Psych Exam 2 Practice Q's

Epinephrine

A neurotransmitter responsible for the physical changes such as increased heartbeat during stressful scenarios, activating the fight-or-flight response.

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that primarily increase serotonin levels in the brain to manage anxiety.

Testosterone

A hormone associated with increased risk-taking and competitiveness.

Oxytocin

A hormone responsible for emotional bonding and affection, especially between a mother and her baby.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and maintain calmness, often increased by SSRIs.

Amygdala

The brain structure responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear.

Frontal Cortex

The brain region involved in planning, decision making, and self-control.

Nucleus Accumbens

A brain structure associated with the reward system and pleasure-seeking behaviors.

Hippocampus

The brain region primarily responsible for memory formation.

Cortisol

A hormone released during stress, but less likely to sustain calmness.

Conscientiousness

A Big Five personality trait that describes individuals who are organized, responsible, and dependable.

Extraversion

A Big Five personality trait characterized by sociability and a preference for being around others.

Neuroticism

A Big Five trait associated with emotional instability and anxiety.

Openness to Experience

A personality trait characterized by a willingness to try new things and engage in novel experiences.

Agreeableness

A Big Five trait denoting a person's tendency to be compassionate and cooperative.

Oral Stage

Freud's psychosexual stage that may result in behaviors such as nail-biting if unresolved.

Anal Stage

Freud's psychosexual stage associated with orderliness and a strict approach to potty training.

Id

The part of the mind that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.

Identification

Freud's process where a child copes with feelings of rivalry by adopting the behavior of the same-sex parent.

Projection

A defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts to others.

Introversion

A preference for solitary activities and deep conversations as described by Jung.

Collective Unconscious

Jung's concept that all humans share a set of unconscious ideas and images.

Thinking over Feeling

A cognitive preference indicating a focus on logic and objectivity over emotions.

Machiavellianism

A personality trait associated with manipulation and exploitation for personal gain.

Denial

A defense mechanism in which a person refuses to acknowledge painful memories or truths.

Superego

Freud's part of the mind that serves as the moral compass guiding behavior.

Phallic Stage

Freud's psychosexual stage focused on gender identity and social norms.

The Shadow

In Jung’s theory, this archetype represents a person’s dark or hidden side.

Oxytocin

A hormone that fosters emotional connections and bonds, especially between mothers and their children.

Nucleus Accumbens

Brain structure primarily associated with reward-seeking behaviors and pleasure.

fMRI

An imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow to detect brain activity.

EEG

An imaging technique capable of measuring real-time electrical activity in the brain.

Correlational Limitations

The primary restriction in using brain imaging techniques, indicating that they observe relationships rather than causation.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter most associated with motivation, pleasure-seeking, and reward mechanisms.