AP Psychology Unit 1

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding the contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) versus environmental factors (nurture) in shaping behavior. (Note: current is both of them, old is one or the other)

Heredity

The genetic or inherited traits that influence physical, behavioral, and mental characteristics.

Environmental Factors

External influences such as family, education, and experiences that shape behavior and mental processes.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary forces have shaped human behavior to maximize survival and reproduction.

Behavior Genetics

The field that examines the role of genetics and environment in shaping behavior.

Identical Twins

Twins that develop from a single fertilized egg and share 100% of their genes.

Fraternal Twins

Twins that develop from separate eggs and share 50% of their genes, similar to regular siblings.

Minnesota Twin Project

A study that found identical twins raised apart show surprising similarities in IQ and personality.

Adoption Studies

Research indicating that adopted children's personalities align more with their biological parents, while adoptive parents influence attitudes and values.

Heritability

The degree to which differences in traits within a group are due to genetic differences rather than environmental factors.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves that branch out from the CNS to connect it with the rest of the body.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The branch of the PNS that regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary muscle movements and conveys sensory information to the CNS.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Axon

The long, thin fiber of a neuron that carries electrical messages away from the cell body.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates the axon and speeds up electrical signals.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon when the neuron fires.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse between neurons.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotion, reward, and arousal.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and are associated with pleasure.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other bodily functions over a 24-hour period.

Sleep Cycle

The pattern of sleep stages that occurs roughly every 90 minutes throughout the night.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep characterized by increased brain activity and vivid dreams.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Feature Detectors

Specialized neurons in the visual cortex that respond to specific features of a visual stimulus.

Trichromatic Theory

The theory stating that the retina contains three types of cones sensitive to red, green, and blue light.

Frequency Theory

The theory that the rate of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve matches the frequency of sound, allowing pitch perception.