🧠 AP Psychology Ultimate Guide (copy)

Broca's Area

Part of the left frontal lobe connected to the loss of the ability to speak, known as expressive aphasia.

Wernicke's Area

Located in the left temporal lobe, destruction leads to loss of the ability to comprehend written and spoken language, known as receptive aphasia.

Lesion

Precise destruction of brain tissue for systematic study of loss of function.

Brain Lateralization

The concept that the left and right hemispheres of the brain specialize in different functions.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT)

Technique that creates a computerized image of the brain using X-rays for assessing lesions.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Amplified tracing of brain activity produced by electrodes placed on the scalp.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Produces color graphics showing metabolic activity in brain regions.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Shows brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels.

Central Nervous System

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system, lying outside the central nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions including heart rate and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates the fight-or-flight response in stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body post-stress, restoring normal functions.

Neurogenesis

The growth of new neurons throughout life.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals stored in synaptic vesicles that facilitate communication between neurons.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with motivation, reward, and motor control.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, emotions, and sleep.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces neuronal excitability.

Agonist

A substance that mimics a neurotransmitter and produces similar effects.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or dampens the action of a neurotransmitter.

Action Potential

The rapid change in electrical potential across a neuron's membrane when it is sufficiently stimulated.

Reflex Arc

The neural pathway that mediates a reflex action.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Cognitive Bias

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Nature-Nurture Controversy

Debate on the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to behavior.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals in a population that is due to genetic causes.

Phenotype

The expressed traits of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Psychological State

Emotional and motivational factors that influence perception.

Visual Perceptual Processes

How we interpret and organize visual stimuli.

Cognitive Development

The process by which individuals learn, think, and understand.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships.

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

A theory comprising eight stages of development characterized by specific conflicts.

Behavior Modification

The use of operant conditioning techniques to encourage desirable behaviors.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

When a belief leads to behavior that causes the belief to come true.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when attitudes and behaviors are inconsistent.

Mind-Body Connection

The relationship between an individual's thoughts, emotions, and physical state.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

The study of how psychological factors can affect the immune system and overall health.

Positive Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on enhancing well-being and happiness.