VCE Psychology U1O2

What is monism?

The belief that mental processes arise entirely from physical brain activity.

What is phrenology?

An early scientific attempt to localise function, claiming personality could be determined by skull shape.

What are ablation and brain lesioning?

Methods involving the removal or study of damaged brain tissue to infer function.

What is structural neuroimaging?

Techniques like MRI and CT scans that produce detailed images of brain anatomy.

What does functional neuroimaging measure?

Brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

What is hemispheric specialization?

The concept that the two cerebral hemispheres can perform different functions.

What are the three major regions of the brain?

Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

What is the definition of psychology?

The scientific study of mental processes and behaviour.

What was the heart-brain debate?

A philosophical discussion on whether the heart or brain is responsible for thought, emotion, and behaviour.

What does dualism propose?

That the mind and body are distinct entities, with the mind being non-physical and the body physical.

What is the primary function of the forebrain?

Responsible for higher-order cognitive processes such as decision-making and problem-solving.

What does the cerebrum control?

Voluntary movement and complex cognition.

What is the role of the hypothalamus?

Regulates internal states such as temperature, hunger, and hormones.

What does the thalamus do?

Acts as a sensory relay station.

What is the function of the midbrain?

Acts as a relay centre between brain regions and regulates arousal and alertness.

What basic functions does the hindbrain control?

Survival functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

Higher cognitive functions including reasoning, memory, and perception.

What is the corpus callosum?

A structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, enabling communication.

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes.

What is Broca's area involved in?

Speech production.

What is Wernicke's area involved in?

Language comprehension.

What are neurons?

Specialised nerve cells that transmit electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to change structure and function in response to experience or injury.

What is developmental plasticity?

Changes in the brain due to learning and maturation.

What is acquired brain injury (ABI)?

Any brain damage occurring after birth, classified as traumatic or non-traumatic.

What are some biological effects of ABI?

Seizures, motor impairments, and sensory loss.

What is Parkinson's disease?

A neurodegenerative disorder involving the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons.

What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

A progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head injuries.

What is the gut-brain axis?

The bidirectional relationship between the digestive system and the brain, influencing neurological health.

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