Test 1 Study Guide - History of Psychology, Paradigms, Neurons, and Brain Structures

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Test 1 Study Guide covering key figures, therapeutic paradigms, neuronal anatomy, and brain structures.

Anton Mesmer

An important historical figure in early psychiatry and psychology known for his theories on mesmerism and early concepts of hypnosis and treatment of mental illness.

Psychoanalysis

A psychological paradigm and counseling approach initiated by Sigmund Freud to explore unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences.

Id, Ego, and Superego

The three components of personality according to Freud: the Id operates on pleasure, the Ego on reality, and the Superego on moral standards.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious psychological strategies used by the ego to cope with anxiety and protect the conscious mind from internal conflicts.

Behaviorism

A school of psychology and counseling paradigm started by John B. Watson focused exclusively on observable, measurable behavior rather than internal mental states.

Conditioning

A fundamental learning process in behaviorism that includes classical conditioning (learning through association) and operant conditioning (learning through consequences).

Non-directive Therapy

A counseling approach in which the therapist provides a safe environment for self-exploration without actively leading, directing, or advising the client.

Safe Environment (in Counseling)

A therapeutic space established through specific elements (such as unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness) that allow clients to express themselves freely.

Gestalt Therapy

A therapeutic approach founded by Fritz Perls that emphasizes present-moment awareness, holistic experience, and personal responsibility.

Cognitive Therapy

A form of psychotherapy founded by Aaron Beck that aims to identify and modify biased or dysfunctional patterns of thinking.

Cognitive Distortions

Systematic, irrational, or exaggerated thought patterns that negatively influence emotions and behaviors.

Mindfulness

A psychological practice encompassing six key components centered on open, non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experiences.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron that contains the cell nucleus and carries out basic metabolic functions necessary to keep the cell alive.

Dendrite

A branching, tree-like extension of a neuron that receives incoming chemical signals from other neurons and conducts them toward the cell body.

Axon

A long, single projection from a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons or target cells.

Terminal Buttons

Small bulbous structures at the ends of axon branches that release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap upon stimulation.

Myelin Sheath

A layer of fatty tissue surrounding the axon of many neurons that insulates the axon and accelerates signal transmission.

Synapse

The microscopic gap and functional junction between the terminal button of a sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of a receiving neuron.

Action Potential

A rapid, temporary change in electrical voltage across a neuron's membrane that travels down the axon to transmit a signal.

Neural Communication

The sequential electrochemical process by which signals travel through neurons and cross synapses to transmit information across the nervous system.

Brain Stem

The lower, foundational region of the brain connecting the cerebrum to the spinal cord, responsible for basic autonomic survival functions.

Cortex

The outer layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum responsible for complex sensory, motor, and cognitive processes.

Occipital Lobe

The rear region of the cerebral cortex dedicated primarily to processing visual stimuli and information.

Parietal Lobe

The upper-middle region of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing bodily sensory inputs such as touch, temperature, and spatial orientation.

Temporal Lobe

The lower-lateral region of the cerebral cortex primarily responsible for processing auditory information, speech comprehension, and memory.

Frontal Lobe

The anterior region of the cerebral cortex responsible for executive functions, planning, decision-making, motor movement, and personality.

Cerebellum

A large brain structure situated behind the brain stem that regulates motor control, posture, balance, and fine motor coordination.

Medulla

A structure located in the lower brain stem that controls essential autonomic functions such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.

Pons

A brain stem structure located above the medulla that acts as a bridge connecting brain regions and plays a critical role in sleep, arousal, and facial sensations.

Hypothalamus

A key subcortical brain structure located beneath the thalamus that regulates body homeostasis, endocrine function, temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Limbic System

A group of interconnected subcortical brain structures (including the hippocampus and amygdala) involved in emotional processing, motivation, and memory.