AP PSYCH UNIT 1 REVIEW

Nature vs Nurture

The debate regarding whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) shapes human behavior.

Natural Selection

The process in evolution where organisms with traits that help them survive reproduce more successfully.

John B. Watson

A psychologist who emphasized the role of nurture in shaping behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

The field that studies how human behavior and traits have evolved over time.

Adaptation

Changes in living things over time that help them fit better into their environment.

Eugenics

The application of evolutionary ideas to human breeding to improve the human population.

Behavior Genetics

The study of how genetic and environmental factors influence behavior.

Environment

All non-biological external factors that influence an individual's life.

Heredity

The process through which genes are passed from parents to their children.

Genes

Biochemical units of heredity.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material in an organism.

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information.

Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart

A study exploring the roles of genetics and environment in human development.

Monozygotic Twins

Twins that developed from a single fertilized egg and are genetically identical.

Dizygotic Twins

Twins that develop from separate fertilized eggs and are genetically no closer than ordinary siblings.

Colorado Adoption Project

A study initiated to explore the roles of genetics and environment in human development.

Key Findings of the Colorado Adoption Project

Children's cognitive abilities become more similar to their biological parents over time.

Nervous System

The body's electrochemical communication center.

Central Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System

All nerves that branch off from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Neurons

Individual cells in the nervous system that process and transmit information.

Sensory Neurons

Neurons that detect and send sensory information to the brain.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that transmit messages from the brain to muscles.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons within the brain and spinal cord.

Reflex Arc

The direct connection between sensory and motor neurons without involving the brain.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus.

Dendrites

Parts of a neuron that receive information from other cells.

Axons

Long fibers that transmit signals away from the soma to other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Insulating material encasing axons to speed up signal transmission.

Axon Terminals

The end of an axon that secretes neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that activate neighboring neurons.

Synapse

The junction where information is passed from one neuron to another.

Action Potential

An electrical charge that travels down the axon, away from the cell body.

Glial Cells

Cells that provide support and protection for neurons.

Threshold

The strength of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential.

Refractory Period

The brief pause that occurs after a neuron fires.

All or None Response

The principle that a neuron either fires or it does not fire.

Reuptake

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

Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron that sends neurotransmitters.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The neuron that receives neurotransmitters.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that promote the generation of action potentials.

Glutamate

The most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing.

Agonist

A molecule that increases a neurotransmitter's action.

Antagonist

A molecule that decreases or blocks a neurotransmitter's effects.

Endocrine System

The body's slow chemical communication system using hormones.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland that controls all other glands in the endocrine system.

Acetylcholine

An excitatory neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory.

Serotonin

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that affects mood, hunger, and sleep.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter influencing movement, learning, and emotion.

GABA

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Endorphins

Natural pain relievers linked to feelings of euphoria.

Oxytocin

The 'love hormone' associated with positive emotions.

Melatonin

The hormone that regulates sleep cycles.

Psychoactive Drugs

Chemicals that alter brain function and change perceptions or moods.

Substance Use Disorders

Disorders characterized by continued substance use despite negative consequences.