Psychology Across the Lifespan - Module 5: Brain and Cognition 1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the brain and cognition as discussed in the psychology lecture notes.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits electrical impulses through the nervous system.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of neurons that receive messages from other neurons.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron where the nucleus is located.

Axon

The long, threadlike part of a neuron that transmits signals away from the soma.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that covers axons to speed up neural impulses.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of new synapses between neurons.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating extra synapses to improve efficiency.

Myelination

The development of the myelin sheath around axons.

Lateralization

The specialization of functions in the two hemispheres of the brain.

Left Hemisphere

The brain hemisphere associated with analytical tasks, logic, and language.

Right Hemisphere

The brain hemisphere associated with creativity, intuition, and holistic thought.

Corpus Callosum

The brain structure that connects the left and right hemispheres.

Grey Matter

The brain tissue composed of neuron cell bodies and dendrites.

White Matter

The brain tissue made up of axon clusters.

Cognition

The internal processes through which knowledge is acquired and applied.

Equilibration

The process of resolving cognitive conflicts to achieve mental stability.

Intellectual Development

The development of intellect and cognitive abilities over time.

Constructivism

The theory that children learn through active engagement with their environment.

Adaptation

Adjusting mental processes to fit new information.

Assimilation

Interpreting new experiences in terms of existing schemata.

Accommodation

Modifying existing schemata to incorporate new experiences. - Piaget

Zone of Proximal Development

The gap between what a learner can do independently and with guidance.

Scaffolding

An instructional method that supports students' learning by gradually reducing help.

Private Speech

Children’s speech to themselves that guides their thoughts and actions.

Piaget's Stages of Development

The four stages of cognitive development proposed by Jean Piaget.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage of development from birth to 2 years involving sensory and motor exploration.

Preoperational Stage

The second stage of cognitive development from 2 to 7 years characterized by symbolic thinking.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third stage from 7 to 11 years where logical thinking develops.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's last stage from 11 years and up where abstract thinking emerges.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when hidden.

Symbolic Capacity

The ability to use symbols, such as words, to represent objects or experiences.

Primary Circular Reactions

Repetitive actions centered on the infant's own body during the sensorimotor stage.

Secondary Circular Reactions

Repetitive actions that extend beyond self to interact with the environment.

Tertiary Circular Reactions

Innovative actions that lead to new strategies for problem-solving.

Thinking

The mental process of manipulating information to solve problems or form ideas.

Attention

The cognitive process of selectively concentrating on specific information.

Reasoning

The action of thinking about something in a logical way.

Memory

The mental capacity to store and retrieve information.

Judgement and Decision Making

The ability to evaluate information and make choices.