Physiological Psychology Study Questions

Physiological Psychology

Study of biological basis of behavior and mental processes.

Interdisciplinary

Combines psychology with neuroscience and biology.

Dualism

Belief in separation of mind and body.

Monism

View that mind and body are one.

Generalization

Applying findings from one case to others.

Reductionism

Breaking complex phenomena into simpler components.

Nervous System Divisions

Central and peripheral nervous systems.

Spinal Cord Organization

Composed of segments controlling reflexes and movement.

Hindbrain Structures

Includes medulla, pons, and cerebellum; regulates vital functions.

Midbrain Structures

Includes tectum and tegmentum; involved in sensory processing.

Forebrain Structures

Includes thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex; higher functions.

Neuron Parts

Includes dendrites, soma, axon, and terminals.

Action Potential

Electrical impulse traveling along a neuron.

Synapse

Junction between neurons for neurotransmission.

Types of Neurons

Sensory, motor, and interneurons; different functions.

Neural Integration

Multiple neurons working together for complex processing.

Chemical Communication

Includes neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in networks.

Glutamate

Primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

GABA

Main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Neuromodulatory Pathways

Influence mood, arousal, and cognition in the brain.

Psychopharmacology

Study of drug effects on brain and behavior.

Prediction Error

Difference between expected and actual outcomes.

Reward Prediction Error

Tracks discrepancies in expected rewards by dopamine neurons.

Long Term Potentiation (LTP)

Strengthening of synapses based on recent patterns.

Memory Systems

Different types of memory; includes short-term and long-term.

Short-term Memory

Temporary storage of information for immediate use.

Learning Strategies

Effective methods to study and retain information.