general psychology 1013 msstate – Flashcards
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intelligence
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the ability to think, understand, reason, and cognitively adapt to and overcome obstacles
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aptitude tests
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a test designed to measure an individual's potential to perform well on a specific range of tasks
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achievement tests
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a test designed measure knowledge and thinking skills that an individual has acquired
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psycho-metrics
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measurement of psychological traits and abilities
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predictable validity
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degree to which test predicts future performance
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reliability
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measurement of the degree to which a test produces consistent results
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standardized test
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a test that has a set of questions or problems that are administered and scored in a uniform (standardized) way across large numbers of individuals.
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norms
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statistics that allow individuals to be evaluated relative to a typical or standard score.
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standard deviation
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a statistic that measures variability around the mean.
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percentile rank
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percentage of score below a certain point
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Standford-Binet test
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a test designed to measure innate (genetic) intelligence
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mental age
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average or typical test score for a specific chronological age.
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intelligence quotient
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a measure in which the mental age of an individual is divided by the person's chronological age and then multiplied by 10.
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Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
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the most commonly used intelligence test used on adolescents and adults.
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Raven's Progressive Matrices
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an intelligence test that emphasizes problems that are intended not to be bound to a particular language or culture
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gyri
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convoluted surface of the brain that composes the outer part of the cerebral cortex.
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factor analysis
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a statistical technique that reveals similarities among a wide variety of items.
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general analysis
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a concept that intelligence is a basic, cognitive trait, comprising the ability to learn, read, and solve problems regardless of their nature.
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categories of intelligence
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fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence
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fluid intelligence
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a type of intelligence that is used to adapt to new situations and solve new problems without relying on previous knowledge.
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crystallized intelligence
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a form of intelligence that relies on extensive experience and knowledge and, therefore, tends to be relatively stable and robust.
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savant
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individuals with low mental capacity in most domains but extraordinary abilities in other specific areas, such as music, mathematics, or art.
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analytical intelligence
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is the verbal, mathematical problem-solving. This is close to academic achievement and intelligence as measured by g.
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practical intelligence
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the ability to address real-world problems, especially those related to the individual's work and family.
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creative intelligence
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the ability to create ideas to solve problems
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wisdom
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a fourth element; the ability to make sure that learning and ability is put to use responsibly and effectively.
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multiple intelligences
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a model claiming that eight different forms of intelligence exist, each independent from the others
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learning styles
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individuals are fundamentally different in how they best acquire information.
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Flynn effect
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the steady population increases in intelligence test scores over time.
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behavioral genomics
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the study of how specific genes, in their interactions with the environment, influence behavior.
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entity theory
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the belief that intelligence is a fixed characteristic and relatively difficult (or impossible) to change.
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incremental theory
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the belief that intelligence can be shaped by experiences, practice, and effort.
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brainology
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a program designed to help school children achieve higher levels of achievement and confidence
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stereotype threat
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When people are aware of stereotypes about their social group, they may fear being reduced to that stereotype
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cross-sectional design
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used to measure and compare samples of people at different ages at a given point in time.
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longitudinal design
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follows development of the same set of individuals through time.
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cohort effects
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the consequences of being born in a particular year or a specific range of years.
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sensitive period
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a window of time during which exposure to a specific type of environmental stimulation is needed for normal development of a specific ability
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myelination
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process of fatty tissue building up around developing nerve cells during pregnancy
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teratogen
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a substance, such as a drug, that is capable of producing physical defects
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Jean Piaget
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is credited with initiating the modern science of cognitive development.
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cognitive development
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the study of changing abilities and processes of memory, thought, and reasoning that occur throughout the lifespan
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assimilation
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gaining new information and interpreting it based on what one already knows
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accommodation
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children modify their belief structures based on experience. Developmental milestones are achieved at every stage of cognitive development.
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sensorimotor stage
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the period in which infants' thinking and understanding about the world is based on sensory experiences and the physical actions they perform on objects.
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object permanence
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the ability to understand that objects exist, even if they can not be seen or touched
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preoperational stage
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an understanding of symbols, pretend play, and mastery of the concept of conservation
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conservation
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the knowledge that the quantity or amount of an object is not related to the physical arrangement and appearance of that object.
