Download PSYC 100 Exam 1 Review

Exam 1 Learning Objectives
Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Developmental Science
 The Need for Psychology:
o Why do we use research rather than intuition? What are hindsight bias and overconfidence?
o Describe the scientific attitude and critical thinking.
o What are the steps of the scientific method?
 How do Psychologists answer questions?
o What are the three methods used to observe and describe behavior? Describe each of them.
o Describe correlation.
o What is an experiment? Distinguish the dependent and independent variable, the
experimental group and the control group.
 Ethical Considerations in research:
o Describe a code of ethics, the IRB, and the informed consent document.
o “Take-home message” from Ben Goldacre Ted Talk
Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind
 Neural Communication
o Describe a neuron, including its major parts.
o Describe an action potential, synapse, and neurotransmitter.
 The Nervous System
o Distinguish the central and peripheral nervous system.
o Distinguish the subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system.
o Distinguish the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous
system.
 The Endocrine System: What are hormones? Describe their path from the brain to the body, and
back.
 Describe the major divisions of the brain as discussed in your text:
o Older structures (Brainstem)
o Limbic System. (Hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus)
o Know the four main divisions of the cortex.
 What is the corpus callosum? How are the left and right hemispheres different? Take-home message
from Jill Bolte-Taylor presentation.
Chapter 3: Consciousness and the Two-Track Mind
 The Brain and Consciousness:
o Define dual processing
o Define selective attention.
o Describe an attentional deficit.
 Drugs and Consciousness
o Define psychoactive drugs. Distinguish the effects of depressants, stimulants, and
hallucinogens.
o Define tolerance, dependence and addiction.
o What are the two influences on drug use?
Chapter 4: Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity
 Behavioral genetics:
o Describe behavioral genetics, DNA, chromosomes, and genes.
o What is temperament?
 Evolutionary Psychology
o What is evolutionary psychology?
o Describe natural selection.
 Parents and Peers: Describe the role of early environment in brain development.
 Cultural Influences
o Describe culture. What is a cultural norm?
o Distinguish collectivist and individualist cultures.
 Gender Development
o Distinguish gender and sex. Know associated terms (gender identity, gender roles)
o Describe similarities and differences in males and females (use evidence from the book).
What are the roles of nature and nurture in gender development?