📚 AS Cambridge Psychology: Key Terms Memorisation Guide | AS剑桥心理学：词汇术语速记指南
Mastering the specialised vocabulary of AS Cambridge Psychology is essential for achieving high marks. Accurate use of terms such as 'operational definition', 'neurotransmitter', and 'obedience' demonstrates depth of understanding in both short-answer and essay questions. This guide breaks down the core terminology from every approach and provides practical memory strategies to help you learn, retain, and confidently apply key terms under exam conditions.
掌握AS剑桥心理学的专业词汇是取得高分的关键。准确使用如“操作定义”、“神经递质”、“服从”等术语，能在简答和论文题中体现思维的深度。本指南逐一梳理各取向的核心术语，并提供实用的记忆策略，帮助你高效学习、牢固记忆，并在考试中自信运用。
1. Overview of Key Terminology in AS Psychology | AS心理学关键术语概览
The Cambridge AS Psychology syllabus (9990) is built around five main strands: the biological, cognitive, learning, and social approaches, plus research methods. Every approach comes with its own specific lexicon. Learning terminology in context – by linking each term to a core study or theory – transforms memorisation from a tedious chore into a meaningful narrative. Before diving into lists, remind yourself that each word is a tool for psychological explanation.
剑桥AS心理学课程（9990）围绕五大模块构建：生物、认知、学习、社会取向以及研究方法。每个取向都有其独特的术语体系。将每一个术语与核心研究或理论挂钩，在语境中记忆，能把枯燥的背诵变成有意义的叙事。在进入清单之前，请记住：每个词都是解释心理现象的工具。
2. Research Methods Terminology | 研究方法术语
Research methods underpin the entire syllabus, and examiners expect precise usage of experimental, ethical, and design-related vocabulary. The table below captures must-know terms along with simple memory hooks that anchor definition to understanding.
研究方法是整个课程的基础，考官期望考生精准使用实验、伦理及设计相关词汇。以下表格汇总了必知术语，并附上简单记忆挂钩，将定义与理解紧密相连。
| Term | 术语 | Definition & Memory Tip | 定义与记忆提示 |
|---|---|
| Independent Variable (IV) | 自变量 | The variable that the researcher manipulates. Tip: 'I change' – IV starts with I. | 被研究者操控的变量。提示：'I change' – IV 以 I 开头。 |
| Dependent Variable (DV) | 因变量 | The variable that is measured. Think of it 'depending' on the IV. | 被测量的变量。它因自变量而“变”，依赖于IV。 |
| Operational Definition | 操作定义 | A clear statement of how a variable will be measured or manipulated. 'Operation = action' – defining the concrete steps. | 清楚说明如何测量或操控变量。“操作”就是行动 – 把步骤具体化。 |
| Confounding Variable | 混淆变量 | ariable that systematically varies with the IV, making it hard to identify the true cause. 'Confound = confuse' the results. | 与自变量系统改变的不期望变量，干扰因果判断。“混淆”就是搞乱结果。 |
| Standardisation | 标准化 | Keeping procedures exactly the same for all participants to ensure fairness. All 'standards' stay uniform. | 所有被试接受完全相同的程序，确保公正。一切“标准”一致。 |
| Ethical Guidelines | 伦理准则 | Principles such as informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from harm. Remember 'ICE': Informed consent, Confidentiality, Ethics. | 原则包括知情同意、保密、免受伤害。记住 'ICE'：Informed consent, Confidentiality, Ethics。 |
When revising, write your own operational definitions for variables like 'aggression' or 'memory' – this active translation cements the concept far better than passive reading.
复习时，尝试为“攻击性”或“记忆”等变量写下自己的操作定义 – 这种主动转化比被动阅读更能巩固概念。
3. Biological Approach Key Terms | 生物心理学核心术语
The biological approach explains behaviour through brain structures, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Visualising these terms as part of a living system – for instance, a neural network – enhances retention.