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concrete operational stage
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time frame in which children develop skills in using and manipulating numbers as well as logical thinking. Children can classify objects according to properties such as size, value, shape or some other physical characteristic.
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formal operational stage
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involves the development of advanced cognitive processes such as abstract reasoning and hypothetical thinking.
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temperament
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general emotional activity, the root from which aspects of adult personality grow
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self-awareness
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the ability to recognize one's individuality.
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egocentric
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perceiving and interpreting the world in terms of the self
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theory of mind
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the ability to recognize the thoughts, beliefs, and expectations of others, and to understand that these can be different from one's own
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habituation
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a decrease in responding with repeated exposure to an event
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dishabituation
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an increase in responsiveness with the presentation of a new stimulus
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synaptic pruning
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the loss of weak nerve cell connections which accelerates through infancy and childhood
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zone of proximal development
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when a child attempts skills and activities that are just outside of what s/he can do alone but is guided by an adult who is attentive to his/her progress
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scaffolding
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approach to teaching in which the teacher matches guidance to the learner or students's needs
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attachment
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enduring emotional bond formed between individuals
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puberty
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biological transition into adolescents
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Alzheimer's disease
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a degenerative and terminal condition resulting in severe damage of the entire brain
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authoritarian parenting
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emphasizes excessive control over children and less expression of warmth
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authoritative parenting
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characterized by expression of warmth and responsiveness to the needs of children, but also exercising control over certain actions and decisions made by children
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conventional morality
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regards social conventions and rules as guides for appropriate moral behavior
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dementia
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refers to a set of symptoms including mild to severe disruption of mental functioning, memory loss, disorientation, poor judgement, and decision making
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emotional well-being
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subjective experience of both positive and negative emotions
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empty nest syndrome
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a phenomenon in which parents experience a sense of loss and sadness when their children have left home
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gender nonconforming
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one who engages in interests or mannerisms that are stereotypical of the opposite sex are
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identity
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a self image and perception of one's unique and individual characteristics
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identity statuses
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the processes and outcomes of identity development that include elements of both crisis and personal commitment.
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indifferent uninvolved parenting
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characterized by neither warmth nor control
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indulgent permissive parenting
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emphasizes warm but indifferent parenting, with little attempt to control children even in positive and helpful ways
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postconventional morality
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considers rules and laws as relative
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preconventional morality
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characterized by self interest in seeking reward or avoiding punishment
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anorexia nervosa
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an eating disorder that involves self starvation, intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of body image
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bulimia nervosa
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an eating disorder that is characterized by periods of food deprivation ,binge-eating, purging
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drives
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the physiological triggers that tell us we may be deprived of something and cause us to seek out what is needed, such as food.
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glucose
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a sugar that serves as a primary energy source for the brain and the rest of the body
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homeostasis
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refers to the body's process of maintaining relatively stable internal states
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incentives
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the stimuli we seek to reduce the drives such as social approval and companionship, food, water, and other needs.
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motivation
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the physiological and psychological processes underlying the initiation or behaviors that direct organisms toward specific goals
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obesity
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a disorder of positive energy balance
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satiation
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the point in a meal when we are no longer motivated to eat
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unit bias
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tendency to assume the unit of sale or portioning is an appropriate amount to consume
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libido
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motivation for sexual activity and pleasure
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sexual orientation
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is a consistent preference for sexual relations with members of the opposite sex, same sex, or either sex
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refractory period
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time during which erection and orgasm are not physically possible
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testosterone
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a steroid hormone present in both males and females
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achievement motivation
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the drive to perform at high levels and achieve significant goals
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approach goals
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enjoyable and pleasant incentives that we are drawn toward, such as praise or financial reward
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avoidance goals
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are unpleasant outcomes such as shame, embarrassment, or emotional pain, which we try to avoid.
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mastery motives
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motives that reflect a desire to understand or overcome a challenge
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need to belong
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motivation to maintain relationships that involve pleasant feelings and a mutual concern for each person's well being
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performance motives
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motives that are geared toward gaining rewards or public recognition.
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terror management theory
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human fear of morality motivates behavior, particularly those that preserve self esteem and belonging
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gene knockout studies
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the removal of a specific gene thought to be involved in a trait and testing the effects of removing the gene by comparing behavior of animals without the gene to those that have it
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Cannon-Bard theory of emotion
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both physiological and emotional experiences happen together
