Unit 1: Biopsychology

Biopsychology

Scientific study of the biology of behavior, focusing on the relationship between brain and behavior.

Neuroscience

Scientific study of the nervous system

Neuron

Cell that receives and transmits electrochemical signals

Donald Hebb

Published The Organization of Behaviour (1949), helping establish biopsychology as a major branch of neuroscience.

Consciousness

Awareness or perception of oneself or the world.

Epigenetics

Interaction between genes and experiences

Neuroplasticity

Brain's ability to change and reorganize in response to experience and environmental influences

Neuroanatomy

Study of the structure and organization of the nervous system.

Neurochemistry

Study of chemical processes and neurotransmitters in the brain.

Neuroendocrinology

Study of interactions between the nervous system and hormonal systems.

Neuropathology

Study of disorders and diseases of the nervous system.

Neuropharmacology

Study of the effects of drugs on neural activity and behavior.

Neurophysiology

Study of the electrical and functional properties of neurons and neural circuits.

Hippocrates

Ancient Greek thinker who believed the brain controlled human thought.

René Descartes

Proposed that the soul controlled the body through the pineal gland

Experimental Design

Controlled experiments designed to test specific hypotheses, establishing cause and effect relationships.

Quasi-experimental studies

Studies that assess groups exposed to conditions of interest in real-world settings, lacking true experimental design.

Case studies

In-depth studies focusing on a single subject, which may have limited generalizability.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving practical problems and bringing direct benefits to humankind.

Pure Research

Research motivated by curiosity that aims to expand fundamental knowledge without immediate application.

Physiological Psychology

Investigates brain functions through direct manipulation of the nervous system, often using animal subjects.

Psychopharmacology

Focuses on how drugs affect behavior and neural activity, blending pure and applied research.

Neuropsychology

Examines behavioral effects of brain damage in humans, commonly using case studies.

Psychophysiology

Studies the link between physiological responses and psychological processes in humans.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Investigates the neural basis of cognitive functions like learning, memory, and attention.

Comparative Psychology

Studies the evolution and genetics of behavior across species, often through lab experiments.

Converging Operations

Combines multiple research approaches to enhance understanding of a specific problem.

Scientific Inference

Drawing conclusions about unobservable processes by observing their consequences.

Epigenetics

The interaction between genes and experiences, influencing behavior and biological processes.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences and environmental factors.

Morgan's Cannon

Guideline stating that when multiple interpretations exist, the simplest one should be favored.