All 9 Psychology topics for Cambridge International AS & A Level, grouped the way the exam is. Each topic has a few flashcards to test yourself; the full sets are free in Socrates AI.
What is a hypothesis?
A precise, testable prediction about the outcome of a study.
What is the difference between a directional and a non-directional hypothesis?
A directional hypothesis predicts the direction of a difference or relationship; a non-directional one predicts only that there will be one.
What is the independent variable (IV)?
The variable the researcher manipulates or changes.
What is quantitative data?
Numerical data.
What is qualitative data?
Non-numerical data such as words, descriptions and meanings.
What is the difference between primary and secondary data?
Primary data is collected by the researcher for the study; secondary data already existed.
What is the central nervous system (CNS)?
The brain and spinal cord.
What is the peripheral nervous system?
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, divided into somatic and autonomic systems.
What is a neurotransmitter?
A chemical messenger released at a synapse that passes signals between neurons.
What is the cognitive approach?
The study of internal mental processes such as memory, perception and thinking.
What is the multi-store model of memory?
Atkinson and Shiffrin's model with a sensory register, short-term memory and long-term memory; rehearsal moves information to LTM.
What are the capacity and duration of short-term memory?
Around 7 ± 2 items (Miller) and about 18–30 seconds without rehearsal.
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What is the behaviourist approach?
The view that behaviour is learned from the environment through conditioning.
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by association: a neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned stimulus comes to produce a conditioned response.
In Pavlov's study, what were the UCS, NS and CR?
UCS: food; NS: the bell; CR: salivation to the bell alone.
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What is obedience?
Following a direct order from a person in authority.
What is conformity?
Changing behaviour or beliefs to fit in with a group.
What was the procedure of Milgram's (1963) obedience study?
Participants were told to give increasing electric shocks to a 'learner' (a confederate) when he answered wrongly; the shocks were fake.
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What is the nature–nurture debate?
Whether behaviour is caused mainly by genes (nature) or by environment and experience (nurture).
What is the interactionist approach?
Behaviour results from the interaction of nature and nurture, e.g. the diathesis–stress model.
What is the free will versus determinism debate?
Whether behaviour is freely chosen or caused by internal or external factors beyond our control.
What is the DSM?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used to classify and diagnose mental disorders.
What is the ICD?
The World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, which includes mental disorders.
Give four definitions of abnormality.
Statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately and deviation from ideal mental health.
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What is health psychology?
The study of how psychological, social and biological factors affect health and illness.
What is stress?
The response when perceived demands exceed a person's ability to cope.
What is the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)?
Selye's model of the stress response: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.
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