Download PSYC 101 Final Exam Study Questions

PSYC 100 - Final Exam Study Guide (SGWN, 3rd ed.)
J. Governale
1. Define and distinguish between dogmatism and empiricism.
2. Define scientific method and distinguish between a theory and a hypothesis.
3. Define operational definition and distinguish between validity, reliability, and power.
4. Describe the various ways of protecting against bias in experimental research; define
demand characteristics.
5. Distinguish between positive and negative correlations and explain why causal conclusions
cannot be drawn from correlational research.
6. Define experimental research and explain the logic of experiments; distinguish independent
and dependent variables and be able to identify these in an example.
7. Name the basic parts of a neuron and describe the flow of information.
8. Recognize how the neurotransmitters discussed in our text influence behavior and
experience.
9. Identify the divisions of the nervous system and their functions.
10. Identify the main functions of the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus;
note which one controls the pituitary gland.
11. Describe the location and function of Broca's area and of Wernicke’s area.
12. Describe and distinguish the various technologies for studying the brain.
13. Describe the structure of the retina, including the fovea and blind spot (optic disk);
distinguish between the functions of rods and cones.
14. Define and describe four basic properties of consciousness and the conditions under which
our minds tend to wander most.
15. Know when alpha, beta, theta, and delta waves are produced; describe REM sleep.
16. Compare and contrast Freud’s dream theory with the activation-synthesis model.
17. List the main categories of psychoactive drugs and identify the drugs in each category.
18. Describe hypnotic analgesia and explain how hypnosis can affect memory and brain activity.
19. Describe the focus of mindfulness meditation.
20. Define and distinguish between encoding, storage, and retrieval.
21. Describe working memory and recognize its components and functions.
22. Describe the importance of sleep for memory consolidation.
23. Describe research on how retrieval can improve long-term retention.
24. Distinguish between episodic, semantic, and procedural memory.
25. Describe how suggestibility and bias influence how we remember the past.
26. Define classical conditioning and its basic terminology (UCS, UCR, CS, CR); be able to apply
these to an example.
27. Distinguish between stimulus generalization and discrimination; define extinction.
28. Describe research findings on evolutionary elements in classical conditioning, including
practical applications.
29. Distinguish between examples of positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.
30. Describe the four schedules of intermittent reinforcement and recognize examples of each.
31. Describe research on the influence of observational learning on aggressive behavior.
32. Define heritability; explain the concept of an individual’s genes interacting with the
environment to produce physiology and behavior that are unique.
33. Contrast the James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter-Singer (two-factor) theories of
emotion and note which elements of each have been supported and contradicted by
subsequent research.
34. Describe the roles of the amygdala and cerebral cortex in experiencing fear in response to
threat.
35. Describe the findings on the universality of facial expressions of basic emotions.
36. Explain the main idea behind Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
37. Explain what is known about the determinants of sexual orientation.
38. Define defense mechanisms; distinguish between rationalization, reaction formation,
projection, and regression.
39. Describe how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM 5) is used to diagnose and classify
mental disorders.
40. Distinguish between the main features of the various anxiety disorders.
41. Describe helplessness theory and identify the specific features of the attributions involved.
42. Describe and distinguish between the features of depression and bipolar disorder.
43. Describe the range of symptoms covered by schizophrenia.
44. Define personality disorders and describe the features of antisocial personality disorder.
45. Describe insight, free association, and transference in psychoanalysis.
46. Describe the kinds of disorders treated with exposure therapy.
47. Describe the main features of cognitive therapy.
48. Describe the main features of client-centered therapy.
49. Identify the major categories of psychotherapeutic drugs; recognize their main uses and
important side effects.
50. Describe (in general) what research has shown about the effectiveness of psychotherapy.