General Overview General Overview of Psychologyof Psychology

By: Rachel PereiraBy: Rachel Pereira

StructuralismStructuralism

Structuralism is like a Structuralism is like a ruler: it can be ruler: it can be broken down into broken down into small components, small components, like inches and like inches and centimeters.centimeters.

Naturalistic ObservationNaturalistic Observation

Binoculars relate to Binoculars relate to this term because this term because the observer must be the observer must be hidden to be able to hidden to be able to observe and record observe and record naturally occurring naturally occurring situations.situations.

Double-Blind ProcedureDouble-Blind Procedure

For me, the two For me, the two blindfolds represent blindfolds represent how both the how both the participants and the participants and the staff are “blind” to staff are “blind” to whether the whether the participant has participant has received the received the treatment or the treatment or the placebo.placebo.

Case StudyCase Study

For a case study, I For a case study, I just think of the just think of the number 1. This number 1. This helps me remember helps me remember that a case study is that a case study is when only 1 person when only 1 person is studied, and that is studied, and that they are studied in they are studied in depth.depth.

DendriteDendrite

A dendrite is like a A dendrite is like a mailbox because it mailbox because it receives messages receives messages and sends them to and sends them to where they need to where they need to go (the cell body or go (the cell body or the person who got the person who got mail).mail).

Myelin SheathMyelin Sheath

Myelin sheath is Myelin sheath is much like the coating much like the coating of an electrical wire: of an electrical wire: it covers the wire and it covers the wire and speeds up the action speeds up the action happening beneath happening beneath it.it.

Autonomic Nervous Autonomic Nervous SystemSystem

The autonomic The autonomic nervous system nervous system works somewhat works somewhat similar to a car that is similar to a car that is automatic. You don’t automatic. You don’t have to constantly have to constantly and physically shift to and physically shift to different gears, the different gears, the car just does it.car just does it.

Parasympathetic Nervous Parasympathetic Nervous SystemSystem

When I think of the When I think of the parasympathetic parasympathetic nervous system, I think nervous system, I think of a candle. This of a candle. This connection helps me connection helps me remember that the remember that the parasympathetic parasympathetic nervous system helps nervous system helps calm your body down, calm your body down, like a candle that like a candle that represents relaxation.represents relaxation.

Reticular FormationReticular Formation

The reticular The reticular formation is like an formation is like an alarm clock because alarm clock because it has to do with it has to do with basic levels of basic levels of alertness and alertness and arousal.arousal.

CerebellumCerebellum

The cerebellum, also The cerebellum, also called the “little brain”, is called the “little brain”, is in charge of balance and in charge of balance and coordination. For a coordination. For a ballerina, balance and ballerina, balance and coordination are two coordination are two very important things. very important things. This is why I chose This is why I chose pointe shoes to pointe shoes to represent the represent the cerebellum.cerebellum.

Occipital LobeOccipital Lobe

Glasses can Glasses can represent the represent the occipital lobe occipital lobe because the occipital because the occipital lobe controls vision. lobe controls vision.

Corpus CallosumCorpus Callosum

The corpus callosum The corpus callosum is like a bridge is like a bridge because it connects because it connects two things: the right two things: the right and hemispheres of and hemispheres of the brain.the brain.

Inattentional BlindnessInattentional Blindness

I chose a cell phone I chose a cell phone for this vocab term for this vocab term because many because many people get distracted people get distracted by texting or being by texting or being on their phones, on their phones, which ccauses them which ccauses them to fail to notice other to fail to notice other objects around them.objects around them.

Circadian RhythmsCircadian Rhythms

a watch is a clock, a watch is a clock, and circadian and circadian rhythms is your rhythms is your biological clock. It biological clock. It is your regular is your regular bodily rhythms bodily rhythms that go through a that go through a 24-hr cycle.24-hr cycle.

Sleep ApneaSleep Apnea

I chose a picture of I chose a picture of my grandfather my grandfather because he has because he has sleep apnea. He sleep apnea. He has trouble has trouble breathing when he breathing when he is sleeping, and is sleeping, and now has to wear a now has to wear a mask .mask .

Manifest Dream ContentManifest Dream Content

This picture This picture resembles resembles manifest dream manifest dream content because it content because it shows a storyline shows a storyline of a dream.of a dream.

