Psychology Unit 1 Review: Approaches, Research Methods, Brain Parts, Neurons

What are the six contemporary approaches to psychology?

The six contemporary approaches are: biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural.

What is naturalistic observation?

Naturalistic observation is a research method where behavior is observed in its natural environment without interference.

What is a case study?

A case study is an in-depth analysis of an individual, group, or event to explore complex issues in real-life contexts.

What is a survey?

A survey is a research method that involves asking participants questions to gather data on their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

What is a correlational study?

A correlational study examines the relationship between two variables to determine if they are associated, without implying causation.

What is an experiment?

An experiment is a research method that manipulates one variable to determine its effect on another variable, allowing for causal conclusions.

What is a hypothesis?

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

What is an independent variable (IV)?

The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect.

What is a dependent variable (DV)?

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

What are confounding variables?

Confounding variables are extraneous factors that can influence the outcome of an experiment, potentially skewing results.

What are experimental and control groups?

The experimental group receives the treatment or intervention, while the control group does not, serving as a baseline for comparison.

What is a representative sample?

A representative sample is a subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger group.

What is a random sample?

A random sample is a selection of individuals from a population where each member has an equal chance of being chosen.

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

Cross-sectional studies analyze data from a population at a single point in time, while longitudinal studies track the same subjects over an extended period.

What is the central nervous system?

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

What are dendrites?

Dendrites are the branch-like structures of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

What is the cell body of a neuron?

The cell body, or soma, contains the nucleus and organelles, and integrates signals received from dendrites.

What is an axon?

An axon is a long, thin projection of a neuron that transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

What is the myelin sheath?

The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that insulates axons, speeding up the transmission of electrical signals.

What are sensory neurons?

Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system.

What are interneurons?

Interneurons are neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons, processing information within the central nervous system.

What are motor neurons?

Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands, facilitating movement or action.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

What is the function of the medulla?

The medulla regulates vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

What is the function of the pons?

The pons serves as a bridge between different parts of the nervous system and regulates sleep and arousal.

What is the function of the reticular formation?

The reticular formation is involved in regulating wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

What is the function of the thalamus?

The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain.

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis, including temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.

What is the function of the amygdala?

The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

The hippocampus is essential for memory formation and spatial navigation.

What is the function of the frontal lobe?

The frontal lobe is responsible for higher cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and planning.

What is the function of the parietal lobe?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information related to touch, temperature, and pain.

What is the function of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for visual processing.

What is the function of the temporal lobe?

The temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing, memory, and language comprehension.

What is the somatosensory cortex?

The somatosensory cortex processes sensory input from the body, particularly touch and proprioception.

What is the motor cortex?

The motor cortex is responsible for planning, controlling, and executing voluntary movements.

What is the cerebral cortex?

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, involved in complex functions such as thought, perception, and voluntary movement.

What is the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication between them.

What are symptoms of concussions?

Symptoms of concussions may include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, and memory issues.

What are sub-concussive blows?

Sub-concussive blows are impacts to the head that do not result in a concussion but may still cause brain injury over time.

How do concussions impact different parts of the brain?

Concussions can affect various brain regions, leading to symptoms related to cognitive, emotional, and physical functions.

What are the differences in concussion recovery times between men and women?

Research suggests that women may experience longer recovery times from concussions compared to men, potentially due to biological and hormonal factors.