Scientific Foundations

Case Studies

Detailed examination of a single individual or group.

Positive, Negative & Illusory Correlations

Positive - both variables increase or decrease together; Negative - one variable increases while the other decreases; Illusory - perceived correlation that doesn't exist.

Social Psych

Study of how individuals interact with others.

Solomon Asch

Conformity experiments where participants gave incorrect answers to conform to group.

Cognitive Dissonance

Psychological discomfort when beliefs conflict with actions.

Groupthink

Desire for harmony or conformity results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making.

Biobase

Genetic predisposition to certain behaviors or conditions.

Neuroplasticity

Brain's ability to reorganize neural pathways based on experience or injury.

Somatosensory vs Motor Cortex

Sensory perception vs. motor function in brain.

Thalamus

Relay station for sensory information.

Nervous System

Network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.

Types of Brain Scans

CT, MRI, PET, fMRI - used to image brain structure and function.

Neurotransmitters/Hormones

Chemical messengers in the brain.

CT (Computed Tomography):

Provides detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

Measures metabolic activity in the brain by detecting radioactive tracers.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

Measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Dopamine

Associated with pleasure, reward, motivation, and motor control.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, appetite, sleep, and some cognitive functions.

Norepinephrine

Involved in stress response, alertness, and attention.

Estrogen

Primarily a female sex hormone, involved in reproductive and other functions.

Testosterone

Primarily a male sex hormone, involved in reproductive and other functions.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Inhibitory neurotransmitter, reduces neuronal excitability, and regulates anxiety.