AP Psychology Module 1.4a: The Brain — Neuroplasticity and Tools of Discovery

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering AP Psychology Module 1.4a on neuroplasticity, biological perspectives, and brain research technologies.

Biological psychology

The scientific study of how biological processes connect to behavior and mental processes.

Phrenology

An outdated, false theory proposing that bumps on the skull reveal personality traits and mental abilities.

Franz Gall

The theorist who proposed phrenology, suggesting that bumps on the skull could reveal human personality and abilities.

Localization of function

The idea that specific regions and areas of the brain have distinct, specialized jobs.

Biopsychosocial approach

An integrated viewpoint that explains behavior through biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.

Levels of analysis

The differing complementary perspectives used by psychologists to understand behavior.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize, rewire, and change its structure based on experiences, learning, and damage.

Hippocampus

A brain memory center shown to enlarge in London taxi drivers after learning thousands of street routes.

Auditory cortex

The brain region dedicated to processing sound that develops and adapts through practicing music, such as in pianists.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A brain imaging tool that records electrical brain waves using electrodes placed on the scalp.

MEG (Magnetoencephalography)

A brain research technique that measures magnetic fields produced by the brain's natural electrical activity.

CT scan (Computed Tomography)

A brain imaging method that uses X-rays taken from different angles to create representations of brain structure and identify damage.

PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

A technique that tracks radioactive glucose consumption in the brain to show which areas are active during tasks.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A brain imaging technique utilizing magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed pictures of brain anatomy and structure.

fMRI (Functional MRI)

A neuroimaging method measuring blood flow and oxygen consumption to show both brain activity and function.

Lesion

Tissue destruction, studied or produced experimentally to determine the specific functions of damaged brain areas.

Brain stimulation

The method of electrically, chemically, or magnetically stimulating specific brain areas to observe resulting behavioral effects.

Optogenetics

A biological technique that uses light to control the activity of specific neurons.

fNIRS (Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy)

A technique using infrared light to monitor brain activity by measuring changes in blood oxygenation.

Neurohype

The exaggeration of what brain research and neuroimaging scans can conclusively reveal about human thoughts and feelings.