🧠 AP Psychology Ultimate Guide (copy)

Paul Broca

A neurologist who discovered Broca's area, associated with speech production and expressive aphasia.

Brian lateralization

Specialization of the left and right hemispheres in different functions; the left is typically related to language processing.

CAT Scan (CT Scan)

A computerized imaging technique using X-rays to create two-dimensional slices of the brain.

MRI

An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's structure.

EEG

A test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Neurotransmitter

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

Synaptic Vesicles

Tiny sacs within the terminal buttons that contain neurotransmitters.

Excitatory neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of the firing of a neuron.

Inhibitory neurotransmitter

Neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of the firing of a neuron.

Soma (Cell body)

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and organelles.

Myelin sheath

An insulating layer that surrounds the axon and speeds up neural impulses.

Action potential

A rapid change in electrical charge that travels along the axon of a neuron.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that regulates neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system.

Reflex arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that secrete hormones into the blood, regulating bodily functions.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals in a population that is due to genetic causes.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an individual.

Schema

Mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts that simplify decision making.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

The process through which someone's expectations about another person lead to the fulfillment of those expectations.

Locus of control

The degree to which individuals believe they have control over outcomes in their lives.

Classical conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a similar response.

Operant conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Positive reinforcement

The addition of a rewarding stimulus following a desired behavior.

Negative reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior.

Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Conditioned stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, elicits a conditioned response.

Coping mechanisms

Strategies used to manage stress and challenging situations.

Stress response

The body's reaction to a perceived threat or challenge, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response.

Somatic symptom disorder

A psychological disorder characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms causing distress and impairment.

Mood disorders

Mental health conditions primarily characterized by disturbances in emotions, such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Anxiety disorders

Psychological conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily functioning.

Cognitive appraisal theory

A model that explains how individuals evaluate and respond to stressors based on their personal perceptions.

General adaptation syndrome (GAS)

A model of the body's response to stress, consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.