TeratogensTeratogens

Teratogens are Teratogens are agents that can agents that can reach the fetus and reach the fetus and cause harm to the cause harm to the baby. However, baby. However, Perry the Platypus, Perry the Platypus, agent P, can stop agent P, can stop those evil teratogens. those evil teratogens.

SchemaSchema

A schema A schema organizes and organizes and interprets interprets information, jut like information, jut like a computer.a computer.

Attachment Attachment

Children tend to Children tend to have great have great attachments to attachments to their mothers; they their mothers; they have an emotional have an emotional tie with them. tie with them.

ImprintingImprinting

The Twilight saga, New The Twilight saga, New Moon, is a good Moon, is a good example of imprinting. example of imprinting. Imprinting is when Imprinting is when animals form animals form attachments during a attachments during a critical period early in critical period early in their life. When Jacob their life. When Jacob first turns into a first turns into a werewolf, he stays very werewolf, he stays very close to his pack, his close to his pack, his new family.new family.

Bottom-Up ProcessingBottom-Up Processing

A Lego tower is like A Lego tower is like bottom-up processing. bottom-up processing. In order to build the In order to build the tower, you start from the tower, you start from the bottom and work your bottom and work your way up; just as bottom-way up; just as bottom-up processing begins up processing begins with sensory receptors with sensory receptors and work up to the brain.and work up to the brain.

Absolute ThresholdAbsolute Threshold

Your absolute threshold is the Your absolute threshold is the minimum stimulation needed to minimum stimulation needed to detect something. It can change detect something. It can change depending on the current depending on the current environment. For example, if you environment. For example, if you are alone in your room you are alone in your room you probably detect your ipod playing probably detect your ipod playing music on a low volume. music on a low volume. However, if you’re at a party you However, if you’re at a party you may not hear the music if it is at may not hear the music if it is at a low volume because of all the a low volume because of all the noise around you. This would noise around you. This would cause your absolute threshold to cause your absolute threshold to change.change.

Difference ThresholdDifference Threshold

Difference threshold is Difference threshold is defined as the minimum defined as the minimum difference between 2 stimuli difference between 2 stimuli required for detection 50% of required for detection 50% of the time. Weight is a good the time. Weight is a good example: If a very thin example: If a very thin person puts on 5 lbs, they will person puts on 5 lbs, they will likely notice the difference likely notice the difference and detect the difference. and detect the difference. However, a much heavier However, a much heavier person may not detect the 5 person may not detect the 5 lb weight gain until stepping lb weight gain until stepping on the scale.on the scale.

Weber’s LawWeber’s Law

The name “Weber” The name “Weber” reminds me of reminds me of “Charlotte’s Web.” “Charlotte’s Web.” Weber’s Law states that Weber’s Law states that 2 stimuli must differ by a 2 stimuli must differ by a constant minimum constant minimum percentage, and percentage, and “Charlotte’s Web” helps “Charlotte’s Web” helps me remember that me remember that Weber was responsible Weber was responsible for this law.for this law.

ConesCones

Cones are the retinal Cones are the retinal receptors which allow receptors which allow you to see color. you to see color. Thinking of crayons Thinking of crayons helps me remember this helps me remember this because you use because you use crayons to color. crayons to color.

There are thousands of There are thousands of colors to chose from, yet colors to chose from, yet we only have 3 different we only have 3 different color cones.color cones.

Blind SpotBlind Spot

There is a spot in your There is a spot in your eye with no receptor eye with no receptor cells are located there cells are located there which is called your blind which is called your blind spot. Therefore you spot. Therefore you cannot see whatever is cannot see whatever is in your blind spot. This is in your blind spot. This is just like your blind spot just like your blind spot when you are driving.when you are driving.

Vestibular SenseVestibular Sense

To be able to do To be able to do lifts and stunts, lifts and stunts, dancers must have dancers must have an excellent an excellent vestibular sense. vestibular sense. Vestibular sense Vestibular sense monitors your monitors your movement and movement and position.position.

Retinal DisparityRetinal Disparity

Retinal disparity is a Retinal disparity is a binocular cue that binocular cue that allows you to allows you to compare the images compare the images that both eyes that both eyes detect. The greater detect. The greater the disparity between the disparity between these two trees, the these two trees, the closer they are to closer they are to you.you.

