WGU C180 Study Guide
What do psychologists study? • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists
psychological research? use to conduct research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the
scientific method demands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? A specific and falsifiable prediction about the relationship between two or more
variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. An operational definition refers to a precise statement of how a conceptual
variable ( abstract idea that form the basis of research hypotheses ) which is
turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting of numbers that represent
the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative
words used in a creative story; number of appointments made with a
psychotherapist
Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological These are needed with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or
research? emotional harm to the participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of Descriptive Research
psychology? Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? research designed to provide a snapshot of the current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research research in which there is a random assignment of research participants into two
groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given experience for one group
while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental group that
receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not.
The two groups are then compared to determine the influence of the
manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a The people chosen to participate in the research, called a sample, are selected
sample? to be representative of all the people that the researcher wishes to know about,
called the population. "Sampling is the process of selecting a representative
group from the population under study. The target population is the total group of
individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample is the group of
people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are referred
to as "participants"."
Independent Variable The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable The variable in an experiment that is measured; the outcome of an experiment
Control Group The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the independent
variable
, WGU C180 Study Guide
Experimental Group EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the independent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
Provide an example. prediction of future events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative Correlational-To assess the relationships between and among two or more
correlation. variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative
correlation, the variables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable
increases, the other variable decreases. For example, there is a negative
correlation between self-esteem and depression. Positive correlation is when
there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an increase in another
variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally
correlational and experimental designs? occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a
change and then monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its
effect on the dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that
extraneous variables may be eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect.
A correlation identifies variables and looks for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural Cell Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
communication?
Cell Body (Soma) contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
Dendrites a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other cells and sends
the information to the soma
Axon a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell body
toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? Neurochemical messengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action
potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric
Acid), Glutamate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle contractions and in brain to regulate
memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associated with Alzheimer's
disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine Used as brains reward system. Involved in movement, motivation, and emotion.
Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins Released in response to behaviors such as exercise, orgasm, and eating.
Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety,
keeps us calm. Too little GABA can lead to anxiety.
, WGU C180 Study Guide
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures. Most common neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin Involved in mood, appetite, sleep and aggression. Low levels associated with
depressions.
Where are neurotransmitters stored? How do they They are stored in the axon terminal at the very end of the terminal in the very tip
communicate between neurons? of the finger-like branches. The very end is called the terminal button.
"If the signal reaches the terminal buttons, they are signaled to emit chemicals
known as neurotransmitters, which communicate with other neurons across the
spaces between the cells, known as synapses."
What is the function of the cerebellum? Coordination, balance, and posture. Stand, walk, run, dance. Circular and tucked
up underneath the lobes of the brain. Cinderella's cerebellum - dancing.
What is the function of the hypothalamus? Body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sex drive. Below the thalamus.
Hypothermostat = body temperature.
What is the function of the thalamus? Consciousness and sleep. Underneath the corpus callosum right in the middle of
the brain. Thank you thalamus for letting me sleep.
What is the function of the corpus callosum? Band of nerve fibers joining the two hemispheres of the brain and allowing them
to communicate. Like a mediator reminded the left and right brain to work
together.
What is the function of the hippocampus? Store long term memory. Looks like horns. If I see a hippo with horns on the
highway, I will never forget because I have a hippocampus.
What is the function of the frontal lobe? Thinking, planning, judgement. Right behind your forehead. Remember: scratch
your forehead when you are thinking.
What is the function of the parietal lobe? Processing information about touch like a tickle on your foot. Behind the frontal
lobe. Parietal lobe processes. Remember the P's.
What is the function of the temporal lobe? Hearing and language. Around the ear region. Headphones would sit around the
temporal lobe.
What is the function of the occipital lobe? Visual information. Very back of the head. O like a circle of the eye or the lens in
glasses. "Eyes in the back of my head"
What is the endocrine system? secretes chemical messengers called hormones that influence our emotions and
behaviors.
What is the function of the pancreas? Regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood
What is the function of the testes? produce sperm and testosterone
What is function of the ovaries? Progesterone/estrogen/egg production.
What do psychologists study? • Biological Foundations
• Mental Life
• Change
• Self and Others
• Potential and Dysfunction
What is the scientific method and how is it applied to The scientific method is the set of assumptions, rules, and procedures scientists
psychological research? use to conduct research. In addition to requiring that science is verifiable, the
scientific method demands that procedures are free of personal bias.
What is the definition of a hypothesis? A specific and falsifiable prediction about the relationship between two or more
variables.
What is an operational definition? Provide an example. An operational definition refers to a precise statement of how a conceptual
variable ( abstract idea that form the basis of research hypotheses ) which is
turned into a measured variable ( varialbes consisting of numbers that represent
the conceptual variables )
(Conceptual Variable) Depression - (operational definition) Number of negative
words used in a creative story; number of appointments made with a
psychotherapist
Why are ethical guidelines needed within psychological These are needed with psychological research is the prevent physical and/or
research? emotional harm to the participants.
What are the various research methods in the field of Descriptive Research
psychology? Correlational Research
Experimental Research
What is descriptive research? research designed to provide a snapshot of the current state of affairs.
What is Correlational Research research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
prediction of future events from present knowledge.
