Psychology Vitamins

1/9/26 Psych Vitamin #3

Hypothesis – An assumption or guess with little evidence that serves as a starting point for further investigation

Independent variable – A variable in an experiment which causes a change

Dependent variable – A variable in an experiment that is changed or affected by a change

Theory – An explanation of part of the natural world which has been backed up by a large number of scientific tests

1/8/26 Psych Vitamin #2

Placebo effect – Experiencing positive effects due to expectations and emotions when given a neutral, ineffective substance

Pygmalion effect – a phenomenon that describes how high expectations can lead to better performance, while low expectations can lead to worse performance.  Also called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Bystander effect – A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim in the presence of other people.

1/7/26 Psych Vitamin #1

Mind – The part of a person that makes it possible for him or her to think, feel emotions, and understand things

Behavior – The ways in which a person or animal acts

Cognition – The mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses