Studied by 13 people
All terms for AP Psych revolving around biopsychology.
Behavior Genetics
The study of relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Ex: Attribute of a daughter of two celebrities who grows up to be a popular recording artist to her “super-star genes”
Nature and Nurture
The hereditary (nature) and environmental (nurture) effects on behavior and traits that shapes an individuals development
Heredity
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
Environment
Every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us
Chromosome
Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes
Genes
Small segments of the giant DNA molecules, capable of synthesizing proteins (make up chromosomes)
Genome
The complete instructions for making an organism consisting of all genetic material in that organisms chromosomes
Twin Studies
Are used to research the effects of genes on individual behavior and mental processes
Identical (monozygotic) Twins
Develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms
Fraternal (dizygotic) Twins
Develop from separate fertilized eggs, they are genetically related but hey share a prenatal environment
Heritability
The proportion of variation among individuals in a group that we can attribute to genes
Interacion
Te interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)
Molecular Genetics
The study of molecular structure and function of genes
Molecular Behavior Genetics
The study of how the structure and function of genes interact with our environment to influence behavior
Epigenetics
“Above” or “in addition of” genetics; the study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change
Genetic Predisposition
The increased likelihood of developing a particular disease due to genetic variants or family history leading to an increased risk. Does not mean they WILL get the disease as lifestyle and environmental factors can also affect risk of disease
Evolutionary Psychology (Evolutionary Perspective)
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Natrual Selection
The process where organisms are best adopted to their environment. Tend to survive and reproduce, passing their advantages tails future generation. Survival of the fittest
Eugenics
Some theorists have sought to apply principles of the evolutionary perspective in ways thatt discriminate others
Mutation
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change
Social Script
A culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations
Biopcychological Model
Individual development that comes from 3 influences: Biological influence, psychological influences and social-cultural influences.
Biological Influences: Shared human genes, individual genetic variation, prenatal environment, sex-related genes, hormones and physiology
Psychological Influence: Gene environmental interaction, neurological effect of early experiences, Responses evoked by our own temper-ant, gender, etc\beliefs, feelings and expectations
Social-Culture Influence: Parental influences, peer influences, cultural individualism or collectivism and culturalk] gender nrms
Neuron
A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system
Cell Body
The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus; the cell’s life support center
Dendrites
A neurons often bushy, branching extensions that receive and integrate messages, conducting impulses toward the cell body
Axon
The neuron extension that passes messages through it’s branches to other neurons or to the muscles or glands
Myelin Sheath
A layer of fatty tissue that insulates axons and speeds their impulses
Multiple Sclcrosis
An autoimmune disorder that attacks the myelin sheath, leading to nerve damage and the inability for the brain to communicate with the body
Myasthenia Gravis
An autoimmune disorder that prevents acetylcholine from binding to muscles, which is needed for muscle contractions
Glial Cells
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they also play a role in learning, thinking and memory
Action Potential
A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon
(Firing) Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
Refectory Period
In neural processing, a brief resting pause that occurs after a neuron has fired; subsequent action potentials cannot occur until the axon returns to the resting state
All-Or-None Response
A neurons reaction of either firing (with a full strength response) or not firing
Synapse
The junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. The tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or cleft.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, neurotransmitters travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron , thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.
Reuptake
A neurotransmitters reabsorption by the sending neuron
Endorphins
“Morphine within” — natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure
Agonist
A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter’s action
Antagonist
A molecule that inhibits or blocks a neurotransmitters action
Nervous System
The body’s speedy, electrochemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells pf the peripheral and central nervous systems
Central Nervous System (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The sensory and molar neurons that connect the central neurons system (CNS) to the rest of the body
Nerves
Bundled axons that form neural cables connecting the central nervous system with the muscles, glands and sense organs
Sensory (afferent) Neurons
Neurons that carry incoming information from the body’s tissues and sensory receptors to the brain and spiral cord
Molar (efferent) Neurons
Neurons that carry outgoing information form the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands
Interneurons
Neurons within the brain and spinal cord; they communicate internally and process information between the sensory inputs and molar outputs
Somatic Nervous System
The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body’s skeletal muscles. Also known as the skeletal nervous sytem.
