PSYC 2301 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND KEY TERMS

*Chapters are noted for Wood and Stangor textbooks in their respective columns

UNIT ONE
I. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Learning Objectives
1. Define psychology.
2. Define the scientific method and explain how it is
used in psychology.
3. Describe the major schools of thought and theoretical
perspectives in psychology.

4. Define and explain the differences between the

various descriptive research methods.

5. Define representative sample and explain why it is

important.
6. Describe the experimental method, state its
advantages and disadvantages, and distinguish
between independent and dependent variables.

7. Explain the rationale behind placebo-control

experiments.

8. Outline the ethical standards that psychological

researchers must follow.
9. Explain the difference between a psychologist and a
psychiatrist.

Key Terms
Psychology
Scientific method

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Behaviorism
Psychoanalysis
Humanistic psychology
Cognitive psychology
Evolutionary psychology
Biological psychology
Sociocultural approach
Naturalistic observation
Laboratory observations
Case study
Survey
Correlation
Correlation coefficient
Population
Sample
Representative sample
Experimental method
Causal hypothesis
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Experimental group
Control group
Random assignment
Placebo effect
Placebo
Experimenter bias
Double-blind procedure

Psychologist
Psychiatrist

2. BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

Learning Objectives
1. Describe various methods for studying the brain and
its functions.

2. Identify the basic components of the neuron.

3. Identify the basic components of the synapse.

Key Terms
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
CT scan (computerized axial
tomography)
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
PET scan (positron emission
tomography)
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI)
Neuron
Cell body
Dendrites
Axon
Synaptic gap
Synapse
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4. Define the action potential and explain the processes

that occur when a neuron is activated.
5. Identify the major neurotransmitters and explain how
neurotransmitters affect behavior.

6.

Explain the difference between the central and the

peripheral nervous systems.
7. Explain the functions of the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems.
8. Identify the medulla, pons and cerebellum, and
describe their functions.

9. List the processes regulated by the hypothalamus.

10. Describe the limbic system, and list the responses
and behaviors affected by it.
11. Describe the components of the cerebrum and their
functions.

12. Explain the functions of the frontal lobes.

13. Explain plasticity.

14. What is the endocrine system? Describe the ways
that the pituitary gland and adrenal glands affect
behavior.

Presynaptic neuron
Postsynaptic neuron
Resting potential
Action potential
Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Endorphins
Peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Brain stem
Medulla
Pons
Cerebellum
Hypothalamus
Limbic system
Amygdala
Hippocampus
Cerebrum
Cerebral hemispheres
Corpus callosum
Cerebral cortex
Association areas
Frontal lobes
Motor cortex
Brocas area
Brocas aphasia
Plasticity
Endocrine system
Hormones
Pituitary gland
Adrenal glands

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3. LEARNING
Learning Objectives
1. Define and identify examples of learning.
2. Explain the process through which classical
conditioning modifies an organisms responses to
stimuli.

3. Summarize the contributions of Pavlov, Watson, and

Skinner to the study of learning.
4. Explain the process through which operant
conditioning modifies an organisms responses to
stimuli.

Key Terms
Learning
Classical conditioning
Unconditioned stimulus (US)
Unconditioned response (UR)
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
Conditioned response (CR)
Neutral stimulus
Extinction (in classical conditioning)
Spontaneous recovery
(Stimulus) generalization
(Stimulus) discrimination

Operant conditioning
Reinforcer
Extinction (in operant conditioning)
Generalization
Discriminative stimulus
Reinforcement
Primary reinforce
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5. Define shaping.
6. Explain the difference between positive and negative
reinforcement.
7. Define punishment and summarize the factors that
influence its effectiveness.

8. Define behavior modification.

9. Define observational learning.

Secondary reinforcer
Shaping
Successive approximations
Positive reinforcement
Negative reinforcement
Punishment by application (positive
punishment)
Punishment by removal (negative
punishment)
Behavior modification
Token economy
Observational learning
Mirror neuron system (MNS)

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UNIT TWO
4. MEMORY
Learning Objectives
1. Explain the information-processing approach to
memory.

2. Describe the function and characteristics of shortterm memory.

3. Describe the characteristics of long-term memory.

4. Describe several techniques for improving memory.

5. Explain the differences between recall, free recall,

cued recall, and recognition measures of memory.

6. Explain the roles of schemas in memory.

7. Explain the reasons for forgetting.

8. Describe the process of reconstructive memory.

Key Terms
Information processing approach
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval
Short-term memory
Working memory
Long-term memory
Declarative memory
Episodic memory
Semantic memory
Nondeclarative memory (implicit
memory or procedural memory)
Elaborative rehearsal
Mnemonics
Organization
Overlearning
Massed practice
Spaced (distributed) practice
Self-references
Visual imaginary
Recall
Free recall
Cued recall (retrieval cue)
Recognition
Schema
Encoding failure
Decay theory
Interference
Motivated forgetting
Retrieval failure
Displacement
Eyewitness accounts

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5. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the process of cognitive development
according to Piaget.
2. Summarize the characteristics of Piagets four
stages of cognitive development.

