AP Psychology - Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions in AP Psychology, Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology.

Nature–Nurture Issue

The debate over the relative influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on behavior and mental processes.

Charles Darwin

Developed the theory of natural selection; influenced evolutionary psychology by showing how traits that aid survival are passed down.

Natural Selection

The evolutionary principle that traits contributing to survival and reproduction are more likely to be inherited.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolution and natural selection influence behavior and mental processes.

Behavior Genetics

The study of how genes and environment interact to influence individual differences in behavior.

Mutation

A random genetic change that may influence behavior or traits; the source of genetic diversity.

Environment

All external influences, from prenatal nutrition to culture, that impact an individual’s development.

Heredity

The transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.

Genes

Segments of DNA that serve as the blueprint for protein production and influence traits and behaviors.

Genome

The complete set of genetic instructions for making an organism.

Identical (Monozygotic) Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg; genetically identical.

Fraternal (Dizygotic) Twins

Twins that develop from two different fertilized eggs; genetically similar like siblings.

Interaction

The way in which genetic and environmental factors influence each other in development and behavior.

Epigenetics

The study of how environmental factors affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Nervous System

The body’s electrochemical communication system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; the primary control center for processing information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects the CNS to the rest of the body through sensory and motor neurons.

Nerves

Bundles of axons that form neural 'cables' connecting the CNS with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons

Carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

Motor (Efferent) Neurons

Carry instructions from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Neurons in the CNS that process information between sensory input and motor output.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the body’s 'fight or flight' response in stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body and conserves energy after arousal.

Reflex

An automatic, involuntary response to a stimulus.

Neuron

A nerve cell that is the building block of the nervous system.

Cell Body (Soma)

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and maintains cell health.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that cross the synapse and influence neighboring neurons.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

A long extension of a neuron that transmits signals to other neurons or muscles.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty tissue that insulates axons and speeds up neural transmission.

Glial Cells (Glia)

Support cells that nourish and protect neurons and help with neural communication.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

Threshold

The minimum level of stimulation needed to trigger a neural impulse.

Refractory Period

A brief period after a neuron fires during which it cannot fire again.

All-or-None Response

A neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Synapse

The tiny gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the sending neuron.

Endorphins

Natural painkillers released during exercise, excitement, or pain.

Agonist

A molecule that mimics a neurotransmitter and activates a receptor.

Antagonist

A molecule that blocks a neurotransmitter’s action by occupying its receptor.

Endocrine System

The body’s slower communication system; glands release hormones into the bloodstream.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands that affect behavior and bodily processes.

Biological Psychology

The scientific study of the links between biological processes and psychological functioning.

Biopsychosocial Approach

An integrated perspective that considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences on behavior.

Levels of Analysis

The various complementary views (biological, psychological, social-cultural) for analyzing a phenomenon.