Pgcc Psychology 1010 Final Exam Study Guide

Long-term memory refers to the type of memory that is sent to the hippocampus and has the potential to be retained forever. This type of memory allows individuals to store and recall information over a long period of time, ranging from minutes to years. Unlike short-term memory, which has a limited capacity and duration, long-term memory has a much larger storage capacity and can hold information for a lifetime. It plays a crucial role in learning, as it allows individuals to retain knowledge and experiences for future use.

Short-term memory, also known as working memory, refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information in the mind. It has a limited duration, usually lasting about 20 seconds, and a limited capacity, typically retaining only about 7 stimuli at a time. This type of memory is responsible for holding and processing information required for immediate tasks and is essential for everyday cognitive functioning. It differs from long-term memory, which involves the storage of information over an extended period. Decay memory, reconstructive memory, and span of memory are not accurate terms to describe this specific type of memory.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that in the Stanford Prison Experiment, psychologist Phil Zambardo discovered that when individuals were assigned specific roles as prisoners or guards, their sense of individuality diminished and they began to conform to the expectations and behaviors associated with their roles. This finding suggests that people are highly influenced by their social environment and the roles they are assigned, leading them to adopt these roles more easily than anticipated.

This type of psychology study uses self-report measures, often called questionnaires. Surveys are a common research method in psychology where participants are asked a series of questions about their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or attitudes. This method allows researchers to gather large amounts of data from a large number of participants quickly and efficiently. Surveys are often used to gather information about a specific population or to explore relationships between variables. They can provide valuable insights into people's experiences and opinions, but they also have limitations such as potential response biases and limited depth of understanding.

Confidentiality is a requirement that ensures that the identities and actions of participants in research studies and other projects are kept secret. This means that any personal information or data collected during the study should be kept confidential and not disclosed to anyone without the participant's explicit permission. Confidentiality is crucial in maintaining trust and privacy between researchers and participants, and it helps protect the participants from any potential harm or negative consequences that may arise from the disclosure of their identities or actions.

A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that is specialized for communication from neuron to neuron. It is responsible for transmitting signals across synapses, which are the junctions between neurons. Neurotransmitters are stored in synaptic vesicles and are released into the synapse when an electrical signal, known as an action potential, reaches the end of a neuron. This release of neurotransmitters allows for the transmission of signals from one neuron to another, enabling communication within the nervous system.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior. It involves examining how individuals think, feel, and behave, and seeks to understand the underlying processes that influence human cognition and actions. Through empirical research and observation, psychologists aim to uncover patterns and explanations for human behavior, as well as develop interventions and treatments for mental health disorders. Psychology encompasses various subfields, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology, among others.

Group therapy is an efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective form of treatment compared to individual therapy. In group therapy, participants can benefit from the support of others, exchange information and feedback, observe and learn from each other's behaviors, practice new skills, and realize that they are not alone in their adjustment problems. Group therapy offers a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges, providing a sense of validation and camaraderie.

Observation is the correct answer because it involves the act of watching others to learn. This type of psychology study focuses on observing and recording behavior in its natural setting without any manipulation or interference. It allows researchers to gather information about human behavior by simply watching and documenting it.

Abnormal behavior may be defined as behavior that is disturbing (socially unacceptable), distressing, maladaptive (or self-defeating), and often the result of distorted thoughts (cognitions). This type of behavior deviates from the norms and expectations of society, causing distress to the individual and impairing their daily functioning. It is often characterized by behaviors that are considered unusual, irrational, or harmful to oneself or others. Abnormal behavior can be caused by various factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental influences.

This question is asking about the debate between nature and nurture in determining physical and behavioral traits. The nature vs. nurture debate is a long-standing argument in psychology and genetics about whether a person's traits are primarily influenced by their genetic makeup (nature) or their environment and experiences (nurture). This debate is relevant to the question because it discusses the relative importance of innate qualities (nature) and personal experiences (nurture) in shaping individual differences in physical and behavioral traits.

