Fixation—(for problem solving) an inability to look
at a problem from a fresh perspective, using a
prior strategy that does not lead to success; (in
Freud’s theory) continuing to engage in behaviors
associated with an earlier stage of development.
Fixed interval—schedule of reinforcement in which
the first response after a specific time has passed is
reinforced.
Fixed ratio—schedule of reinforcement in which
reinforcement is presented after a set number of
responses have been made since the previous rein-
forcement.
Flashbulb memories—a clear and vivid memory of
an emotionally significant moment or event.
Flooding—behavior treatment for phobias; client is
repeatedly exposed to feared object for extended
periods of time and without escape, until the anx-
iety diminishes.
Fluid intelligence—those cognitive abilities requir-
ing speed or rapid learning which tend to dimin-
ish with adult aging.
Foot-in-the-door—compliance strategy; an agree-
ment to a smaller request leads to agreement with
a larger request later.
Forensic psychologists—psychologists who apply
psychological principles to legal issues.
Formal operational stage—Piaget’s fourth stage of
cognitive development (12+ years) during which
the child begins to think logically about abstract
concepts and engage in hypothetical thinking.
Framing—refers to the way an issue is stated. How
an issue is framed can significantly affect people’s
perceptions, decisions, and judgments.
Fraternal twins—also called dizygotic twins; sib-
lings that share about half of the same genes
because they develop from two different zygotes.
Free association—a psychoanalytic procedure in
which the client is encouraged to to say whatever
is on his/her mind without censoring possibly
embarrassing or socially unacceptable thoughts or
ideas.
Frequency distribution—an orderly arrangement
of scores indicating the frequency of each score or
group of scores.
Frontal lobes—front region of the cerebral cortex
that interprets and controls emotional behaviors,
makes decisions, carries out plans; contains motor
cortex (just in front of somatosensory cortex) that
initiates movements and integrates activities of
skeletal muscles; produces speech (Broca’s area).
Fully-functioning—Rogers’ term for a greater
acceptance of who we are and who we want to be,
and taking individual responsibility for our
behavior; similar to Maslow’s self-actualization.
Functional fixedness—inability to recognize novel
uses for a familiar object because we’re fixated on
its common use; a hindrance to problem solving.
Functional MRI(fMRI)—shows brain activity at
higher resolution than the PET scan when
changes in oxygen concentration near active neu-
rons alter magnetic qualities.
Functionalism—early psychological perspective
concerned with how an organism uses its percep-
tual abilities to adapt to its environment
Fundamental Attribution Error—the tendency to
overestimate the significance of dispositional fac-
tors and underestimate the significance of situa-
tional factors in explaining other people’s behavior.
g—According to Spearman, a factor of intelligence
that is common to all intellectual tasks; general-
ized intelligence which fuels special abilities.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—a neuro-
transmitter that inhibits firing of postsynaptic
neurons. Huntington’s disease and seizures are
associated with malfunctioning GABA systems.
Gender—is the social definition of being male or
female.
Gender consistency—child’s understanding that
their sex won’t change even if they act like the
opposite sex.
Gender identity—person’s sense of being male or
female.
Gender roles—sets of expectations that prescribe
how males and females should act, think, and feel.
Gender role stereotypes—broad categories that
reflect our impressions and beliefs about males
and females.
Gender schema theory—mental set of what society
considers appropriate behavior for each of the
sexes; assumes that gender becomes a cognitive
“lens” through which children experience and
acquire their gender identity.
Gender stability—child’s understanding that sex
identity is stable over time.
Gene—each DNA segment of a chromosome that
determines a trait.
General adaptation syndrome (GAS)—Selye’s
three-stage process (alarm, resistance and exhaus-
tion) that describes our biological reaction to sus-
tained and unrelenting stress.322 ❯ Glossary