Psychology Unit 1

What is Psychology?

The science of behavior and mental processes.

Define Behavior.

Any observable action an organism does.

What are Mental Processes?

Internal, subjective experiences like sensations, perceptions, dreams, thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.

What is the central principle of psychology?

Everything psychological is also biological.

What does the Nature-Nurture issue focus on?

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

What is the modern view on Nature and Nurture?

Traits and behaviors are seen as an interaction between nature and nurture.

Who proposed the theory of Natural Selection?

Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species (1859).

What is Natural Selection?

Inherited traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.

What does Evolutionary Psychology study?

The evolution of behavior and the mind using principles of natural selection.

What is Behavior Genetics?

The study of the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

What is the concept related to Nature and Nurture interaction?

Nurture works on what nature provides.

What is an example of Nature and Nurture interaction?

A person predisposed to depression (nature) growing up in poverty (nurture).

What is the goal of Evolutionary Psychology?

To explain behavior tendencies using natural selection.

What is Mutation?

A random error in gene replication causing a change.

What is the relationship between genes and fitness?

Genes provide the capacity to adapt; experiences enhance fitness.

What percentage of genetic variation exists within populations?

95% of genetic differences among humans are within populations.

What do Behavior Geneticists study?

The genetic and environmental origins of human differences.

What are the two types of twins studied in behavior genetics?

Identical (Monozygotic) twins and Fraternal (Dizygotic) twins.

What is the significance of identical twin studies?

They help measure environmental impact on behavior.

What is Gene-Environment Interaction?

The interplay where the effect of one factor depends on the presence of another.

What does Epigenetics study?

How environmental factors influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

What functions are associated with the Frontal Lobe?

Movement, personality, concentration, planning, and problem-solving.

What are the main functions of the Parietal Lobe?

Touch, pressure, taste, and body awareness.

What is the function of the Occipital Lobe?

Processing sight.

What does the Cerebellum control?

Fine motor control, balance, and coordination.

What functions does the Temporal Lobe perform?

Receives and processes sound, recognizes faces, and supports long-term memory.

What does the Limbic Lobe regulate?

Controls emotions like happiness, love, and sadness.

What is the Corpus Callosum?

The structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

What is the Hypothalamus known as?

The master part of the brain.

What does the Pituitary Gland control?

Growth, known as the 'Master Gland'.

What functions are associated with the Pons?

Regulates sleep, coordination, and facial expressions.

What vital functions does the Medulla control?

Life functions.

What is the role of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)?

Regulates arousal.

What does the Thalamus do?

Routes incoming senses except smell.

What is the function of the Hippocampus?

Processes explicit memories (facts and events).

What does the Amygdala deal with?

Linked to fear, anger, and aggression.

What is Wernicke’s Area responsible for?

Comprehension of language and speech.

What is Broca’s Area involved in?

Controls production of speech.

What do neurotransmitters do?

They are chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.

What is an Excitatory Neurotransmitter?

A chemical that causes the next neuron to generate an action potential.

What is an Inhibitory Neurotransmitter?

A chemical that reduces or prevents neural impulses in the next neuron.

What role does Acetylcholine play?

It is involved in voluntary movement, learning, memory, and sleep.

What can an excess of Dopamine lead to?

Schizophrenia.

What is the main effect of GABA?

It inhibits excitation and calms anxiety.

What are Endorphins responsible for?

Pain relief and feelings of pleasure.

What is the main function of Serotonin?

Regulates mood, hunger, and sleep.

What does Epinephrine/Norepinephrine control?

Flight or fight response and increases alertness.

What is the role of Glutamate?

It is the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.

Dendrites

branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Soma

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

Axon

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

Myelin Sheath

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

Terminal Buttons

The end of axon where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse

Synapse (Cleft or Gap)

The crucial gap between neurons where communication occurs.

Neurotransmitters

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

Synaptic Vesicles

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

Effects of dopamine deficit

Parkinson’s disease (tremors and muscular rigidity)

Effects of excess GABA

seizures & insomnia

Effects of GABA deficit

anxiety disorders

Effects of endorphin deficit

may be involved in addiction

Effects of serotonin deficit

depression and some anxiety disorders

The Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of our brainand spinal cord.

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Consists of all the other nerves in your body.