terms for ib pysch exam

evolution

adapt best to the environment will have a greater chance of surviving

parental investment theory

states that s*x more involved physiologically involved in offspring must be more choosy with their mates because mating w a low quality partner is more costly to that s*x

behavioral genetics

postulates that both genetics and the environment contribute to individual variations in human behavior

diathesis stress model

ppl inherit tendencies to express certain traits which may be activated under conditions of stress

pheromones

a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal affecting the behavior or physiology of others of its own species

MHC

series of molecules responsible in helping the immune system identify pathogens and activate immune responses

• multiple variations and the more diverse they are, the stronger the immune system

• impacts body odor

hormones

chemical messengers involved with metabolism & long-term functioning of the body

cortisol

hormone with functions of arousal, stress and memory

neurotransmitters

compounds that carry messages from one neuron to another or from one neuron to some other cell

acetylcholine

plays a role in the consolidation of memory in the hippocampus

• Scopolamine is the antagonist (what blocks the neurotransmitter) for ACh

neuroplasticity

ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth (dendritic branching) and reorganization

long term potentiation

repeated firing of a neuron strengthens the connection

localization of functions

assumption that specific functions are associated with specific areas of the brain

serotonin

sleep, arousal levels, and emotion.