YALE PSYC 1100
Introduction to Psychology
Complete Study Guide
Exam Preparation Edition | 2026-2027
Biology and behavior | research methods | learning | memory | cognition | development |
personality | social psychology | health | psychological disorders | treatment
Original independent study resource
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Yale University.
Independent study resource 1
,How to use this guide
This guide is designed for active study rather than passive reading. Read a short section, close the page, and explain
the idea in your own words. Then use the practice questions to find weak spots. The examples are original and are
meant to make abstract ideas easier to remember. The guide is aligned broadly with the introductory scope of Yale
PSYC 1100; the official 2026-2027 catalog describes PSYC 1100 as a survey of major psychological approaches to
the biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior. ■cite■turn283822search1■turn283822search0■
Contents
1. The Psychology Mindset
2. Research Methods and Thinking Like a Researcher
3. The Brain, Nervous System, and Behavior
4. Sensation and Perception
5. Learning: How Experience Changes Behavior
6. Memory and Forgetting
7. Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
8. Development Across the Lifespan
9. Motivation, Emotion, and Stress
10. Personality and Individual Differences
11. Social Psychology: People in Groups and Relationships
12. Health, Stress, and Psychological Well-Being
13. Psychological Disorders
14. Treatment, Review, and Applying the Science
15. Final Practice Exam
16. Answer Key
17. Final Mastery Checklist
Independent study resource 2
, Core terms at a glance
Term Meaning
Correlation A statistical relationship between variables; it does not by itself show causation.
Independent variable The variable manipulated in an experiment.
Dependent variable The measured outcome in an experiment.
Reinforcement A consequence that increases behavior.
Punishment A consequence that decreases behavior.
Working memory Limited system for temporarily holding and manipulating information.
Neuroplasticity The nervous system changes with experience, learning, or injury.
Intrinsic motivation Motivation driven by interest or satisfaction in the activity.
Conformity Changing behavior or judgments to match group norms.
Discrimination Unequal behavior toward people based on group membership.
Resilience Adapting and recovering after challenges.
Validity Whether a measure or conclusion captures what it is intended to capture.
Reliability Consistency of a measurement.
Independent study resource 3
Introduction to Psychology
Complete Study Guide
Exam Preparation Edition | 2026-2027
Biology and behavior | research methods | learning | memory | cognition | development |
personality | social psychology | health | psychological disorders | treatment
Original independent study resource
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Yale University.
Independent study resource 1
,How to use this guide
This guide is designed for active study rather than passive reading. Read a short section, close the page, and explain
the idea in your own words. Then use the practice questions to find weak spots. The examples are original and are
meant to make abstract ideas easier to remember. The guide is aligned broadly with the introductory scope of Yale
PSYC 1100; the official 2026-2027 catalog describes PSYC 1100 as a survey of major psychological approaches to
the biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior. ■cite■turn283822search1■turn283822search0■
Contents
1. The Psychology Mindset
2. Research Methods and Thinking Like a Researcher
3. The Brain, Nervous System, and Behavior
4. Sensation and Perception
5. Learning: How Experience Changes Behavior
6. Memory and Forgetting
7. Thinking, Language, and Intelligence
8. Development Across the Lifespan
9. Motivation, Emotion, and Stress
10. Personality and Individual Differences
11. Social Psychology: People in Groups and Relationships
12. Health, Stress, and Psychological Well-Being
13. Psychological Disorders
14. Treatment, Review, and Applying the Science
15. Final Practice Exam
16. Answer Key
17. Final Mastery Checklist
Independent study resource 2
, Core terms at a glance
Term Meaning
Correlation A statistical relationship between variables; it does not by itself show causation.
Independent variable The variable manipulated in an experiment.
Dependent variable The measured outcome in an experiment.
Reinforcement A consequence that increases behavior.
Punishment A consequence that decreases behavior.
Working memory Limited system for temporarily holding and manipulating information.
Neuroplasticity The nervous system changes with experience, learning, or injury.
Intrinsic motivation Motivation driven by interest or satisfaction in the activity.
Conformity Changing behavior or judgments to match group norms.
Discrimination Unequal behavior toward people based on group membership.
Resilience Adapting and recovering after challenges.
Validity Whether a measure or conclusion captures what it is intended to capture.
Reliability Consistency of a measurement.
Independent study resource 3
