psych kms

What is the function of the placenta during pregnancy?

It provides nutrients, oxygen, removes waste from the fetus, protects against infections, and produces hormones necessary for pregnancy.

What are some indicators of puberty in boys?

Enlargement of testes, deepening voice, growth of facial and body hair.

How does sperm production differ from egg production?

Sperm is produced continuously after puberty (millions daily), while females are born with all their eggs and release about 400-500 during ovulation.

What does fMRI monitor?

It monitors brain activity by measuring blood flow and is good for monitoring active brain regions.

What stage of Erikson's theory is centered on attachment?

Trust vs. Mistrust, which occurs during infancy.

What are the differences between a zygote, embryo, and fetus?

A zygote is a fertilized egg (first 2 weeks), an embryo is from implantation to the 8th week, and a fetus is from the 9th week until birth.

What are the effects of smoking during pregnancy?

It can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and respiratory issues.

What are the primary and secondary sexual characteristics?

Primary characteristics are directly involved in reproduction (e.g., ovaries, testes), while secondary characteristics include traits like body hair and voice changes.

What does Piaget's Formal Operational Stage involve?

It involves the ability to think abstractly, logically, and hypothetically, typically starting around age 12.

What does theory of mind refer to?

It is the ability to understand that others have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives different from one’s own.

What is egocentrism in the context of Piaget’s theory?

It refers to the inability of children in the preoperational stage to understand others' perspectives.

What is the difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?

Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over a long period, while cross-sectional studies look at different groups at one point in time.

What is the definition of gender identity?

A personal sense of being male, female, or another gender.

What are some characteristics of authoritarian parenting?

Strictness, high expectations, and little warmth, which can lead to obedience but low self-esteem.

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in schizophrenia?

Dopamine.

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system?

It regulates hormones and the pituitary gland, affecting growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

What does conservation refer to in Piaget’s stages?

Understanding that quantity remains the same despite changes in shape, developed in the Concrete Operational stage.

What type of brain scans are used to study electrical activity in the brain?

EEG (Electroencephalography) records electrical activity.

What kind of attachment style is characterized by distress when caregivers leave but comfort upon return?

Secure attachment.

What are teratogens?

Harmful agents (e.g., drugs, alcohol) that can cause birth defects or developmental issues.

What is the critical period in language development?

It is a window during early life when language development is most easily acquired.

What is the primary focus of developmental psychology?

The study of how people grow and change over time, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

How do identical and fraternal twins differ genetically?

Identical twins share the same egg and genetic material (monozygotic), while fraternal twins come from two separate eggs (dizygotic).

What does brain plasticity refer to?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself, such as unaffected areas taking over lost functions after a stroke.

What is the relationship between low serotonin levels and mental health?

Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and impulsive behavior.

What is the definition of attachment styles?

Patterns of emotional bonding between infants and caregivers, such as secure and insecure.

What is habituation in infants?

A decrease in response to repeated stimuli, indicating learning.

What does the amygdala process?

It is involved in processing emotions, especially fear and aggression.