AP Psych 1.4 Quiz

1.4 a and 1.4 b quiz

Biological perspective

The study of how the brain, nerves, hormones, and genes influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Biopsychosocial approach

An approach that explains behavior by looking at biological factors, psychological factors, and social factors

Levels of analysis

Different way of looking at the same behavior, from biological, psychological, and social viewpoints

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to change by forming new connections, especially after learning or injury

Lesion

A naturally occurring or purposely created destruction of brain tissue used to study what certain brain areas do

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

A brain-imaging technique that measures the magnetic fields produced by brain activity

Computed tomography (CT scan)

A series of X-ray images taken from different angles that form a detailed picture of the brain’s structure

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

A scan that shows brain activity by tracking where a radioactive form of glucose (sugar) goes in the brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain’s structure

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A scan that shows both structure and activity by measuring blood flow to different areas of the brain

Who was Franz Gall

Founded phrenology (thought the bumps on someone’s skull could reveal their personality and mental abilities

Hindbrain

The lowest part of the brain that controls basic functions like breathing, heart rate, and balance

Midbrain

The middle part of the brain that helps with movement, hearing, and seeing

Forebrain

The largest part of the brain responsible for thinking, emotions, memory, and complex behaviors

Brainstem

The oldest part of the brain; controls automatic survival functions like breathing and heartbeat

Medulla

The part of the brainstem that controls breathing and heart rate

Reticular formation

A nerve network in the brainstem that controls alertness and filters incoming information

Thalamus

The brain’s sensory relay station. Senses sensory information to the correct brain areas

Cerebellum

The little brain at the back of the brain, controls balance, coordination, and fine motor skills

Limbic system

A group of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and drives (like hunger)

Amygdala

The part of the limbic system linked to fear, anger, and emotional reactions

Hypothalamus

Controls hunger, thirst, body temp, and the endocrine system

Hippocampus

Helps store and form new memories

Cerebral cortex

The thin layer of the brain where thinking, planning, and decision making happen

Glial cells

Support cells in the brain that nourish neurons, clean up waste, and help with communication

Frontal lobes

Involved in planning, judgement, personality, and voluntary movement

Parietal lobes

Receive and process touch and body position information

Occipital lobes

Process visual information (seeing)T

Temporal lobes

Process hearing, language, and some memory functions

Motor cortex

Controls voluntary movements of the body

Somatosensory cortex

Receives information about touch, pressure, and body sensations

Association areas

Areas of the brain involved in higher level thinking such as learning, remembering, and speaking

What makes up the brainstem?

Medulla, pons, and midbrain

What do the pons do?

Sleeping, waking, and dreaming

Why is the brain stem a crossover point?

Nerves from each side of the body cross over the brainstem

What is reward deficiency syndrome?

A condition where a person’s brain reward system doesn’t function normally, so they may seek out things like drugs, overeating, or risky behaviors to feel pleasure.

What are fissures?

Deep grooves in the brain that separate different lobes and sections of the cerebral cortex