[PSYC 2010] - Midterm Exam Guide - Comprehensive Notes for the exam (21 pages long!)

• School: Auburn University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2010
• Professor: Lucia Lazarowski

Document Summary

Study of mind (mental processes), brain (biological anatomical structure), behavior (actions) A science: based on empirical evidence (experiments, observations)- tested and scientifically measured, anything else is likely unreliable (self-help books, palm reading) Someone who studies mental activity and behavior. Questioning information using well-supported evidence (cid:862)a(cid:373)ia(cid:271)le skepti(cid:272)is(cid:373)(cid:863: vaccine/autism scandal, baby mozart, most things on facebook. Our brains seek patterns: ofte(cid:374) (cid:449)he(cid:374) the(cid:455) do(cid:374)"t e(cid:454)ist. Selectively attend to evidence that confirms our beliefs: hi(cid:374)dsight (cid:271)ias: (cid:862)k(cid:374)e(cid:449) it all alo(cid:374)g(cid:863) effe(cid:272)t. Once we know the outcome we think we could have predicted it: self-serving bias. Originated in philosophy: aristotle, plato, confucius. The nature vs. nurture debate: nature: inherited traits, nurture: experience, education, culture. Example: when someone achieves greatness thanks to an innovation. Nurture: upbringing and school system: both nature and nurture are inextricably linked. Depart from philosophy and became a science of observation and experimentation.