生物取向通过大脑结构、神经递质和激素来解释行为。把这些术语想象成鲜活系统的一部分（比如神经回路），能增强记忆。
- Central Nervous System (CNS) | 中枢神经系统: Comprises the brain and spinal cord. Think 'CNS = Command and Signal' centre. | 包含脑和脊髓。联想“中枢”就是总指挥部。
- Synapse | 突触: The tiny gap between neurons where neurotransmitters travel. 'Synapse = Sending gap' – the bridge for signals. | 神经元之间的微小间隙，神经递质在此处传递。“突触”就是信号交接的空隙。
- Neurotransmitter | 神经递质: Chemical messenger (e.g., dopamine, serotonin). 'Neuro-trans-mitter' – nerves transmit messages. | 化学信使（如多巴胺、血清素）。“神经递质”传递神经信息。
- Amygdala | 杏仁核: A limbic system structure linked to emotion and fear. Visualise an 'angry amygdala' – 'amyg' sounds like 'a mad gala'. | 边缘系统结构，与情绪和恐惧有关。想象一个生气的杏仁核 – 'amyg' 发音像 'a mad gala'。
- Localisation of Function | 功能定位: The idea that specific brain regions carry out particular tasks. Broca's area = speech production. 'Location = function'. | 特定脑区负责特定功能。布罗卡区负责言语产生。“定位”对应功能。
Draw a simple brain map and label regions with their functions; the kinaesthetic act of drawing reinforces the biological wiring in your own brain.
画一张简化的脑图并标注功能；动笔的过程会增强你大脑中的“生物连线”。
4. Cognitive Approach Key Terms | 认知心理学核心术语
Cognitive psychology explores internal mental processes such as memory, perception, and decision-making. The models here are like computer flowcharts – remembering their components as 'parts of a machine' can boost recall.
认知心理学探究记忆、知觉、决策等内部心理过程。这里的模型就像计算机流程图 – 把各个成分当作“机器零件”，有助于回忆。
- Schema | 图式: A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influences how we process information. 'Sketch + theme' – a mental blueprint. | 心理框架，包含信念和预期，影响信息加工。'Schema' 像一张心理蓝图。
- Working Memory Model (WMM) | 工作记忆模型: Central Executive, Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad, Episodic Buffer. Use the sentence 'Charlie Eats Peanut VSS EB' to recall the order. | 中央执行器、语音回路、视空间模板、情景缓冲器。用 'Charlie Eats Peanut VSS EB' 记住顺序。
- Phonological Loop | 语音回路: Deals with auditory information. 'Phono = phone = sound' looping in your head. | 处理听觉信息。“语音”就是声音在脑内循环播放。
- Reconstructive Memory | 重构记忆: Memory is not a perfect recording; it is rebuilt and can be distorted by schemas. 'Re-construct' – like rebuilding a Lego model with missing instructions. | 记忆不是完美录像；它会被图式重建和扭曲。“重构”就像拿着缺了说明书的乐高重新拼搭。
When revising the working memory model, draw the diagram from the Baddeley and Hitch study. Label each component and say aloud what it does, linking it to the research evidence.
复习工作记忆模型时，画出巴德利和希奇研究的图示。标注每个成分并大声说明其功能，同时与研究证据挂钩。
5. Learning Approach Key Terms | 学习心理学核心术语
The learning approach investigates how behaviour is acquired through conditioning and observation. Because the terminology often appears in pairs, contrastive learning is highly effective.
