Concept
Definition
A concept is a mental grouping of similar objects, events, ideas, or people. It's an abstract idea that helps us categorize and understand the world around us.
Analogy
Think of a concept like a folder on your computer. Just as you group related files into one folder to make them easier to find and understand, your brain groups related information into concepts.
Related terms
Schema: This is a cognitive framework or blueprint that helps individuals organize and interpret information. It's like the template for each folder in our analogy.
Cognitive Map: This is a mental representation of the layout of one's environment. Like having an internal GPS system for navigating through stored information.
Abstract Thinking: This is the ability to think about things that are not immediately present or tangible. It's like being able to imagine what documents might be inside a closed folder without opening it.
"Concept" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (20+)
Which of the following best describes the practice of operationalizing a concept in psychological research?
How did the concept of localization of function evolve our understanding of the brain's functionality?
Which concept best explains why a stroke in the right hemisphere of the brain might affect the movement of the left side of the body?
Which concept explains why we might not notice our glasses on our face after wearing them for a while?
Which piece of evidence challenges the concept that taste is solely determined by specific receptor cells on the tongue?
Which concept refers to difficulty seeing alternative uses for common objects?
Which concept represents a challenge to the common belief in human rationality in decision making process?
Which early psychologist was a pioneer in developing an intelligence scale based on the concept of "mental age"?
Which critique opposes the concept that emotional intelligence is a distinct type of intelligence?
What concept from Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental theory explains why a toddler may not search for a toy once it is hidden?
What concept refutes the traditional view that memory declines significantly with age?
What is the concept called when our behavior is driven by biological needs that must be met for survival?
In the context of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment, what concept did he introduce to explain why children imitated aggressive behavior?
Which concept, central to Carl Rogers's humanistic theory of personality, highlights the inherent drive towards self-improvement and personal growth?
What concept in humanistic theory suggests that individuals have the inherent capacity for positive growth and self-enhancement?
What experimental procedure would best evaluate Carl Rogers' concept of "fully functioning" individuals?
Why might some psychologists dispute Carl Rogers' concept that unconditional positive regard is necessary for healthy personality development?
Which concept explains why someone might follow direct commands, usually from an authority figure?
What concept describes when someone gives in to explicit demands from an authority figure?
Which concept best explains how early experiences with different racial or ethnic groups might influence later prejudices?
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.