IB Psych SL Yr 1 Sem 1 flashcards

Localization of Function

The theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors or cognitive processes.

Neurotransmission

The process by which neurons communicate with each other through chemical messengers across synapses.

Biological Reductionism

Explaining complex human behavior by breaking it down into biological components such as genes, neurotransmitters, or brain structures.

Cognitive Load Theory

The theory that learning is affected by the amount of information held in working memory, including intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load.

Working Memory Model

A cognitive model proposed by Baddeley and Hitch that explains how information is temporarily stored and manipulated using multiple components.

Multi-Store Model

A memory model proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin that suggests information moves through sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Central Executive

The component of working memory responsible for attention control and coordinating information from subsidiary systems.

Phonological Loop

The part of working memory responsible for processing verbal and auditory information.

Visuospatial Sketchpad

The component of working memory that processes visual and spatial information.

Hippocampus

A brain structure involved in the formation of new memories and spatial navigation.

Maguire et al. (2000)

MRI study of London taxi drivers showing increased posterior hippocampus size, supporting localization of function and the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory.

Bartlett (1932)

Study using “The War of the Ghosts” demonstrating that memory is reconstructive and influenced by cultural schemas.

Baddeley (1966)

Dual-task experiments showing that tasks using the same working memory subsystem interfere with each other, supporting the Working Memory Model.

Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)

Serial position effect study showing primacy and recency effects, supporting the Multi-Store Model.

Caspi et al. (2003)

Study showing the interaction between the 5-HTT gene, serotonin, stress, and depression, supporting biological reductionism.

MRI

A brain imaging technique that produces detailed images of brain structure and is used to study relationships between brain anatomy and behavior.

Chemical Messenger

A substance, such as a neurotransmitter or hormone, that transmits information between neurons or throughout the body.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory; reduced levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation; low levels are linked to depression.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement; reduced levels are associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Memory

A cognitive process involved in the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information.

Reconstructive Memory

The idea that memory is actively reconstructed using schemas rather than being an exact copy of events.

Schema

A mental framework that organizes knowledge and influences how information is encoded and recalled.

Recall

A memory task that requires retrieving information without cues.

Recognition

A memory task that involves identifying information with cues present.

Serial Position Effect

The tendency to recall the first (primacy) and last (recency) items in a list better than middle items.

Bias

A systematic error in research that can affect the validity of findings, including cultural or researcher bias.

Cultural Bias

When research findings reflect the cultural background of participants and cannot be generalized to other cultures.

Researcher Bias

When researchers unintentionally influence the results or interpretation of a study.

Causality

The relationship where one variable directly influences another, often studied through controlled experiments.

Responsibility

The ethical obligation of researchers to protect participants from harm and ensure informed consent.

Describe

Give an account of the characteristics or features of a concept.

Explain

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Discuss

Offer a balanced review with strengths and limitations.

Evaluate

Judge the value of a concept or study by considering strengths and limitations.