学习取向研究行为如何通过条件作用和观察获得。术语常常成对出现，因此对比学习非常高效。
| Key Term | 核心术语 | Explanation & Memory Prompt | 解释与记忆提示 |
|---|---|
| Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) | 无条件刺激 | A stimulus that naturally triggers a response, like food causing salivation. 'Unconditioned = unlearned' – no prior training needed. | 能自然引发反应的刺激，如食物引起唾液分泌。“无条件”即无需学习。 |
| Conditioned Stimulus (CS) | 条件刺激 | usly neutral stimulus that, after association with a UCS, triggers a conditioned response. 'Conditioned = learned'. | 原本中性的刺激，与UCS联结后能引发条件反应。“条件”即习得。 |
| Positive Reinforcement | 正强化 | Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour. 'Positive = adding something good' – plus sign. | 通过给予愉快刺激来增加行为。“正”就是加好物 – 加号。 |
| Negative Reinforcement | 负强化 | Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behaviour. It is NOT punishment; think 'negative = taking away bad'. | 通过撤除厌恶刺激来增加行为。不是惩罚；牢记“负”是拿走不好之物。 |
| Modelling | 示范 | Learning by observing and imitating a role model. 'Model = copy a model'. | 通过观察和模仿榜样来学习。“示范”就是跟着榜样做。 |
Create a simple story for classical conditioning: 'Pavlov's dog heard the bell (CS), expected food (UCS), and salivated (CR).' Rehearsing this narrative locks the chain in memory.
为经典条件反射编个简单故事：“巴甫洛夫的狗听到铃声（CS），期待食物（UCS），分泌唾液（CR）。”排演这个故事能把整个链条锁入记忆。
6. Social Approach Key Terms | 社会心理学核心术语
Social psychology examines how we are influenced by others. The key terms often describe types of social influence, and understanding subtle distinctions is crucial for exam success.
社会心理学考察我们如何受他人影响。核心术语常常描述不同类型的社会影响，理解细微差别对考试至关重要。
- Conformity | 从众: A change in behaviour or belief to fit in with a group. 'Con-form' – to shape yourself to the group norm. | 行为或信念的改变，以融入群体。“从”就是向群体看齐。
- Compliance | 顺从: Publicly agreeing with the group while privately disagreeing. 'Comply' – like saying 'yes' on the outside but 'no' inside. | 公开同意，内心反对。“顺”即表面顺从。
- Internalisation | 内化: Accepting the group's views as your own, both publicly and privately. 'Internalise' – the belief goes inside you. | 公开及私下都接纳群体观点。“内化”就是观点进入内心。
- Obedience | 服从: Following a direct command from an authority figure. Think 'obey' – obeying an order, as in Milgram's study. | 听从权威人物的直接指令。联想“服从命令”，如米尔格拉姆实验。
- Agentic State | 代理状态: A mental state in which a person sees themselves as an agent carrying out another's wishes, thus feeling less personal responsibility. 'Agent = acting for someone else.' | 一种心理状态，个体视自己为执行他人意志的代理人，个人责任感降低。“代理”就是替别人行事。
Link each term to a famous study: Asch (conformity), Milgram (obedience, agentic state). The vivid details of these experiments serve as ready-made memory anchors.
把每个术语与著名研究挂钩：阿希（从众）、米尔格拉姆（服从、代理状态）。实验中的生动细节就是现成的记忆锚点。
7. Commonly Confused Terms in AS Psychology | AS心理学常见混淆术语
Several pairs of terms trip up even well-prepared candidates. Drawing a clear comparison line between them can prevent costly mistakes.
不少术语即使对准备充分的考生也是陷阱。清晰对比这些易混词能避免丢分。
| Often Confused | 易混淆对 | Distinction & Tip | 区分与窍门 |
|---|---|
| Conformity vs Obedience | 从众 vs 服从 | pressure without a direct order; obedience requires an explicit command from an authority. 'Obedience = Order'. | 从众源于群体压力，无明确指令；服从需权威明确命令。“服从”有“命令”。 |
| Negative Reinforcement vs Punishment | 负强化 vs 惩罚 | Negative reinforcement increases behaviour by removing an aversive stimulus; punishment decreases behaviour. 'Reinforcement always strengthens; punishment always weakens.' | 负强化通过撤除厌恶刺激增加行为；惩罚旨在减少行为。“强化总在增强，惩罚总在减弱”。 |
| Reliability vs Validity | 信度 vs 效度 | Reliability is consistency of measurement; validity is accuracy – whether the test measures what it claims. 'Reliable = repeatable; Valid = true value.' | 信度是测量的一致性；效度是准确性，即是否测到想测的。“信”可重复，“效”有真值。 |
| Nature vs Nurture | 天性 vs 教养 | Nature refers to inherited, genetic influences; nurture refers to environmental and experiential factors. 'Nature is in your DNA; nurture is how you were raised.' | 天性指遗传影响；教养指环境与经验。“天性在DNA里，教养在养育中”。 |
Write each confusing pair on a flashcard with the distinction on the reverse; self-testing these cards regularly sharpens your conceptual discrimination.
