IB Psychology Vocab

Localization of Function

The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors or cognitive processes.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change its structure or function in response to experience or environment.

Neural Networks

These are created when neurons are frequently stimulated, strengthening the synaptic connections between them.

Neural Pruning

The process where the brain eliminates extra synapses to increase the efficiency of neural transmissions (the "use it or lose it" principle).

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Agonist

A chemical that binds to a receptor site and stimulates a response (e.g., Acetylcholine).

Antagonist

A chemical that binds to a receptor site and blocks a response (e.g., Scopolamine)

Hormones

Chemical messengers secreted by glands into the bloodstream; they act slower than neurotransmitters but have longer-lasting effects (e.g., Cortisol).

Pheromones

• Chemical signals released by an individual that affect the behavior or physiology of others of the same species (e.g., MHC/Androstadienone).

Multi-Store Memory Model (MSM)

Linear process that proposes memory consists of three stores: Sensory, Short-Term (STM), and Long-Term (LTM).

Working Memory Model (WMM)

Focuses on the structure of STM, including the Central Executive, Phonological Loop, and Visuospatial Sketchpad.

Schema Theory

Mental representations that organize our knowledge and guide our expectations and behavior. It acts as a mental blueprint for interpreting experiences.

Reconstructive Memory

The theory that memory is not a "video recording" but a reconstruction of events that can be influenced by post-event information.

Cognitive Bias

Systematic errors in thinking (e.g., Anchoring Bias) that affect decisions and judgments.

Social Identity Theory

Proposes that a person’s sense of who they are is based on their group membership(s).

Social Cognitive Theory

Suggests behavior is learned through observation, imitation, and modeling (ARMP: Attention, Retention, Motivation, Reproduction).

Stereotype

A generalized belief about a particular group of people.

Cultural Dimensions

The perspectives of a culture based on values (e.g., Individualism vs. Collectivism).

Enculturation

The process of learning the schemas and behaviors of one’s own culture.

Acculturation

The process of changing and adapting to a new culture.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

The specific neurotransmitter being studied; it plays a critical role in memory consolidation in the hippocampus.

Scopolamine

The antagonist used; it blocks ACh receptor sites, preventing the excitatory response needed for memory formation.

MZ vs DZ

Monozygotic (identical, 100% shared DNA) and Dizygotic (fraternal, ~50% shared DNA).

Heritability

The extent to which variations in a behavior can be attributed to genetic factors.

Articulatory Suppression

The method used in Landry and Bartling (repeating "1, 2") to occupy the Phonological Loop, preventing rehearsal.

Anchoring Bias

The tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information offered (the "anchor").

Pluralistic Ignorance

The idea that we look to the group to decide whether or not to act.

In an ambiguous situation, we look at others to see how they react. If everyone else is calm, in order to save face, we conclude the situation isn’t an emergency.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The idea that the more people present, the less pressure there is to act because you feel someone else will act.

Arousal - Cost - Reward model

We only help to reduce the unpleasant arousal of seeing someone suffer if the cost isn’t too high.

Social Responsibility is a response to a physiological state.

MRI

A non-invasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-resolution 3D images of brain structure.

Flashbulb memories

Highly vivid, detailed, and long-lasting memories of the circumstances surrounding shocking or emotionally significant events.