AP Psych Unit 1 2025

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AP Psych Unit 1 Review for the AP Exam

124 Terms

1
Evolutionary Psychology
Focuses on how evolutionary principles influence human behavior, including behavioral genetics.
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Charles Darwin
Proposed the theory of natural selection, stating that traits enhancing survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.
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Behavioral Genetics
Study of how genes and environment interact to influence behavior and mental abilities.
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Genes
Segments of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins and influence traits.
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Dominant Gene
A gene that expresses its traits even if only one copy is present.
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Recessive Gene
A gene that only expresses its traits when paired with another recessive gene.
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Punnett Squares
A diagram used to predict genetic outcomes but not required in this class.
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Sickle-Cell Anemia
A genetic disorder that occurs when a person has two copies of the recessive gene.
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Sensitive Period
A critical time in development when specific environmental influences are particularly impactful.
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10
Imprinting
A form of learning where a young animal forms attachments during a sensitive period.
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Temperament
A genetically influenced personality trait affecting behavior and responses to the environment.
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Reciprocal Determinism
The concept that behavior, environment, and personal factors influence each other.
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Identical Twins
Twins that develop from one fertilized egg and share the same genetic makeup.
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14
Fraternal Twins
Twins that develop from two separately fertilized eggs and share about 50% of their genes.
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Minnesota Twin Studies
Research conducted by Dr. Thomas Bouchard examining the heritability of traits in twins.
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Heritability
The extent to which genetics contributes to the variability of a trait within a population.
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Central Nervous System
Consists of the brain and spinal cord, and is responsible for processing information.
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Peripheral Nervous System
Includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, responsible for transmitting information.
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19
Somatic Nervous System
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements.
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Autonomic Nervous System
Controls involuntary body functions, like heartbeat and digestion.
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Sympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system activated in stressful situations.
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Parasympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body after a stress response.
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23
Reflex Arc
A neural pathway that controls reflex actions, bypassing the brain for faster responses.
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Soma (Neuron)
Cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus and essential cellular components.
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Dendrites
Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.
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Axon
The long, thin extension of a neuron that sends electrical signals away from the soma.
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Terminal Branches
The end points of axons, where neurotransmitters are released into the synapse.
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Myelin Sheath
A fatty layer that insulates axons and speeds up signal transmission.
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Multiple Sclerosis
A disease caused by the degradation of the myelin sheath affecting nerve communication.
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Afferent Neurons
Neurons that carry sensory information to the central nervous system.
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Efferent Neurons
Neurons that carry motor commands from the central nervous system to muscles.
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Interneurons
Neurons that connect afferent and efferent neurons and facilitate communication.
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Neurotransmission
The process of communication between neurons via chemicals called neurotransmitters.
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Neural Firing
The process that sends electrical impulses through neurons.
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Resting Potential
The stable, negative charge of a neuron when it is not firing.
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Action Potential
A temporary shift in charge that occurs when a neuron fires.
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Refractory Period
A short period after a neuron fires when it cannot fire again.
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Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.
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Excitatory Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that promote the firing of neurons.
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40
Inhibitory Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that prevent neuronal firing.
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Dopamine
A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motor control.
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Serotonin
A neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion, and sleep regulation.
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Acetylcholine
A neurotransmitter important for muscle activation and memory.
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Norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter involved in arousal and alertness, especially during danger.
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Glutamate
The primary excitatory neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory.
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GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes calmness.
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Endorphins
Natural pain relief chemicals produced by the body.
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Substance P (SP)
A neurotransmitter involved in the perception of pain.
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Agonists
Substances that activate neurotransmitter receptors.
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Antagonists
Substances that block neurotransmitter receptors.
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51
Psychopharmacology
The study of how drugs affect behavior and mental processes.
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Hormones
Chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream that affect bodily functions.
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Adrenaline
A hormone that prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response during stress.
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Leptin
A hormone that signals satiety and regulates energy balance.
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Ghrelin
The hormone that stimulates hunger and promotes food intake.
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Melatonin
A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
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Oxytocin
A hormone associated with childbirth and emotional bonding.
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Brain Hemispheres
The two halves of the brain that control different functions and sides of the body.
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Cerebral Cortex
The outer layer of the brain involved in complex functions like thinking and perception.
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Frontal Lobe
The brain area responsible for executive functions, personality, and motor control.
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Temporal Lobe
The area responsible for processing auditory information and memory.
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Parietal Lobe
The part of the brain that processes sensory information like touch and pain.
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Occipital Lobe
The area of the brain responsible for visual processing.
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Brain Stem
Part of the brain responsible for basic life functions like heartbeat and respiration.
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Medulla Oblongata

Controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate. - Not System

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Pons
Relays information between the cerebellum and the cerebrum.
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Cerebellum
Coordinates movement and helps maintain balance.
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Limbic System
A group of structures involved in emotion and memory processing.
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Thalamus
Acts as a relay station for sensory information to the cortex.
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Hippocampus
Essential for forming new memories and learning.
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Amygdala
Processes emotions, particularly fear and aggression.
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Hypothalamus
Regulates body temperature, hunger, and hormonal processes.
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Corpus Callosum
A bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres.
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Brain Plasticity
The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.
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Phineas Gage
A pivotal case study in neuroscience illustrating the impact of brain injury.
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Lesions
Areas of tissue that have been damaged due to injury or disease.
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EEG (Electroencephalogram)
A test that records electrical activity in the brain.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique used to view soft tissues in the body, including the brain.
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fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.
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80
Sleep Stages
Different phases of sleep, including NREM and REM.
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81
NREM Sleep
Non-rapid eye movement sleep, which includes several stages of deeper sleep.
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REM Sleep
Rapid eye movement sleep, characterized by high brain activity and dreaming.
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Insomnia
The inability to fall or stay asleep, affecting overall health.
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Sleep Apnea
A disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.
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Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
Engaging in complex behaviors while in a state of sleep.
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Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks.
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Sensation
The process by which sensory receptors and nervous system receive stimulus.
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Transduction
The conversion of sensory input into neural signals.
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Absolute Threshold
The minimal stimulus detected 50% of the time.
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Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference)
The smallest amount of change needed to detect a difference in stimulus.
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Sensory Adaptation
Diminished sensitivity as a consequence of constant stimulation.
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Synesthesia
A condition in which one sense is simultaneously perceived as another.
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Color Vision Theories
Trichromatic and opponent-process theories explaining how we perceive colors.
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Trichromatic Theory
Suggests we have three types of cones sensitive to red, green, and blue.
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Opponent-Process Theory
Suggests color perception is controlled by three opposing color pairs.
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Gustation (Taste)
The sense of taste, involving receptors on the tongue.
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Olfaction (Smell)
The sense of smell, involving receptors in the nasal cavity.
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Taste Receptors (Papillae)
Bumps on the tongue that detect different taste sensations.
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Chemical Senses
Taste and smell are considered chemical senses due to their nature of sensory processing.
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100
Auditory Processing (Hearing)
The process through which our ears receive and interpret sound waves.
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