AP-Psyc Vocab 1.2

Plasticity

The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allowing for learning and recovery from injury

Parallel Processing

The simultaneous processing of multiple aspects of information, such as color, shape, and motion, by the brain to interpret complex stimuli more efficiently

Sequential Processing

The processing of information in a step-by-step, linear manner, where each step must be completed before the next one can begin, often used in tasks requiring attention and focus

Dual Processing

The theory that information is processed through two separate systems in the brain: the fast, automatic, intuitive system and the slower, more deliberate, analytical system

Nucleus Accumbens

A region in the brain involved in reward, pleasure, and reinforcement learning. It plays a key role in the brain's reward circuitry and is associated with motivation and addiction

Angular Gyrus

A region in the parietal lobe of the brain that plays a role in language processing, number representation, and spatial awareness. It is involved in converting visual forms of language to auditory forms

Lateralization

The tendency for some neural functions or cognitive processes to be more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the other, often associated with language and spatial abilities

Broca’s Area

A region in the frontal lobe of the brain that is primarily responsible for language production and speech. It is crucial for forming coherent sentences and is typically located in the left hemisphere

Wernicke’s Area

A region in the temporal lobe of the brain that is crucial for language comprehension and understanding. It is primarily involved in processing spoken and written language, typically located in the left hemisphere

Aphasia

A language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. It can impair speech production, comprehension, reading, and writing

Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to the deterioration or damage of myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. Symptoms can include physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems.

Myasthenia Gravis

A chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the communication between nerves and muscles, resulting in weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary muscles.

Contralateral

Referring to the side of the body opposite to where a condition or neural signal is occurring. In the context of brain function, stimuli processed in one hemisphere often affect the opposite side of the body.

Lesion

A region in the brain or other tissue that has suffered damage due to injury, disease, or abnormality, often impacting its function.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, affecting traits and behaviors.

Eugenics

The study or belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population, often through selective breeding, which has ethical implications and historical connections to discriminatory practices.

Evolutionary Perspective

A theoretical approach in psychology that examines how human behaviors and mental processes have evolved over time to adapt to the environment and improve survival.

Monozygotic

twins that develop from a single fertilized egg, sharing identical genetic material.

Dizygotic

twins that develop from two separate fertilized eggs, sharing about 50% of their genetic material.