Major Depression is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as changes in appetite and weight, sleep difficulties, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. This condition can significantly impact a person's daily functioning and quality of life.

The median is the middle score in a data set and is a measure of central tendency. It is found by arranging the data set in ascending order and selecting the middle value. The median is useful when there are extreme values or outliers in the data that could skew the mean. It provides a more representative value of the typical score in the data set.

The correct answer is PTSD. PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The event must be physically dangerous or life-threatening, and the person's response must involve intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Sensation refers to the process of sensing our environment through touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell. It is the initial step where our sensory organs detect stimuli and send signals to the brain. This information is then processed by the brain in the next step called perception, where it is interpreted and organized to form meaningful experiences. Sensation is the first stage in the process of perception, allowing us to gather information about our surroundings.

A psychiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in mental illness and provides psychotherapy services. They have a medical degree, which allows them to prescribe medication in addition to offering therapy. Unlike psychologists, who have a doctoral degree in psychology, psychiatrists have a broader scope of practice and can diagnose and treat mental disorders using a combination of therapy and medication. Social workers and therapists may also provide psychotherapy services, but they do not have medical degrees and cannot prescribe medication.

Perception is the way we interpret sensations and therefore make sense of everything around us. It involves the process of organizing, interpreting, and giving meaning to sensory information received from our environment. Through perception, we are able to understand and recognize objects, events, and people, and form judgments and opinions based on our sensory experiences. It plays a crucial role in our daily lives as it helps us navigate and interact with the world effectively.

Schizophrenia is a severe disorder of thought and emotion associated with a loss of contact with reality. It is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behavior. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not, leading to a distorted perception of reality. This disorder significantly impacts a person's ability to function in daily life and often requires ongoing treatment and support.

The correct answer is Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. The DSM is a widely used manual in the field of psychiatry and psychology that provides criteria for the diagnosis and classification of mental disorders. It is used by clinicians, researchers, and other mental health professionals to ensure consistent and accurate diagnosis of mental disorders. The DSM helps in understanding and treating mental health conditions by providing a common language and framework for categorizing and describing different disorders.

Discrimination refers to the act of treating members of out-groups differently than members of in-groups. It involves behaviors towards others that are based on prejudice, bias, or stereotypes. Discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as unequal treatment, exclusion, or unfair practices, and it often stems from negative attitudes or beliefs towards certain groups.

A case study is a type of psychology study where the researcher examines one person or a small number of people over an extended period of time. In a case study, the researcher collects in-depth information about the individual or individuals through various methods such as interviews, observations, and analysis of documents or records. This allows for a detailed understanding of the person's behavior, thoughts, and experiences. Case studies are often used when studying rare or unique phenomena, or when it is not feasible or ethical to manipulate variables in an experiment.

The sociocultural perspective in psychology, originated by Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the influence of social and cultural factors on learning and cognitive development. This perspective suggests that individuals acquire knowledge and skills through interactions with others and through participation in cultural activities. It recognizes that learning is not solely an individual process but is shaped by the social and cultural context in which it occurs. This perspective highlights the importance of language, social interactions, and cultural practices in shaping cognitive development.

Debriefing is the process of providing participants with information about the research study after its completion. This allows researchers to inform participants about the purpose and nature of the study, ensuring that they are fully aware of what they have been involved in. Additionally, debriefing can serve as a learning experience for both the participant and the researcher, as it provides an opportunity to discuss the findings, address any concerns or questions, and reflect on the overall research process.

Prejudice refers to forming opinions or judgments about others without considering all the evidence. It involves preconceived notions and biases towards certain individuals or groups. Prejudice is based on stereotypes and can lead to discriminatory behavior.

Abraham Maslow focused on individuals who were "self-actualized," especially historical figures. Maslow was a psychologist who developed the theory of human motivation known as Maslow's hierarchy of needs. According to this theory, individuals have a hierarchy of needs that must be met in order to reach their full potential or self-actualization. Maslow studied individuals who he believed had achieved self-actualization, such as historical figures, to understand the characteristics and behaviors associated with this state. He believed that by studying these individuals, we could gain insights into what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The mean is a measure of central tendency that represents the average value of a set of numbers. It is calculated by summing all the values in the set and dividing by the total number of values. The mean provides a balanced representation of the data as it takes into account all the values, making it a suitable measure for describing the central tendency of a distribution.