Retinal Disparity cont.Retinal Disparity cont.

Classical ConditioningClassical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is Classical conditioning is a type of learning where a type of learning where you learn to link two or you learn to link two or more different things more different things together to produce the together to produce the same response. This same response. This method usually uses method usually uses some kind of tone or some kind of tone or sound as one of the sound as one of the stimuli.stimuli.

Mirror NeuronsMirror Neurons

Mirror neurons fire when Mirror neurons fire when you are observing you are observing someone do something, someone do something, which enables imitation. which enables imitation. I think of a mirror and the I think of a mirror and the mirroring exercise where mirroring exercise where one person must face one person must face the other and copy their the other and copy their movements. This works movements. This works their mirror neurons.their mirror neurons.

ShapingShaping

Shaping is when reinforcers Shaping is when reinforcers guide behavior closer and guide behavior closer and closer until the desired closer until the desired behavior is reached. I chose behavior is reached. I chose a puzzle to remember this a puzzle to remember this term because whenever I term because whenever I build a puzzle with my build a puzzle with my brother, I always nod my brother, I always nod my head when he gets a piece head when he gets a piece closer and closer to the right closer and closer to the right spot. spot.

Positive ReinforcementPositive Reinforcement

Positive Positive reinforcement is reinforcement is when you can when you can increase increase someone’s someone’s behavior by behavior by presenting presenting positive, like food.positive, like food.

Fixed-Ratio ScheduleFixed-Ratio Schedule

When you go to Delia’s, When you go to Delia’s, they punch a hole in this they punch a hole in this rewards card every time rewards card every time you spend a certain you spend a certain amount of money. When it amount of money. When it is completely filled out, you is completely filled out, you receive a gift card. This is receive a gift card. This is an example of fixed-ratio an example of fixed-ratio schedules, which schedules, which reinforces behavior after a reinforces behavior after a set number of responses.set number of responses.

Variable-Ratio ScheduleVariable-Ratio Schedule

variable-ratio schedule is variable-ratio schedule is a reinforces a response a reinforces a response after an unpredictable after an unpredictable amount of responses. amount of responses. An example of this would An example of this would be when you have 3 be when you have 3 cups that get mixed cups that get mixed around and you have to around and you have to guess which one has the guess which one has the prize under it at the end prize under it at the end to win the prize.to win the prize.

Fixed-Interval ScheduleFixed-Interval Schedule

Fixed-interval schedule Fixed-interval schedule only reinforces a only reinforces a response after a certain response after a certain amount of time passes. amount of time passes. An example would be An example would be when you are baking when you are baking something and you keep something and you keep checking the oven over checking the oven over and over close to the and over close to the time that the food would time that the food would be done.be done.

Variable-Interval Variable-Interval ScheduleSchedule

Variable-interval Variable-interval schedule schedule reinforces a reinforces a response at response at unpredictable time unpredictable time intervals.intervals.

Misinformation EffectMisinformation Effect

Misinformation effect is when Misinformation effect is when you have misleading you have misleading information about an event information about an event that you remember (or think that you remember (or think you remember). Most people you remember). Most people think that by looking at old think that by looking at old pictures, they will remember pictures, they will remember what happened when that what happened when that picture was taken. In reality, picture was taken. In reality, the memories are probably the memories are probably not completely true.not completely true.

RecognitionRecognition

Recognition is when you Recognition is when you only have to identify only have to identify items that you have items that you have previously learned. An previously learned. An example is that when I example is that when I look at my old look at my old yearbooks, I can yearbooks, I can recognize everybody but recognize everybody but cannot recall who they cannot recall who they are.are.

ChunkingChunking

A sandwich represents A sandwich represents chunking for me chunking for me because you make because you make sandwich by “organizing sandwich by “organizing items into familiar, items into familiar, manageable units”, manageable units”, which is the definition of which is the definition of chunking.chunking.

Serial Position EffectSerial Position Effect

My brother told me My brother told me all the names of his all the names of his stuffed animals, but I stuffed animals, but I could only recall could only recall those he told me in those he told me in the beginning and the beginning and the very end the very end because of serial because of serial position effect.position effect.