将每对易混术语写在闪卡上，反面注明区别；定期自测能磨砺你的概念辨别力。
8. Mnemonics and Memory Aids for Psychology Terms | 心理学术语助记符
Psychological terminology lends itself beautifully to acronyms, rhymes, and visual imagery. Deploying mnemonics transforms abstract vocabulary into vivid mental scenes.
心理学词汇非常适合用首字母缩略词、押韵和视觉意象来记忆。巧用助记符能将抽象词汇变为鲜活的脑内画面。
- WMM components | 工作记忆成分: 'Charlie Eats Peanut VSS EB' pisodic Buffer, Phonological Loop, Visuospatial Sketchpad. Rearranged to fit the mnemonic. | 'Charlie Eats Peanut VSS EB' → 中央执行器、情景缓冲器、语音回路、视空间模板。稍作调整即可套用。
- Ethical guidelines | 伦理准则: 'CIDER' – Confidentiality, Informed consent, Debrief, Ethics committee, Right to withdraw. Insert 'R' for respect. | 'CIDER' – 保密、知情同意、事后说明、伦理委员会、退出权。可加尊重。
- Operant conditioning consequences | 操作性条件作用结果: 'PR adds pleasant; NR removes nasty; PP adds pain; NP removes reward.' An alliterative chant. | '正加好，负减糟；正加痛，负减赏。' 用首字口诀。
- Biological structures | 生物结构: Forbrain regions: 'Hippo HAT' – Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, Amygdala, Thalamus. | 前脑区域：“海下杏丘” – 海马、下丘脑、杏仁核、丘脑。
The most effective mnemonics are personal; invent one that makes you smile – emotion strengthens encoding.
最有效的助记符是个性化的；发明一个能让你会心一笑的口诀 – 情绪会强化编码。
9. Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Terminology | 主动回忆与间隔重复
Simply re-reading definitions creates an illusion of mastery. For durable memory, switch to active recall: close the book, write down a term, and retrieve its full definition. Combine this with spaced repetition – reviewing terms after increasing intervals – to beat the forgetting curve.
反复阅读定义会制造掌握的假象。要实现持久记忆，请转向主动回忆：合上书本，写下一个术语，主动回忆其完整定义。将此与间隔重复相结合 – 按照逐渐拉长的时间间隔复习 – 以战胜遗忘曲线。
Use digital tools like Anki or simple paper flashcards organised into 'easy', 'medium', and 'hard' piles. Shift cards as you master terms, ensuring the most difficult ones appear more frequently. During revision, frame a term within an exam-style question: 'Explain what is meant by the agentic state' – this mimics real retrieval conditions.
使用Anki等数字工具，或将纸质闪卡分为“简单”、“中等”、“困难”三堆。掌握后调整堆位，让最难的卡片更频繁出现。复习时，把术语嵌入考试式问题：“解释代理状态的含义” – 这能模拟真实提取情境。
Integrate terminology into mind maps that connect each term to a core study, a researcher's name, and an ethical consideration. The more links you forge, the easier it is for your brain to find the term when needed.
将术语融入思维导图，把每个词与核心研究、研究者姓名和伦理考量联系起来。你建立的联结越多，大脑就越容易在需要时找到这个术语。
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