PSYC C1000 – LBCC: Study Guide for Exam #1

Ch. 1: Science of Psychology

Main Goals of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The main goals are to:

• Describe behavior and mental processes

• Explain why these behaviors and processes occur

• Predict future behaviors or outcomes

• Control or influence behaviors in beneficial ways

Psychological Perspectives

Several perspectives guide psychological research and practice:

• Biological Perspective: Focuses on the influence of biology, such as genetics and neurochemistry, on behavior.

• Behavioral Perspective: Emphasizes observable behaviors and the role of learning.

• Cognitive Perspective: Examines mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

• Humanistic Perspective: Stresses individual potential and self-actualization.

• Psychodynamic Perspective: Focuses on unconscious drives and early childhood experiences.

• Sociocultural Perspective: Considers how social and cultural factors influence behavior.

Psychological Professionals

• Clinical Psychologists: Diagnose and treat mental disorders.

• Counseling Psychologists: Help people with everyday problems.

• Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who can prescribe medication.

• Research Psychologists: Conduct studies to advance knowledge.

Criteria for Critical Thinking

• Question assumptions

• Evaluate evidence

• Consider alternative explanations

• Avoid emotional reasoning

• Recognize biases

Ethical Practices in Research

• Obtain informed consent

• Ensure confidentiality

• Minimize harm to participants

• Debrief participants after the study

Subjects/Samples/Populations

• Population: The entire group of interest.

• Sample: A subset of the population used in a study.

• Random Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Dependent and Independent Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): The variable manipulated by the researcher.

• Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured to assess the effect of the IV.

Example: In a study on sleep and memory, hours of sleep (IV) may affect test scores (DV).

Experimental & Control Groups

• Experimental Group: Receives the treatment or manipulation.

• Control Group: Does not receive the treatment; used for comparison.

Research Designs & Methods

• Descriptive Methods: Observations, case studies, surveys.

• Correlational Studies: Examine relationships between variables.

• Experimental Methods: Manipulate variables to determine cause and effect.

The Scientific Method

• Formulate a hypothesis

• Design a study

• Collect data

• Analyze results

• Draw conclusions

• Report findings

Correlations & Types

Correlation measures the relationship between two variables. The correlation coefficient ($r$) ranges from -1 to +1.

• Positive Correlation: Both variables increase or decrease together.

• Negative Correlation: One variable increases as the other decreases.

• No Correlation: No consistent relationship.

Example: Height and weight often show a positive correlation.

Ch. 2: Biological Perspective

Types of Neurons

• Sensory Neurons: Carry information from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

• Motor Neurons: Transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles and glands.

• Interneurons: Connect sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Components of Neurons

• Dendrites: Receive signals from other neurons.

• Cell Body (Soma): Contains the nucleus and organelles.

• Axon: Transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body.

• Myelin Sheath: Insulates the axon and speeds up signal transmission.

• Axon Terminals: Release neurotransmitters to communicate with other cells.

The Human Nervous System

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): All nerves outside the CNS.

• Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).

• Sympathetic Division: Prepares the body for action ("fight or flight").

• Parasympathetic Division: Calms the body ("rest and digest").

Brain Structures & Functions

• Brain Stem: Controls basic life functions (breathing, heartbeat).

• Cerebral Cortex: Responsible for higher-order functions (thinking, planning, language).

• Limbic System: Involved in emotion, motivation, and memory. Includes structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus.

Example: Damage to the hippocampus can impair the formation of new memories.

Table: Major Brain Structures and Their Functions

Structure	Main Function
Brain Stem	Regulates vital functions (breathing, heart rate)
Cerebral Cortex	Complex thought, perception, voluntary movement
Limbic System	Emotion, motivation, memory
Amygdala	Processing emotions, especially fear
Hippocampus	Formation of new memories

Additional info: Some explanations and examples have been expanded for clarity and completeness based on standard introductory psychology content.