IB Psych - Unit 2 - Biopsychology

MRI

Gives a three dimensional picture of the brain structures. uses radio-waves and magnetic fields.

fMRI

indicates which brain areas are active when engaged in a behavior or cognitive process, measures blood flow in an active brain.

PET scan

used to observe metabolic processes in the brain by injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodsteam.

Localization of Function

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

Brain stem

Regulates life functions, such as breathing. heart rate. and blood pressure

Cerebral cortex

The largest part of the human brain, and is associated with higher brain functions.

Limbic system

often called the emotional brain, has a role in memory and emotion.

Neurons

(nerve cells) are the building blocks of behavior

Neurotransmission

The process by which the messages are sent through neurotransmitters.

Action potential

the electrical impulse that travels along the body of the neuron

Synapse

Neurotransmitters are released into the gap between the neruons.

Reuptake

Neurotransmitters are either broken down by an enzyme or reabsorbed by the terminal buttons are a process

Agonist

Drugs that fit into the receptor site and mimic the behavior of the neurotransmitter

Antagonist

Drug that block the receptor site and do not allow receptors to do their job

Brain plasticity

The ability for your brain to grow, and change throughout your life.

Dendritic branching

The repeated firing of neurons leads to stronger connections

Behavioral genetics

Deals with understanding how genetics and the environment contribute to individual behavior.

Inheritance

Genetic arguements of behavior are based on the principle of parents passing down DNA to offspring.

Monozygotic twins

Are genetically identical because they are formed from one fertilized egg splitting into 2. These twins are the same sex.

Dizygotic twins

Meaning “from 2 eggs”, are like brother and sister, on average, will have 50 percent of the genes in common. Twins are not same sex.

Concordance rate

The correlation found between the similarity of MZ and DZ twins.

Adoption studies

A method used in genetic research to allow a direct comparison in genetic and environmental influences in behavior.

Genetic mapping

Modern genetics research uses DNA markers to identify certain genes.

Reductionism

The belief that human behavior can be explained by breaking it down into smaller parts.

Holism

Approaches collect qualitative data and attempt to understand human individual’s context or environment may affect their behavior.