MHS AP Psych Modules 11-15

The brain

What is Lesioning?

A technique for studying the brain's connection to behavior that selectively destroys small groups of brain cells to provide information on how different parts of the brain affect behavior.

What is an EEG (Electroencephalogram)?

A technique for studying the brain that provides an amplified readout of brain waves to give info on brain activity in response to stimuli.

What is an fMRI (functional MRI)?

A technique for studying the brain where a researcher can see where blood flows by comparing different MRI scans, revealing which part of the brain is active.

What is the function of the Thalamus?

It acts as the brain's sensory control center, routing information to higher brain regions for decision-making and processing.

What is the function of the Reticular Formation?

It controls spinal cord sensory input and arousal.

What is the function of the Brainstem and Medulla?

The brainstem handles heartbeat and breathing. The medulla, a part of the brainstem, specifically controls heart rate and breathing.

What is the function of the Cerebellum?

This hindbrain structure is responsible for balance, posture, coordination of muscle movement, fine motor skills, and procedural learning.

What is the function of the Amygdala?

Part of the limbic system that controls aggression and fear.

What is the function of the Hypothalamus?

Part of the limbic system that regulates bodily maintenance, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior.

What is the function of the Pituitary Gland?

Though not part of the limbic system, it is influenced by the hypothalamus to release hormones.

What is the function of the Hippocampus?

Part of the limbic system that processes consciousness and memories.

What is the cerebral cortex?

The large, interconnected mass of neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres.

What are the functions of the Frontal Lobes?

Involved in motor movement, executive functioning, and problem-solving. Contains the motor cortex, which controls voluntary skeletal movements.

What are the functions of the Parietal Lobes?

Responsible for processing sensory information related to touch. Contains the somatosensory cortex.

What are the functions of the Occipital Lobes?

Processes and interprets visual signals, allowing recognition of lines, shapes, etc.

What are the functions of the Temporal Lobes?

Involved in auditory and linguistic processing. Lower parts are also responsible for visual and pattern recognition.

What is brain plasticity?

The brain's ability to change, especially by reorganizing after damage or creating new pathways.

What are association areas?

Parts of the cerebral cortex involved in higher-level thinking, not directly involved in motor or sensory functions.

What is the function of the Prefrontal Cortex?

An association area that handles judgment, planning, processing of new memories, and critical thinking. Damage can lead to personality changes.

What is the function of Broca's area?

An association area, typically on the left side of the brain, that controls language expression and speaking.

What is the function of Wernicke's area?

An association area, typically on the left side of the brain, that controls language comprehension.

What is aphasia and how can it be caused?

A language impairment. Damage to Broca's area can result in speaking difficulties, while damage to Wernicke's area can cause difficulties in understanding language.

What happened to Phineas Gage and what did we learn from his case study?

His frontal lobe/prefrontal cortex was damaged by a rod. His personality became more irritable and dishonest, but his mental capabilities were not significantly damaged. This taught us about the role of the frontal lobe in personality.

To what extent can a damaged brain reorganize itself and how does neurogenesis help?

Severed brain/spinal cord neurons do not grow back, resulting in paralysis. However, through plasticity, parts of the brain involved in a lost sense (like sight) may be used by other parts. Neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons, allows for new connections to be formed.

What is the corpus callosum?

A large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres, allowing messages to be sent between them like a bridge.

What is split-brain research and what has it taught us?

Research by Roger Sperry and Michael Gazzaniga on patients who had their corpus callosum severed. It revealed that the brain's hemispheres are specialized for different roles. For example, the right hemisphere could identify an object by touch with the left hand, but the left hemisphere was needed to verbally name it.

What is consciousness?

Our awareness of ourselves and our environment, which helps us achieve goals and avoid pain.

What is dual processing?

The principle that information is often simultaneously processed on separate conscious and unconscious tracks. For example, when you see something, you are consciously aware of the object but unconscious of all the underlying processes your brain uses to identify it.

What is parallel processing?

The processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously. For example, when driving, you accelerate, steer, signal, and look around at the same time.

What is blindsight?

A condition in which a person can respond to a visual stimulus without consciously experiencing it, often due to a damaged visual cortex.

What is prosopagnosia?

A condition where people struggle to recognize faces or interpret facial expressions and cues.

What is Heredity (nature)?

The transfer of characteristics and traits from parents to offspring through genes.

What is Environment (nurture)?

All non-genetic influences, from prenatal environment to the people and things around us.

How are identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins different?

Identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg that splits, making them genetically identical. Fraternal twins develop from two separate fertilized eggs and are no more genetically similar than regular siblings.

What have twin and adoption studies revealed about heritability?

Studies have found that identical twins, even when raised apart, share many commonalities, suggesting high heritability for certain traits. In contrast, people who grow up together but are not biologically related do not share many personality similarities.

Why are family studies vital to the science of psychology?

They help demonstrate how traits are passed on and formed. This information can be used to predict and potentially avoid certain disorders if it's known they can be inherited.

Why is epigenetics an important focus of modern biopsychology?

It studies how environmental influences can impact gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. It explores how the environment dictates whether or not genes are activated.

What are the four steps of natural selection?

1. Varied offspring compete for survival. 2. Certain biological and behavioral traits increase an organism's chances of reproduction and survival. 3. Offspring that survive are more likely to pass their genes to the next generation. 4. Over time, population characteristics may change.

How do evolutionary psychologists explain male-female differences in mating preferences?

Males often seek younger women with features signaling fertility to maximize the chances of their genes being passed on. Females, who have to carry the child, are often more selective and look for a mate who can provide resources and support.

What is a historical example of eugenics?

Hitler's promotion of an "Aryan" master race and the persecution of Jews and other groups deemed "inferior," which led to the Holocaust.