Exam 1 Learning Objectives

Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Developmental Science

The Need for Psychology:

  • Why do we use research rather than intuition? What are hindsight bias and overconfidence?
  • Describe the scientific attitude and critical thinking.
  • What are the steps of the scientific method?

How do Psychologists answer questions?

  • What are the three methods used to observe and describe behavior? Describe each of them.
  • Describe correlation.
  • What is an experiment? Distinguish the dependent and independent variable, the experimental group and the control group.

Ethical Considerations in research:

  • Describe a code of ethics, the IRB, and the informed consent document.
  • “Take-home message” from Ben Goldacre Ted Talk

Chapter 2: The Biology of Mind

Neural Communication

  • Describe a neuron, including its major parts.
  • Describe an action potential, synapse, and neurotransmitter.

The Nervous System

  • Distinguish the central and peripheral nervous system.
  • Distinguish the subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system.
  • 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:

  • Older structures (Brainstem)
  • Limbic System. (Hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus)
  • 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:

  • Define dual processing
  • Define selective attention.
  • Describe an attentional deficit.

Drugs and Consciousness

  • Define psychoactive drugs. Distinguish the effects of depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
  • Define tolerance, dependence and addiction.
  • What are the two influences on drug use?

Chapter 4: Nature, Nurture and Human Diversity

Behavioral genetics:

  • Describe behavioral genetics, DNA, chromosomes, and genes.
  • What is temperament?

Evolutionary Psychology

  • What is evolutionary psychology?
  • Describe natural selection.

Parents and Peers: Describe the role of early environment in brain development.

Cultural Influences

  • Describe culture. What is a cultural norm?
  • Distinguish collectivist and individualist cultures.

Gender Development

  • Distinguish gender and sex. Know associated terms (gender identity, gender roles)
  • Describe similarities and differences in males and females (use evidence from the book). What are the roles of nature and nurture in gender development?