IB Psychology

Abnormal psychology focuses on behaviors that deviate significantly from societal norms and cause distress or dysfunction, qualifying as mental disorders.

Abnormal psychology focuses on behaviors that deviate significantly from societal norms and cause distress or dysfunction, qualifying as mental disorders.

The process of psychological and cultural change that occurs when individuals from one culture come into prolonged contact with another. It involves adapting to the norms, values, and behaviors of the host culture, while also influencing the dominant culture through mutual transformations.

A substance that enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter. It binds to the same receptors, amplifying the neurotransmitter’s effects.

A living organism used in research to investigate human-like behaviours or processes. The goal is to generalize findings to human behaviour.

A substance that inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter. It blocks or reduces neurotransmitter activity by binding to the receptors, dampening or stopping the signal.

An emotional bond between a caregiver and a child that influences behavior.

Patterns of behavior in relationships, categorized as secure, avoidant, or ambivalent.

Individuals with depression often have a pessimistic explanatory style, blaming themselves for negative events.

Many animal brain structures are similar to human brains, supporting the use of animals in studying psychological processes.

Experiences of physical, emotional, or psychological harm during childhood that can have long-term effects on development. Protective factors mitigate the negative impact of trauma, while risk factors increase the likelihood of negative developmental outcomes.

Classification systems are diagnostic manuals that outline categories of mental disorders, their symptoms, and rules for diagnosis.

Refer to systematic deviations in diagnosis caused by factors like clinician or patient characteristics.

Systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment, often produced by mental shortcuts.

Errors in thinking, such as overgeneralization or catastrophizing, contribute to disorders like depression.

The inclination to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms existing beliefs.

Larger-scale reorganization of the brain’s cortical areas, often observed following damage or injury.

Universal factors underlying cross-cultural differences in values and behaviors, identified through large-scale surveys and studies.

A system of shared attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and symbols transmitted across generations, providing a framework for interpreting the world (Matsumoto, 2007).

This perspective posits that certain complex processes, like memory or emotional responses, are not confined to one brain region but rather rely on the interaction of multiple areas.

Humans think and make decisions by categorizing their cognitive processes into two systems:

1. System 1: Fast, automatic, unconscious, and intuitive. It relies on past experiences and heuristics.
2. System 2: Slow, deliberate, conscious, and rational. It involves logical reasoning and evaluating consequences.

These systems affect judgment, which, in turn, impacts thinking and decision-making.

A brain imaging technique that records electrical activity through electrodes on the scalp, with millisecond-level temporal resolution.

The process by which a person acquires the values, norms, beliefs, and behaviours of the culture they are raised in.

Traits or behaviors that improve survival or reproduction become more common over generations. It was established by Charles Darwin.