cumulative

• operational definition of variables

  way to measure / manipulate abstract variable in a study
• experimental methods

  • independent variable: manipulated
  • dependent variable: measured
• random assignment vs random sampling

  • assignment: sample of participants
  • sampling: participants receive instrumental variable
• correlation coefficient

  • r = -1 (perfect negative)
  • r = 0 (non)
  • r = +1 (perfect positive)
• confounds / third variables

  • alternative explanation for relation of variables
  • existing variable explain causation
• meta-analysis

  mathematic average / estimate effect size of the study from all studies measuring the certain variables
• replication crisis

  study conducted more than once on a new sample of participants to obtain the same results
• GRIT questionnaire

  self report measurement of how someone thinks through a scale/range
• Piaget's stages of cognitive development

  1. sensorimotor
  2. pre-operational
  3. concrete operational
  4. formal operational
• sensorimotor stage (0-2)

  • differentiates self from objects
  • object permanence
• pre operational stage

  • symbolic thinking
  • learn language
  • recognize objects / images / single words
  • lack of conservation: quantity is the same despite change in shape
• theory of mind


  ability to assume that the other mind holds different information than mine
• schema

  • Piaget argued that understanding comes form schemas
  • unit of knowledge that represent experiences and interpret information
• attachment styles in infants

  1. ambivalent: distressed / tantrum
  2. secure: distressed then assured by caregiver
  3. avoidant: no signs of assurance (aloof)
• attachment styles in adults

  1. anxious ambivalent: fear feelings aren't reciprocated
  2. dismissive: independent
  3. secure: secure/content
• factor analysis

  pattern of correlations to look for common factors underlying scores
• heritability estimates

  • how much variation in phenotype is due to genotype
  • twin studies (monozygotic vs dizygotic)
• gene x environmental interactions

  • ex: enriched environments eliminate difference of smart/dull rats
  • ex: high SES in nicer environments (opposites align)
• stereotype threat


  fear of behaving in a way that works to confirm a negative stereotype that exists about one's group
• fixed vs growth mindset

  • fixed: what I can do is limited
  • growth: I learned from my mistakes
• fluid vs crystallized intelligence

  • fluid: intelligence for new/unusual problems
  • crystallized: knowledge of experience and skillset
• lexical hypothesis 


  treats to differentiate form others are encoded through language

  • all port: 4 general classes (traits/states/judgements/physical +talents)
• the big 5 (OCEAN)

  • open-mindedness
  • conscentiousness
  • extraversion
  • agreeableness
  • neuroticism
• how does personality change over time

  • the big 5 changes with age
  • ex: as we age we become more agreeable
• perception of personality


  how a person reflects their perception of themselves

  • ex: reluctance to attend parties = introversion
• epigenetic


  physical changes that effect gene expression (active/inactive)
• drive reduction theory (motivation)


  what calls for behaviours that reduce the drive and returns the body to equilibrium
• environmental influences on eating behaviors

  • set point theory
  • regional factors
  • stress
  • eating disorders
• Maslow's model of motive

  • physiological
  • safety
  • belongingness / love
  • esteem
  • self actualization
• bucket model of motives

  1. belonging (strong relationship)
  2. understanding (shared meaning/predictability)
  3. control (link to behavior and outcomes)
  4. esteem (worthiness / self improvement)
  5. trust (cooperation and social motives)
• William James theory of emotions

  humans bodily motives are triggered by environment
• James lange theory


  emotions are results of perceiving bodily functions of the stimulus
• cannon bard theory of emotion

  stimulus triggers bodily arousal and emotional experience simultaneously
• schachter - singer theory

  1. bodily response interprets an emotion
  2. stimulus , body response , judgement, emotional experience
• dual centre theory


  contrast two hypothalamic centres enter the hypothalamus to regulate hunger and fullness
• stress appraisal theory


  appraisals of an event and our role in it help shape our emotional experience to it
• primary vs secondary appraisal

  • perception of the demands of a situation
  • evaluation of whether we feel equipped to deal with demands
• general adaptation syndrome

  exposure to threat , body sends out an "all hands on deck" response

  1. alarm stage: emergency Bodily preparation
  2. resistance stage: body maximize defence for prolonged stress
  3. exhaustion stage: immune system weakens
• HPA and SAM systems

  HPA: prolonged, conservation energy (sidekick)

  SAM: immediate response (superhero)
• effects of chronic stress

  compromise immunity, susceptive to illness