What is Experimental Research research in which there is a random assignment of research participants into two
groups. This is followed by a manipulation of a given experience for one group
while the other is not manipulated. One group is the experimental group that
receives the manipulation. The other group is the control group that does not.
The two groups are then compared to determine the influence of the
manipulation.
What is the relationship between a population and a The people chosen to participate in the research, called a sample, are selected
sample? to be representative of all the people that the researcher wishes to know about,
called the population. "Sampling is the process of selecting a representative
group from the population under study. The target population is the total group of
individuals from which the sample might be drawn. A sample is the group of
people who take part in the investigation. The people who take part are referred
to as "participants"."
Independent Variable The variable in an experiment that is manipulated or compared
Dependent Variable The variable in an experiment that is measured; the outcome of an experiment
Control Group The group of subjects in an experiment that does not receive the independent
variable
, WGU C180 Study Guide
Experimental Group EXPERIMENTAL GROUP is the group receiving the independent variable
What does a correlational research design examine? research designed to discover relationships among variables and to allow the
Provide an example. prediction of future events from present knowledge.
Describe examples of a positive and a negative Correlational-To assess the relationships between and among two or more
correlation. variables.
Postiive - As children age they get better at math
Negative - Age of a child and the number of diapers they use "Negative
correlation, the variables move in inverse, or opposite, directions. As one variable
increases, the other variable decreases. For example, there is a negative
correlation between self-esteem and depression. Positive correlation is when
there is an increase in one variable it is associated with an increase in another
variable. For example: with height and weight, taller people tend to be heavier."
What are the differences in interpretations of In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally
correlational and experimental designs? occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a
change and then monitors its effects.
"An experiment isolates and manipulates the independent variable to observe its
effect on the dependent variable, and controls the environment in order that
extraneous variables may be eliminated. Experiments establish cause and effect.
A correlation identifies variables and looks for a relationship between them."
What are the four parts of a neuron and its role in neural Cell Body (Soma), Dendrites, Axon, Myelin Sheath
communication?
Cell Body (Soma) contains the nucleus of the cell and keeps the cell alive
Dendrites a branching, treelike fiber which collects information from other cells and sends
the information to the soma
Axon a long, segmented fiber which transmits information away from the cell body
toward other neurons or to the muscles and glands.
Myelin Sheath Covers the axon of some neurons and helps speed neural impulses
What is a neurotransmitter? What are a few examples? Neurochemical messengers that are released by terminal buttons when an action
potential triggers them.
Acetylocholine (ACh), Dopamine, Endorphins, GABA (Gamma Aminobuytric
Acid), Glutamate, Serotonin
Neurotransmitter: Acetylcholine (ACh) Used in spinal cord to simulate muscle contractions and in brain to regulate
memory, sleeping and dreaming. Undersupply associated with Alzheimer's
disease.
Neurotransmitter: Dopamine Used as brains reward system. Involved in movement, motivation, and emotion.
Used in learning. Increase = Schizophrenia. Under supply = Parkinsons
Neurotransmitter: Endorphins Released in response to behaviors such as exercise, orgasm, and eating.
Nataural pain reliever. Creates a runners high
Neurotransmitter: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) Major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Linked to seizures. Controls fear or anxiety,
keeps us calm. Too little GABA can lead to anxiety.
, WGU C180 Study Guide
Neurotransmitter: Glutamate cause overstimulation, migraines, and seizures. Most common neurotransmitter.
Neurotransmitter: Serotonin Involved in mood, appetite, sleep and aggression. Low levels associated with
depressions.
Where are neurotransmitters stored? How do they They are stored in the axon terminal at the very end of the terminal in the very tip
communicate between neurons? of the finger-like branches. The very end is called the terminal button.
"If the signal reaches the terminal buttons, they are signaled to emit chemicals
known as neurotransmitters, which communicate with other neurons across the
spaces between the cells, known as synapses."
What is the function of the cerebellum? Coordination, balance, and posture. Stand, walk, run, dance. Circular and tucked
up underneath the lobes of the brain. Cinderella's cerebellum - dancing.
What is the function of the hypothalamus? Body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sex drive. Below the thalamus.
Hypothermostat = body temperature.
What is the function of the thalamus? Consciousness and sleep. Underneath the corpus callosum right in the middle of
the brain. Thank you thalamus for letting me sleep.
What is the function of the corpus callosum? Band of nerve fibers joining the two hemispheres of the brain and allowing them
to communicate. Like a mediator reminded the left and right brain to work
together.
What is the function of the hippocampus? Store long term memory. Looks like horns. If I see a hippo with horns on the
highway, I will never forget because I have a hippocampus.
What is the function of the frontal lobe? Thinking, planning, judgement. Right behind your forehead. Remember: scratch
your forehead when you are thinking.
What is the function of the parietal lobe? Processing information about touch like a tickle on your foot. Behind the frontal
lobe. Parietal lobe processes. Remember the P's.
What is the function of the temporal lobe? Hearing and language. Around the ear region. Headphones would sit around the
temporal lobe.
What is the function of the occipital lobe? Visual information. Very back of the head. O like a circle of the eye or the lens in
glasses. "Eyes in the back of my head"
What is the endocrine system? secretes chemical messengers called hormones that influence our emotions and
behaviors.
What is the function of the pancreas? Regulates the level of blood sugar in the blood
What is the function of the testes? produce sperm and testosterone
What is function of the ovaries? Progesterone/estrogen/egg production.