Autonomic Nervous System
The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of internal organs (such as the heart). It’s sympathetic division arouses;it’s parasympathetic division calms
Sympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing it’s energy
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the energy, conserving it’s energy
Reflex
A simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus
Ex: Knee jerk response
Endocrine System
The body’s “slow” chemical communication system; a set of glands that secret hormones into the bloodstream
Hormones
Chemical messages that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues
Adrenal
A pair of endocrine glands that sit just above the kidneys and secrete hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) that help arouse the body in times of stress
Melatonin
Hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles produced by the pineal gland in the brain
Oxcytocin
Hormone that plays a role in social bonding, trust and love
Lesion
Tissue destruction, a brain lesion is a naturally or experimentally caused destruction of brain tissue..
Lesioning Procedure
The procedure intentionally damages a specific area of the brain to study it’s functions and effects
EEG (electroencephalogram)
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
MEG (magnetoencephalography)
A brain imaging technique that measures magnetic field from the brains natural electrical activity.
CT (Computed Technology) Scan
A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brains structure. (Also known as CAT scan)
PET (Position Emission Tomography) Scan
A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A technique that uses magnetic field and radio waves to produce computer generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.
fMRI (functional MRI)
A technique for blood flow and brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure.
Brainstem
The oldest part and central core of the brain, beginning where the spinal cord swells as it enters the skull; the brainstem is responsible for automatic survival functions.
Medulla
The base of the brainstem ;controls heartbeat and breathing
Thalamus
The brains sensory control center, located on top of brainstem. Directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla.
Reticular Formation
A nerve network that travels through the brain stem into the thalamus and plays an important role in controlling arousal
Cerebellum
The “little brain” at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input, coordinating movement output and balance, and enabling nonverbal learning and memory.
Limbic System
Neural system located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives
Amygdala
Two lima-bean-sized neural clusters in the limbic system
Hypothalamus
Vital brain region that regulates various bodily functions such as hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormonal release
Hippocampus
neural center located in the limbic system; helps process for storage (conscious) explicit memories of facts and events
Reward Center
Key brain area associated with pleasure and reinforcement of behaviors through the release of dopamine
Cerebral Cortex
Body’s ultimate control and information processing center. The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres.
Frontal Lobe ( & Brocas Area)
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking, muscle movements and in making plans and judgments
Parietal Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position
Aphasia
Language disorder caused by the damage to Broca/Wernick’s area
Occipital Lobes
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields
Temporal Lobes (Wernickes Area)
The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear
Motor Cortex
An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements
Somatosensory Cortex
An area at the front front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations
Association Areas
Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in a higher mental functions, such as learning, remembering, thinking and speaking
Neuroplasticity
The brains ability to change, especially during childhood, by re-organizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience
Ex: Getting over trauma or learning from past mistakes
Neurogenesis
The formation of new neurons
Corpus Callosum
The large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them
Contralateral Organization
Phenomenon where each hemisphere of the brain processes sensory information from and controls motor functions of the opposite side of the body
Split Brain
A condition resulting from surgery that isolates the brains two hemispheres by cutting the fibers, (mainly those of the corpus callosum) connecting them
Consciousness
Our subjective awareness of ourselves and our environment
Dual Processing
The principal that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks
Blindsight
A condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it
Parallel Processing
Processing many aspects of a problem simultaneously; generally used to process well-learned information or to solve easy problems
Sequential Processing
Processing one aspect of a problem at a time; generally used to process new information or to solve difficult problems
Reflex Arc
A neural pathway that controls a reflex action, allowing for rapid responses to stimuli without conscious thought
Psychoactive Drugs
A chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods
Substance Use Disorder
A disorder characterized by continued substance craving and use despite significant life disruption and/or physical risk
Tolerance
The diminishing effect with regular use of the same dose of a drug, requiring the user to take longer and larger doses before experiencing the drugs effect
Withdrawal
The discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing an addictive drug or behavior
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