WGU Introduction to Psychology – Comprehensive Study Guide &
Exam Preparation
Define psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
What are the three levels of analysis in Biological, Psychological, and Social-Cultural levels.
psychology?
Who are the key theorists of Humanism? Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers.
Who is the key theorist of Max Wertheimer.
Gestalt psychology?
Who is the key theorist of Structuralism? Wilhelm Wundt.
Who is the key theorist of Functionalism? William James.
Who are the key theorists of Behaviorism? John B. Watson & B. F. Skinner.
Who is the key theorist of Sigmund Freud.
the Psychodynamic
approach?
, What are some major types of psychologists Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, school
today? psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and
developmental psychologists.
Describe Descriptive research. Descriptive research involves observing and describing
behavior without manipulating variables.
Describe Correlational research. Correlational research examines the relationship between two
variables to determine if they are associated.
Describe Experimental research. Experimental research involves manipulating one variable to
determine its effect on another, using control and
experimental groups.
What is a Case Study? A detailed examination of an individual or a small group to
uncover broader principles.
Define Confidentiality in research. Protecting participants' private information; crucial for ethical
research.
What are Potential Risks in research? Any physical, psychological, or emotional harm that
could affect participants; important to disclose to ensure
informed consent.
What are Withdrawal Procedures in Participants must be informed they can leave the study at
research? any time without penalty.
What is the difference between The independent variable is manipulated, while the
Independent and Dependent Variables? dependent variable is measured to assess the effect of the
manipulation.
What is a Positive Correlation? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to an increase in another.
What is a Negative Correlation? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to an increase in another.
What is Validity? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to a decrease in another.
What is Reliability? The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.
What does IRB stand for and what do they Institutional Review Board; they review research proposals
do? to ensure ethical standards are met.
What are important aspects of Informed Participants must understand the study's purpose, risks, and
Consent? their right to withdraw.
Identify parts of a neuron. Dendrites, Axon, Cell Membrane, Terminal Button, Myelin
Sheath, Cell Body, Nucleus.
Exam Preparation
Define psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
What are the three levels of analysis in Biological, Psychological, and Social-Cultural levels.
psychology?
Who are the key theorists of Humanism? Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers.
Who is the key theorist of Max Wertheimer.
Gestalt psychology?
Who is the key theorist of Structuralism? Wilhelm Wundt.
Who is the key theorist of Functionalism? William James.
Who are the key theorists of Behaviorism? John B. Watson & B. F. Skinner.
Who is the key theorist of Sigmund Freud.
the Psychodynamic
approach?
, What are some major types of psychologists Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, school
today? psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and
developmental psychologists.
Describe Descriptive research. Descriptive research involves observing and describing
behavior without manipulating variables.
Describe Correlational research. Correlational research examines the relationship between two
variables to determine if they are associated.
Describe Experimental research. Experimental research involves manipulating one variable to
determine its effect on another, using control and
experimental groups.
What is a Case Study? A detailed examination of an individual or a small group to
uncover broader principles.
Define Confidentiality in research. Protecting participants' private information; crucial for ethical
research.
What are Potential Risks in research? Any physical, psychological, or emotional harm that
could affect participants; important to disclose to ensure
informed consent.
What are Withdrawal Procedures in Participants must be informed they can leave the study at
research? any time without penalty.
What is the difference between The independent variable is manipulated, while the
Independent and Dependent Variables? dependent variable is measured to assess the effect of the
manipulation.
What is a Positive Correlation? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to an increase in another.
What is a Negative Correlation? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to an increase in another.
What is Validity? A relationship where an increase in one variable corresponds
to a decrease in another.
What is Reliability? The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.
What does IRB stand for and what do they Institutional Review Board; they review research proposals
do? to ensure ethical standards are met.
What are important aspects of Informed Participants must understand the study's purpose, risks, and
Consent? their right to withdraw.
Identify parts of a neuron. Dendrites, Axon, Cell Membrane, Terminal Button, Myelin
Sheath, Cell Body, Nucleus.