The mode is the most frequent score in a data set. It is a measure of central tendency because it represents the value that occurs most frequently and can be used to describe the typical value in the data set. Unlike the mean, which is the average of all the values, and the median, which is the middle value when the data set is arranged in order, the mode focuses on the value that appears most often.

A psychologist is a person that performs psychotherapy services and has received graduate training in psychology, holding either a PhD in philosophy or a PsyD in psychology. They are not medical doctors and therefore cannot prescribe medicine.

Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and therapy developed by Sigmund Freud. Freud believed that unconscious thoughts and desires greatly influence human behavior. He introduced concepts such as the id, ego, and superego, as well as defense mechanisms like repression and projection. Freud's psychoanalytic approach focused on understanding and resolving unconscious conflicts through techniques such as free association and dream analysis. His work has had a significant impact on the field of psychology and continues to be influential today.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by the occurrence of one or more manic episodes. Manic episodes are periods of elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior. This condition is different from major depression, which is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and low mood. Phobias and PTSD are anxiety disorders, while schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is Bipolar Disorder.

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a widely used book for the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. It provides a standardized classification system for mental health professionals to identify and categorize different mental disorders. The DSM is considered a comprehensive and authoritative resource in the field of psychiatry and psychology. It helps clinicians in making accurate diagnoses and developing appropriate treatment plans for individuals with mental health conditions.

Cultural Relativism suggests that beliefs about abnormality differ between cultures and sub-cultures. It acknowledges that what may be considered as perfectly acceptable behavior in one culture may be seen as abnormal in another. This concept highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural perspectives when it comes to health and illness. By recognizing cultural relativism, researchers can better understand the impact of cultural experiences on physical health and develop more inclusive and effective healthcare strategies.

Informed consent is a procedure that is required by every American University's institutional review board (IRB). It ensures that participants are fully informed about what they are getting into before they agree to participate in a study. Although some IRBs may allow researchers to forgo certain elements of the procedure, especially in cases where deception is involved, informed consent is still an essential part of ethical research. It protects the rights and well-being of participants by allowing them to make an informed decision about their involvement in the study.

The humanistic perspective in psychology focuses on the individual's capacity for personal growth, self-fulfillment, and self-actualization. It emphasizes the importance of free will and the belief that individuals have the ability to make choices and shape their own destinies. This perspective views personality as driven by the innate desire to reach one's full potential and to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth in achieving psychological well-being.

Statistical significance is the result of tests performed to determine whether we can generalize our findings to the broader population using a variety of statistics, using a .05 level of confidence. This means that if a study or experiment produces statistically significant results, it suggests that the observed effects or differences are not due to chance and can be considered meaningful or important in the broader population.

Stanley Milgram conducted the classic laboratory studies on "obedience." These studies aimed to understand the extent to which individuals would obey an authority figure, even if it meant causing harm to others. Milgram's experiments involved participants delivering electric shocks to a learner in another room, with the shocks increasing in intensity. The results revealed that a significant number of participants were willing to administer the highest level of shocks, despite the apparent harm to the learner. Milgram's research shed light on the power of situational factors in influencing human behavior and raised ethical considerations in psychological research.

The given answer "Constructive" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the nature of memory. Memory is not a perfect reproduction of past events, but rather a construction that is built from various fragments of information. When recalling an event, the brain fills in gaps and reconstructs the memory based on available pieces of information. This process of memory construction is known as constructive memory.

Descriptive statistics are used to summarize and describe the main features of a dataset. They provide measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, which help to understand the central tendency, variability, and distribution of the data. This type of statistics is used to organize, present, and summarize data in a meaningful way, allowing researchers to gain insights and make interpretations about the data without making any generalizations or inferences about the population. Therefore, descriptive statistics accurately describe the characteristics and patterns of the data.

In experimental designs, a control group is used as a comparison group that does not receive the manipulation or treatment being studied. This allows researchers to compare the effects of the manipulation by comparing the outcomes of the experimental group (which receives the manipulation) with the control group (which does not receive the manipulation). The control group helps to determine if any observed effects are truly due to the manipulation or if they could be attributed to other factors.

Ivan Pavlov is the correct answer because he is the one who discovered classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and elicits a similar response. Pavlov conducted experiments with dogs, where he conditioned them to associate the sound of a bell with the presentation of food. Eventually, the dogs began to salivate at the sound of the bell alone, even without the presence of food. This experiment demonstrated the principles of classical conditioning and its role in learning.

Naturalistic psychology study refers to observing and studying behavior in natural, everyday settings without any manipulation or interference from the researcher. It involves observing and recording behavior as it occurs naturally, without any control or manipulation of variables. This allows researchers to gain a better understanding of how people behave in real-life situations and provides more ecologically valid results compared to laboratory experiments or other types of studies.

Classical conditioning involves pairing a previously neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus, which naturally triggers a response. After repeated associations, the neutral stimulus alone can elicit the same response, becoming a conditioned stimulus. In this case, the sound of the bell (neutral stimulus) is paired with the taste of food (unconditioned stimulus), causing salivation (unconditioned response). Eventually, the sound of the bell alone can elicit salivation (conditioned response). Classical conditioning is a type of learning where behaviors are involuntary.

The behavioral perspective in psychology suggests that personalities are formed through the process of classical and operant conditioning. According to this perspective, behavior is not influenced by personality, but rather personality is made up of the behaviors that an individual has acquired through conditioning. This perspective focuses on observable behaviors and emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping behavior.

Cognitive psychologists are interested in understanding and studying internal mental processes, such as perception, memory, thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and language. They focus on how individuals understand, diagnose, and solve problems, and examine the mental processes that occur between a stimulus and a response. This perspective emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes in shaping behavior and how individuals process information to make decisions and solve problems.

In a correlational study, psychologists examine the extent to which two variables are associated but do not allow for cause & effect conclusions. This means that they can observe and measure the relationship between variables, but they cannot determine if one variable causes changes in the other. Correlational studies are useful for identifying relationships and making predictions, but they cannot establish causality.

Operant conditioning focuses on using reinforcement or punishment to increase or decrease a behavior. It involves forming an association between a behavior and its consequences. In this example, the trainer uses praise as a reward when the dog successfully fetches the ball, and withholds praise when the dog fails. Over time, the dog learns that fetching the ball leads to receiving praise, creating an association between the behavior and the desired reward. This process is voluntary, as the dog has control over its behavior and the consequences it receives.

Experimental designs typically involve the use of two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group is the group that receives the manipulation or treatment that is being studied. This manipulation could be a change in the independent variable, which is the variable that is being manipulated or controlled by the researcher. The control group, on the other hand, does not receive the manipulation and serves as a baseline for comparison. Therefore, the correct answer is "Experimental."

Behavioral therapies focus on specific behaviors and the current variables that maintain them. They aim to change maladaptive behaviors by using techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, and extinction. This approach believes that behaviors are learned and can be unlearned through conditioning and shaping. By targeting the specific behaviors that lead the patient to seek therapy, behavioral therapies aim to bring about positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The correct answer is "Biological." Researchers who study the brain and behavior are called biological psychologists or neuroscientists because they focus on understanding the biological basis of behavior and how the brain influences behavior. They investigate topics such as brain structure and function, genetics, hormones, and the nervous system to gain insights into human behavior and mental processes.

Evolutionary psychology is an approach that analyzes psychological traits from a modern evolutionary perspective. It aims to identify which psychological traits are evolved adaptations, meaning they are functional products of natural or sexual selection. This perspective also applies adaptationist thinking to physiological mechanisms like the heart, lungs, and immune system. In summary, evolutionary psychology examines how our psychological traits have evolved over time and how they contribute to our survival and reproductive success.