.

The correct answer is the American Psychological Association. The American Psychological Association (APA) is the organization that outlines the ethical guidelines that psychologists must follow. These guidelines are in place to ensure that psychologists maintain high standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in their practice. The APA provides guidance on various ethical issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, competence, and avoiding harm to clients. By following these guidelines, psychologists can ensure that they are providing ethical and responsible care to their clients.

Sensation refers to the process of stimulating sensory receptors and transmitting sensory information to the Central Nervous System. It involves the activation of our senses (such as sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) and the initial processing of sensory information. Perception, on the other hand, is the interpretation and understanding of sensory information. Memory and psychology are not directly related to the stimulation of sensory receptors and transmission of sensory information, making sensation the correct answer.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for activating the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body for action in times of stress or danger. It increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and increases respiration to provide more oxygen to the muscles. However, it does not speed up digestion. In fact, the sympathetic nervous system actually inhibits digestion to redirect blood flow and energy towards more immediate needs.

Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down the central nervous system, resulting in a decrease in brain activity and a decrease in overall body function. It affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits brain activity and leads to feelings of relaxation and sedation. Additionally, alcohol increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, which can further contribute to its depressant effects. Overall, the depressant properties of alcohol can lead to impaired judgment, decreased coordination, and a range of physical and mental health issues.

This memory is an example of episodic memory because it is a personal and specific memory of a particular event in Rob's life - the first time he rode a bike and broke his wrist. Episodic memory involves remembering specific events and experiences from one's own life, including the emotions and details associated with those events.

John Watson's belief that external forces or influences shape people's preferences or behaviors aligns with the principles of behaviorism. Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and emphasizes the role of conditioning and environmental factors in shaping human behavior. This perspective suggests that individuals' actions are a result of their interactions with the external environment, rather than internal mental processes. Therefore, the correct answer is Behaviorist.

Gender roles are widely accepted societal expectations about how males and females should behave. These roles define the behaviors, attitudes, and responsibilities that are considered appropriate for individuals based on their gender. They are deeply ingrained in society and can influence various aspects of life, such as career choices, family roles, and social interactions. Gender roles can vary across cultures and change over time, but they often reinforce traditional notions of femininity and masculinity.

Schizophrenia is considered the most severe of psychological disorders because it is a chronic and debilitating condition that affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning. Schizophrenia often leads to significant impairment in daily functioning and can have a profound impact on an individual's overall quality of life. Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support services to manage symptoms and improve functioning.

Sigmund Freud is the correct answer because he is the famous psychologist who believed in the concept of the id, ego, and superego. According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the id represents our primitive and instinctual desires, the ego represents our rational and conscious self, and the superego represents our internalized moral standards. Freud's theory had a significant impact on the field of psychology and his ideas continue to be influential today.

Phobia is an example of an anxiety disorder because it involves an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. People with phobias often experience extreme anxiety and may go to great lengths to avoid the feared stimulus. This fear is typically disproportionate to the actual danger posed by the object or situation. Phobias can significantly impact a person's daily life and functioning, causing distress and interfering with their ability to engage in certain activities or go to certain places.

Longitudinal is the correct answer because it refers to the method of study where psychologists select a group and observe them over an extended period, often years or decades. This allows researchers to track changes and development within the group over time, providing valuable insights into long-term patterns and trends.

The pupil is the correct answer because it is the part of the eye that controls the amount of light that enters. It is a hole in the center of the iris and can change in size to regulate the amount of light reaching the retina. When there is low light, the pupil dilates (gets larger) to allow more light in, and when there is bright light, the pupil constricts (gets smaller) to reduce the amount of light entering the eye. The retina, thalamus, and optic nerve are all important parts of the visual system, but they do not directly control the amount of light entering the eye.

The humanistic theory of motivation suggests that individuals strive to reach self-actualization. This theory emphasizes the importance of personal growth, self-fulfillment, and self-improvement. According to humanistic psychologists like Abraham Maslow, individuals have a hierarchy of needs, and once their basic physiological and psychological needs are met, they are motivated to achieve their full potential. This theory focuses on the inherent desire for personal growth and self-actualization, which sets it apart from other theories of motivation that may focus more on biological or social factors.

A theory is a statement that attempts to explain why things are the way that they are. Unlike an idea, which is a general thought or concept, a theory is a more developed and tested explanation that is based on evidence and research. A principle is a fundamental truth or law that is generally accepted, but it may not necessarily explain why things are the way they are. A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction that is made before conducting research or experiments to test its validity.

Implicit memory refers to the unconscious or automatic memory of skills, habits, and procedures that we acquire through repetition and practice. In this case, Rob's ability to remember how to ride his bike despite the negative experience suggests that this memory is stored implicitly. It is likely that Rob's repeated practice and muscle memory have allowed him to retain this skill without conscious effort or awareness.

Authoritarian parents believe in obedience for its own sake, meaning they value strict discipline and control over their children. They enforce rules without any room for negotiation or explanation, expecting unquestioning obedience from their children. This parenting style is characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, where the parent's authority is prioritized over the child's autonomy.

The cochlea is a bony tube in the inner ear that contains fluids as well as neurons. These neurons are responsible for detecting and transmitting sound signals to the brain. When vibrations of the fluids occur due to sound waves, the neurons in the cochlea move in response, allowing for the perception of sound.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's vital functions. This includes controlling processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and breathing. It works continuously to maintain homeostasis and ensure that the body's internal environment remains stable. While it does play a role in preparing the body for dangerous situations (fight or flight response) and calming the body after such situations, its primary function is to regulate vital functions.

Ivan Pavlov's experiment, in which he taught a dog to associate ringing the bell with receiving food, is an example of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus (the bell) becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus (the food) through repeated pairings. Eventually, the neutral stimulus alone elicits a response similar to the response originally elicited by the meaningful stimulus. In this case, the dog learned to associate the sound of the bell with the anticipation of food, causing it to salivate even without the presence of food.

During the latency stage, according to Freud, children reach the age of 5 or 6 and experience a period of relative calm and stability in their psychosexual development. They are less focused on their own bodies and are more interested in developing social and intellectual skills. This stage is characterized by a decrease in sexual and aggressive impulses, as well as a redirection of energy towards school, hobbies, and friendships. Conflict with parents is not a prominent feature during this stage, as it is more focused on personal growth and socialization.

Socrates was a historical figure who was responsible for the idea of introspection, or looking within to examine one's thoughts and feelings. He believed in the importance of self-reflection and self-examination as a means to gain knowledge and understanding of oneself. Socrates encouraged individuals to question their own beliefs and thoughts, and to critically analyze their own inner experiences. His teachings and philosophies laid the foundation for the practice of introspection, which has since become an important aspect of psychology and self-development.

During REM sleep, the body undergoes various physiological changes, including increased brain activity and vivid dreaming. However, one characteristic that does not occur during REM sleep is an increased blood pressure. In fact, blood pressure tends to decrease during this stage of sleep. REM sleep is often associated with a rapid eye movement, irregular breathing, and a slowed heart rate. Therefore, increased blood pressure is not a characteristic of someone in REM sleep.