AQA GCSE Psychology key terms

Repeating a study to check whether similar results are obtained.

A sample that reflects the relevant characteristics of the target population.

The difference between the images received by the left and right retinas, which the brain uses to judge depth.

The image formed by light falling on the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye.

Recovering information that has been stored in memory.

Information that helps someone access something stored in memory.

Actively recalling information from memory to strengthen later recall, rather than only reading or looking at it again.

The reabsorption of a released neurotransmitter into the nerve cell that released it.

A participant's right to stop taking part in research without penalty or pressure to continue.

A bee movement consisting of rapid circles to the right and left, associated in Von Frisch’s study with food less than 100 metres from the hive.

The smaller group of people selected from a target population to take part in research.

The proposal that thinking depends on the language a person uses; its strong version says language determines thought, while its weak version says language influences thought.

A graph plotting paired measurements of two variables, with one point for each participant or observation.

A mental framework built from experience that helps a person organise and interpret information.

Pre-existing information that a researcher reuses rather than collecting first-hand for the current investigation.

A person's belief in their ability to succeed at a particular task.

A group in which people with similar problems share experiences and provide mutual support as peers.

A programme in which people take an active role in managing their own recovery, often using support from others with similar experiences.

Using a substance, such as alcohol or drugs, to try to relieve distress without appropriate medical guidance.

The ability to control one’s behaviour, emotions and attention.

Coding information in terms of its meaning.

Long-term memory for facts, concepts and meanings.

The detection and receipt of information from the environment through sense organs.

A specialised cell that detects a particular type of stimulus, such as light, pressure or chemicals.

The absence or substantial impairment of a sense, such as sight or hearing.

A memory store that briefly retains information received through the senses.

A neuron that carries information from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system.

The influence of an item’s position in a sequence on the likelihood that it will be recalled.