““g”g”

““g” stands for “general g” stands for “general intelligence”, which underlies intelligence”, which underlies specific mental abilities and is specific mental abilities and is measured by all tasks on an measured by all tasks on an intelligence test. Just like intelligence test. Just like this “g”, the “G” on cereal this “g”, the “G” on cereal boxes represents intelligence boxes represents intelligence to me because intelligent to me because intelligent people understand that people understand that breakfast is important and the breakfast is important and the most important meal of the most important meal of the day.day.

Savant SyndromeSavant Syndrome

My friend and classmate is an My friend and classmate is an example of someone with example of someone with savant syndrome. She is not savant syndrome. She is not academically strong or a good academically strong or a good test taker; however, she is a test taker; however, she is a very talented and gifted very talented and gifted dancer.dancer.

WAIS (Wechsler Adult WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale)Intelligence Scale)

A suitcase helps A suitcase helps me remember the me remember the WAIS intelligence WAIS intelligence test because all test because all the materials used the materials used for the test were for the test were kept in a suitcase.kept in a suitcase.

GardnerGardner

The number 8 The number 8 helps me helps me remember remember Gardner because Gardner because he viewed he viewed intelligence as 8 intelligence as 8 abilities that come abilities that come in packages. in packages.

StandardizationStandardization

Standardization is defining Standardization is defining meaningful scores by meaningful scores by comparison with the comparison with the performance of the pretested performance of the pretested group. Overall awards given group. Overall awards given out at dance competitions are out at dance competitions are like standardization because like standardization because they give the routine scores they give the routine scores that were received more that were received more meaning by comparing them meaning by comparing them to each other.to each other.

ValidityValidity

Driving tests need to Driving tests need to have validity, which have validity, which means it should means it should predict what it’s predict what it’s supposed to. If it supposed to. If it does not, drivers who does not, drivers who are not ready to be are not ready to be on the road alone will on the road alone will cause danger for cause danger for other drivers.other drivers.

Content ValidityContent Validity

A textbook A textbook represents this represents this term because in term because in order for an exam order for an exam to have content to have content validity, it must validity, it must cover the whole cover the whole textbook. textbook.

Test-Retest ReliabilityTest-Retest Reliability

Test-retest reliability is Test-retest reliability is when you take a test, when you take a test, you should be able to you should be able to take it again and get take it again and get around the same results. around the same results. An example is SATs. I An example is SATs. I took them 3 times and took them 3 times and my scored did not my scored did not

change by much at allchange by much at all..

Drive-Reduction TheoryDrive-Reduction Theory

I think of a water bottle I think of a water bottle when I think of the drive-when I think of the drive-reduction theory. This reduction theory. This theory is defined as the theory is defined as the idea that a physiological idea that a physiological need creates a drive that need creates a drive that motivates an organism motivates an organism to satisfy the need at to satisfy the need at hand. To satisfy thirst, hand. To satisfy thirst, we drink water.we drink water.

FlowFlow

Flow is a state of Flow is a state of consciousness that results consciousness that results from optimal engagement in a from optimal engagement in a skill or task. Flow is usually skill or task. Flow is usually associated with diminished associated with diminished awareness of self and time. awareness of self and time. When I dance, not only does When I dance, not only does my body “flow” from one my body “flow” from one movement to the next, but I movement to the next, but I also tend to lose awareness also tend to lose awareness of self and time while dancing of self and time while dancing because I am so “in the because I am so “in the moment.”moment.”

Optimum Arousal TheoryOptimum Arousal Theory

Optimum arousal is Optimum arousal is different for different for everyone; it is the everyone; it is the right level of right level of stimulation needed stimulation needed for an individual for for an individual for them not to be bored. them not to be bored. For me, it would be For me, it would be reading a good book.reading a good book.

HomeostasisHomeostasis

Homeostasis is defined as a Homeostasis is defined as a tendency to maintain a tendency to maintain a balanced/constant internal balanced/constant internal state. state. HomeHomeostasis is like a ostasis is like a homehome: you have to clean it : you have to clean it and maintain it, and in order and maintain it, and in order to do so you must vaccuum, to do so you must vaccuum, dust, etc. This is like how to dust, etc. This is like how to get to homeostasis you get to homeostasis you sometimes have to put on sometimes have to put on more clothes on when you’re more clothes on when you’re cold, etc.cold, etc.

