AP Psych

Nature / Heredity

passing on of different physical and mental traits from one generation to the other

Nurture

environmental factors like family, society, education influencing your behavior

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Survival of the Fittest, evolution happens by natural selection where organisms pass on traits that survive

Charles Darwin

not a psychologist, but a fundamental pillar for evolution

Eugenics

belief of improve the genetic quality of the human population by selectively breeding for desirable traits and discouraging reproduction among those with traits considered undesirable

Epigenetics

the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, often influenced by environmental factors (genes being turned off due to environmental pressures)

Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart

examined the similarities and differences in personality, intelligence, and other traits between identical twins raised in different environments.

Colorado Adoption Project 1975

a research study that investigated the influence of genetics and environment on cognitive abilities and personality by examining adopted children and their biological and adoptive families.

Plasticity

the brain’s ability to change and adapt as result of changes

CNS Central Nervous System

brain and spinal cord; sends out orders to the body

PNS Peripheral Nervous System

different nerves that stem off the brain and spine, it connects the CNS to the body’s muscles and organs

Afferent Neurons

neurons that transmit sensory information to the central nervous system (approaches the brain)

Efferent Neurons

motor neurons; signals from cns to pns (exits the brain)

Somatic Nervous System

aka the skeletal nervous system, includes your five senses and skeletal muscle movements. These movements happen consciously and voluntarily.

Autonomic Nervous System

controls involuntary activities. This is what makes sure that your heart keeps beating, your stomach keeps digesting, and you keep on breathing.