The Psychology and Neuroscience of Emotion (PSYCH 155B)

Vocabulary flashcards related to the psychology and neuroscience of emotions, focusing on key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Fear

A neural–behavior system evolved to protect against environmental threats, driven primarily by predation.

Reverse inference

Assuming that a specific brain activity indicates a certain emotional state, such as believing increased amygdala activity signifies fear.

Basic emotions theory

The theory that there are fundamental emotions that are universally expressed and recognized in both humans and animals.

Constructionist theory

The theory suggesting that emotional experiences are constructed from various inputs, including prior experiences and sensory information.

Amygdala

A region in the brain involved in processing emotions, specifically fear and threat detection.

Physiological response

The body's physical reactions to emotions, such as increased heart rate or sweating, which accompany emotional experiences.

Facial expressions

Universal signals that convey emotions; considered an integral part of emotional communication.

Emotional modulation of memory

The influence of emotions on the encoding and retrieval processes of memory.

Cultural context

How cultural factors shape emotional experiences and expressions within different societal groups.

Neuroanatomical factors

The specific structures and pathways in the brain that are associated with different emotional responses.