Psychology Unit 1

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67 Terms

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What is Psychology?
The science of behavior and mental processes.
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Define Behavior.
Any observable action an organism does.
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What are Mental Processes?
Internal, subjective experiences like sensations, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.
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What is the central principle of psychology?
Everything psychological is also biological.
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What does the Nature-Nurture issue focus on?

The contributions of genes (nature) and experiences (nurture) to psychological traits and behaviors.

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What is the modern view on Nature and Nurture?
Traits and behaviors are seen as an interaction between nature and nurture.
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Who proposed the theory of Natural Selection?
Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species (1859).
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What is Natural Selection?
Inherited traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.
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What does Evolutionary Psychology study?
The evolution of behavior and the mind using principles of natural selection.
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What is Behavior Genetics?
The study of the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.
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What is the concept related to Nature and Nurture interaction?
Nurture works on what nature provides.
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What is an example of Nature and Nurture interaction?
A person predisposed to depression (nature) growing up in poverty (nurture).
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What is the goal of Evolutionary Psychology?
To explain behavior tendencies using natural selection.
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What is Mutation?
A random error in gene replication causing a change.
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What is the relationship between genes and fitness?
Genes provide the capacity to adapt; experiences enhance fitness.
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What percentage of genetic variation exists within populations?
95% of genetic differences among humans are within populations.
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What do Behavior Geneticists study?
The genetic and environmental origins of human differences.
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What are the two types of twins studied in behavior genetics?
Identical (Monozygotic) twins and Fraternal (Dizygotic) twins.
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What is the significance of identical twin studies?
They help measure environmental impact on behavior.
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What is Gene-Environment Interaction?
The interplay where the effect of one factor depends on the presence of another.
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What does Epigenetics study?
How environmental factors influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
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What functions are associated with the Frontal Lobe?
Movement, personality, concentration, planning, and problem-solving.
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What are the main functions of the Parietal Lobe?
Touch, pressure, taste, and body awareness.
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What is the function of the Occipital Lobe?
Processing sight.
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What does the Cerebellum control?
Fine motor control, balance, and coordination.
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What functions does the Temporal Lobe perform?
Receives and processes sound, recognizes faces, and supports long-term memory.
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What does the Limbic Lobe regulate?
Controls emotions like happiness, love, and sadness.
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What is the Corpus Callosum?
The structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
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What is the Hypothalamus known as?
The master part of the brain.
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What does the Pituitary Gland control?
Growth, known as the 'Master Gland'.
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What functions are associated with the Pons?
Regulates sleep, coordination, and facial expressions.
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What vital functions does the Medulla control?
Life functions.
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What is the role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)?
Regulates arousal.
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What does the Thalamus do?
Routes incoming senses except smell.
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What is the function of the Hippocampus?
Processes explicit memories (facts and events).
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What does the Amygdala deal with?
Linked to fear, anger, and aggression.
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What is Wernicke’s Area responsible for?
Comprehension of language and speech.
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What is Broca’s Area involved in?
Controls production of speech.
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What do neurotransmitters do?
They are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.
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What is an Excitatory Neurotransmitter?
A chemical that causes the next neuron to generate an action potential.
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What is an Inhibitory Neurotransmitter?
A chemical that reduces or prevents neural impulses in the next neuron.
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What role does Acetylcholine play?
It is involved in voluntary movement, learning, memory, and sleep.
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What can an excess of Dopamine lead to?
Schizophrenia.
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What is the main effect of GABA?
It inhibits excitation and calms anxiety.
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What are Endorphins responsible for?
Pain relief and feelings of pleasure.
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What is the main function of Serotonin?
Regulates mood, hunger, and sleep.
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What does Epinephrine/Norepinephrine control?
Flight or fight response and increases alertness.
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What is the role of Glutamate?
It is the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
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Dendrites

branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

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Soma

also known as the cell body; main part of a neuron where info is processed

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Axon

A long, thin fiber that carries electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons.

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Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates the axon, speeding up the transmission of signals

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Terminal Buttons

The end of axon where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse

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Synapse (Cleft or Gap)

The crucial gap between neurons where communication occurs.

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Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by the terminal buttons that cross the synapse to transmit signals to the receiving neuron

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Synaptic Vesicles

Found within the axon terminal of presynaptic neuron; stores and releases neurotransmitters when stimulates by an action potential.

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Effects of dopamine deficit

Parkinson’s disease (tremors and muscular rigidity)

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Effects of excess GABA

seizures & insomnia

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Effects of GABA deficit

anxiety disorders

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Effects of endorphin deficit

may be involved in addiction

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Effects of serotonin deficit

depression and some anxiety disorders

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The Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of our brainand spinal cord.

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The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all the other nerves in your body.

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