Biological Approach ERQ (beginning to evolutionary)

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience, encompassing processes such as dendritic branching and pruning.

Hippocampus

A brain region critical for the formation of new memories and involved in spatial navigation.

Voxel-based morphometry (VBM)

A neuroimaging analysis technique that allows investigation of focal gray matter volume differences in brain images.

Cognitive map

A mental representation of spatial relationships and environments, which can be formed by experiences.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting enhancement in signal transmission between two neurons that results from stimulating them simultaneously.

Retrograde amnesia

The inability to recall memories formed before a specific event, such as surgery.

Anterograde amnesia

The inability to form new memories after a specific event, such as surgery.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory, which plays a role in the consolidation of memories.

Dendritic branching

The process in which neurons grow new connections; associated with learning and memory.

Neural pruning

The process by which unused neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated, enhancing the efficiency of the brain.

Method triangulation

The use of multiple research methods to study a phenomenon, enhancing the validity of findings.

Placebo group

A control group in an experiment that receives a sham treatment rather than the active treatment.

Ecological validity

The extent to which findings from a study can be generalized to real-world settings.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, influencing traits and behaviors.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released by an individual that affect the behavior of others, often related to mating or territorial behaviors.

Evolutionary psychology

The study of how evolutionary principles influence human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.