AP Psychology Ch.1 Test

Evolutionary Perspective

Looks at how human behaviors helped our ancestors survive and reproduce

Natural Selection

Process where traits that enhance our survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently

Nature

The influence of genetic factors on the traits and behaviors

Nurture

The influence of environmental factors on traits and behaviors

Twin Studies

Research comparing the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics v.s. environment

Adoption Studies

Studies that compare biologically related people, including those raised apart, to understand genetic influences

Family Studies

Research looking at behavioral traits in families to determine how much is genetic v.s. environmental

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes

Genetic Predisposition

The likelihood of developing certain traits or disorders based on genetics

Eugenics

A controversial and unethical movement aimed at improving the genetic composition of humans through selective breeding

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, involved in complex mental processes such as thinking

What is this lobe of the brain:

Frontal Lobe

What is this lobe of the brain:

Parietal Lobe

What is this lobe of the brain:

Occipital Lobe

What is this lobe of the brain:

Temporal Lobe

Frontal Lobes

Involved in the decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behavior

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information like touch and spatial awareness

Occipital Lobes

Responsible for vision

Temporal Lobes

Involved in hearing, memory, and, understanding

Prefrontal Cortex

Part of the frontal lobes involved in planning complex behaviors and expressing personality

Executive Functioning

Higher order processes including planning, organizing, and regulating behavior

Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary movements

Corpus Callosum

Thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres

Brainstem

Supports basic life functions, including heart rate, breathing, and sleeping

Medulla

Part of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions like heartbeat and breathing

Reticular Activating System

Regulates wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements like posture, balance, and coordination

Limbic System

Involved in emotion, motivation, and memory

Reward Center

Brain areas that regulate the experience of pleasure

Thalamus

Relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex

Hypothalamus

Regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst, and other homeostatic systems

Pituitary Gland

The master gland of the endocrine system that regulates other glands

Hippocampus

Essential for learning and memory

Amygdala

Involved in emotion processing, particularly fear and aggression

Nervous System

The body’s communication network consisting of nerve cells

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary bodily functions

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the body’s resources during stress and emergencies

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Conserves energy and restores the body to a calm state

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit information throughout the body

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system

Motor Neurons

Carry signals from the spinal cord to muscles to produce movement

Sensory Neurons

Carry signals from body parts to the central nervous system

Interneurons

Connect sensory and motor neurons and carry impulses between them

Reflex Arc

The nerve pathway involved in a reflex action

Neural Transmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other

Threshold

The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse

Action potential

A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon

All-or-Nothing Principle

The rule that neurons are either on or off

Depolarization

A decrease in the electrical charge across a cell membrane

Refractory Period

A period immediately following stimulation during which a nerve or muscle is unresponsive to further stimulation

Resting Potential

The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse

Reuptake

The absorption by a presynaptic nerve ending of a neurotransmitter that it has secreted

Consciousness

The awareness of internal and external stimuli

Circadian Rhythm

(Sleep/wake/cycle): The body’s natural 24-hour cycle, affecting sleep and wakefulness

Jet lag

Fatigue caused by travel across different time zones, disrupting the circadian rhythm

Shift Work

Employment with work hours scheduled at non-standard times

NREM Stage 1

The initial stage of sleep, characterized by light sleep and slow eye movement

Hypnagogic Sensations

Feelings of falling or hearing strange noises as one falls asleep during NREM Stage 1

NREM Stage 2

The second stage of sleep, where body temperature drops and heart rate slows

NREM Stage 3

The deepest and most restorative sleep stage; includes slow-wave sleep

REM Sleep

A sleep stage marked by rapid eye movement and dreaming brain waves are similar to wakefulness

REM Rebound

The tendency for REM sleep to increase following REM sleep deprivation

Activation-Synthesis (dreams)

A theory suggesting dreams are caused by the brain’s attempt to make sense of neural activity during sleep

Consolidation Theory

(Dreams):The theory that dreams help to cement memories and learning

Memory Consolidation

The process by which temporary memories are converted into a stable

Memory Consolidation