3. Explain Kohlbergs levels and stages of moral

development.
4. Summarize the characteristics of Eriksons eight
stages of psychosocial development.

5. Explain the differences between cross-sectional and

longitudinal research designs.
6. List the characteristics of the three stages of prenatal
development.

7. Explain the effects of teratogens and other negative

factors on prenatal development.
8. Describe the relationship between contact comfort
and attachment.
9. Explain the differences between the secure,
anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized
patterns of attachment.
10. Explain the effects of authoritarian, authoritative,
and permissive parenting styles on childrens
development.
11. Explain the differences between the social learning
theory and gender schema theory explanations of
gender role development.

12. Describe the symptoms and proposed causes of

Alzheimers disease.

Key Terms
Schemes (schemas)
Assimilation
Accommodation
Sensorimotor stage
Object permanence
Preoperational stage
Egocentrism
Concrete operations stage
Conservation
Formal operations stage
Preconventional level and stages
Conventional level and stages
Postconventional level and stages
Trust/mistrust
Autonomy/shame & doubt
Initiative/guilt
Industry/inferiority
Identity/role confusion
Intimacy/isolation
Generativity/stagnation
Ego integrity/despair
Cross-sectional design
Longitudinal design
Zygote
Period of the zygote (germinal stage)
Period of the embryo
Period of the fetus
Teratogen
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Attachment
Separation anxiety
Stranger anxiety
Secure attachment
Avoidant attachment
Resistant attachment
Disorganized/disoriented attachment
Authoritarian parents
Authoritative parents
Permissive parents
Sex
Social learning theory
Gender identity
Gender-schema theory
Sexual orientation
Alzheimers disease

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Not in book.

6. HEALTH AND STRESS

Learning Objectives
1. Explain the purpose and structure of the Social
Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS.)
2. Describe the features of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
3. Describe the impact of daily hassles on stress and
health.
4. Describe the effects of stress on the immune
system.
5. Describe the stages of the General Adaptation
Syndrome (GAS).

6. Explain the differences between problem-focused

and emotion-focused coping.
7. List the factors that influence individual capacity
for resisting the effects of stress.

Key Terms
Social Readjustment Rating Scale
(SRRS)
Post-traumatic stress disorder

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Hassles

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Biopsychosocial model
Health psychology
Psychoneuroimmunology
General Adaptation syndrome (GAS)
Alarm stage
Resistance stage
Exhaustion stage
Problem-focused coping
Emotion-focused coping
Resilience (risk/resilience model)
Hardiness
Social support
Reduce irrational thought
Meditation
Biofeedback

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UNIT THREE
7. PERSONALITY THEORY AND ASSESSMENT
Learning Objective
1. Define personality.
2. Describe the processes that take place in the
conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind.
3. Define and identify the functions of the id, ego, and
superego.
4. Explain the purpose of defense mechanisms in
Freuds theory.

5. Summarize the basic assumptions associated with

Freuds psychosexual stages.
6. Explain the views of humanistic theorists regarding
personality.
7. Explain the views of Abraham Maslow on selfactualization.
8. Explain the Big Five personality traits.
9. Explain Banduras social-cognitive view of
personality.
10. Describe the evidence for and against the view that
personality is inherited.
11. Explain the differences between objective (selfreport inventory) and projective personality test.

Key Terms
Personality
Conscious
Preconscious
Unconscious
Id
Ego
Superego
Defense mechanism
Repression
Projection
Denial
Regression
Reaction formation
Displacement
Psychosexual stages

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(Table 11.1)

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Humanistic psychology

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Hierarchy of needs
Self-actualization
Traits
Big Five (five-factor model)
Social cognitive theory
Reciprocal determinism
Self-efficacy
Behavior genetics

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2 (pp.67-68)

Self-report inventory
Projective test

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8. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS
Learning Objectives
1. List the criteria for abnormal behavior.

2. Describe the purpose, organization, and content of

the DSM-5.
3. Define and describe the group of disorders called
anxiety disorders.

4. Describe the features of obsessive-compulsive

disorders.
5. Describe the features of major depression.
6. Summarize the features of bipolar disorder.
7. Summarize the risk factors for suicide.
8. Describe the features of schizophrenia.
9. List the possible causes of schizophrenia.
10. Describe the characteristics of dissociative identity
disorder.
11. Summarize the features of the personality disorders.

12. Summarize the various approaches to therapy.

Key Terms
Maladaptive/dysfunctional behaviors
Deviation from social/cultural norms
Personal distress
DSM-5

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Agoraphobia
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Specific phobias
Obsessive-compulsive disorders

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Major depressive disorder

Bipolar disorder
Mania (manic episode)

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12 (pp. 413414
Table 12.3)

12 (pp. 446
Summary
Table)

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Schizophrenia
Dissociative identity disorder (DID)
Personality disorders
Paranoid personality
Narcissistic personality
Borderline personality
Antisocial personality
Psychoanalysis
Person-centered (client-centered)
therapy
Behavior therapy
Cognitive therapy
Biomedical therapy