James-Lang TOEJames-Lang TOE

This theory of emotion says This theory of emotion says that our physiological arousal that our physiological arousal comes first and our emotion comes first and our emotion follows. An example is when follows. An example is when I try to start my car and it I try to start my car and it would start the first couple would start the first couple tries, so my heart begins tries, so my heart begins racing. Moments after my racing. Moments after my experience of arousal, I experience of arousal, I decide I am feeling the decide I am feeling the emotion of fear. But then I emotion of fear. But then I take my key out and put it take my key out and put it back again and the car starts.back again and the car starts.

Canon-Bard TOECanon-Bard TOE

This theory of emotion says This theory of emotion says that your arousal and feeling that your arousal and feeling of emotion happens at the of emotion happens at the same time. An example same time. An example would be when I was almost would be when I was almost late for homeroom a few days late for homeroom a few days ago. My backpack felt so ago. My backpack felt so much heavier when I much heavier when I experienced an arousal of a experienced an arousal of a speeding heartbeat and an speeding heartbeat and an emotion of fear emotion of fear simultaneously. simultaneously.

Schachter’s 2 Factor TOESchachter’s 2 Factor TOE

This theory of This theory of emotion has 2 emotion has 2 factors: arousal and factors: arousal and a cognitive label a cognitive label (picture). The (picture). The emotion we emotion we experience comes experience comes from the result of from the result of these 2 factors. these 2 factors.

Paul EkmanPaul Ekman

A globe helps me A globe helps me remember Paul Ekman remember Paul Ekman because Ekman was because Ekman was the one who came up the one who came up with the 6 universal with the 6 universal emotions. Therefore, emotions. Therefore, these emotions are these emotions are expressed the same expressed the same all over the globe.all over the globe.

Adaptation-Level Adaptation-Level PhenominonPhenominon

To someone who To someone who receives A’s and B’s, an receives A’s and B’s, an A may not be a great A may not be a great accomplishment accomplishment because they have because they have adapted to it. Although, adapted to it. Although, some people find getting some people find getting A’s a huge A’s a huge accomplishment. This accomplishment. This has to do with the has to do with the adaptation phenominon.adaptation phenominon.

Type AType A

I chose a picture I chose a picture of myself to of myself to represent Type A represent Type A personality personality because I am very because I am very competitive and competitive and impatient.impatient.

Type BType B

I chose a picture I chose a picture of my cousin, of my cousin, Amanda, for this Amanda, for this term because she term because she is always very is always very relaxed.relaxed.

BiofeedbackBiofeedback

Biofeedback is defined Biofeedback is defined as a system for as a system for electronically recording, electronically recording, amplifying, and feeding amplifying, and feeding back information back information regarding a physiological regarding a physiological state. An example state. An example would be a blood would be a blood pressure cuff.pressure cuff.

IdId

My brother is a great example My brother is a great example of the id. He whines and of the id. He whines and pleads for whatever he wants pleads for whatever he wants until he gets it, and he always until he gets it, and he always wants things immediately. In wants things immediately. In this way, he is like the id. As this way, he is like the id. As the definition states, the id the definition states, the id operates on the pleasure operates on the pleasure principle, which demands principle, which demands immediate gratification.immediate gratification.

EgoEgo

My sister is a great My sister is a great example of ego because example of ego because she is the compromiser she is the compromiser in the family. The ego is in the family. The ego is also a compromiser by also a compromiser by operating the reality operating the reality principle and mediating principle and mediating among the demands of among the demands of the id, superego, and the id, superego, and

realityreality..

Internal Locus of ControlInternal Locus of Control

Internal locus of control Internal locus of control is defined as a is defined as a perception that you perception that you control your own fate. control your own fate. An example is my friend, An example is my friend, Becky. She truly Becky. She truly believes that the harder believes that the harder you work at something you work at something and the more you put and the more you put into it, the more you will into it, the more you will get and achieve. get and achieve.

Spotlight EffectSpotlight Effect

Practicing my solo for Practicing my solo for dance competitions, I dance competitions, I always overestimating always overestimating how my other how my other teammates evaluate me, teammates evaluate me, and it would get me and it would get me nervous. I experience nervous. I experience the spotlight effect when the spotlight effect when I practice my solo in front I practice my solo in front of my teammates.of my teammates.