AP Psych Unit 2

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

behaviorism

the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2). IGNORED CONSCIOUSNESS!

biological psychology

a branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior.

psychoactive drugs

a chemical substance that alters perceptions and moods, or behavior

neuron

a nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.

heredity

the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

sensory neurons

neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord.

Circadian Rhythm

Biological rhythm that occurs approximately every 24 (maybe 25) hours, affected by exposure to light

motor neurons

neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands.

environment

every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us

interneurons

neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs.

dependence

state of physiological or psychological need to take more of a drug after continued use

dendrite

the bushy, branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

genes

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein

axon

the extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands.

myelin sheath

a layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons; enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses as the impulse hops from one node to the next.

Adrenal gland

either of a pair of complex endocrine glands situated near the kidney. Triggers the body's response to an emergency situation known as the "flight or fight" reaction in the nervous system.

withdrawal

the discomfort and distress that follow discontinuing the use of an addictive drug

action potential

a neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon.

identical twins

monozygotic twins, twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms

threshold

the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.

synapse

the junction between the axon tip of the sending neuron and the dendrite or cell body of the receiving neuron. The tiny gap at this junction is called the synaptic gap or synaptic cleft.

Tolerance

reduced response to a drug prompting the user to take larger doses to achieve the same pleasure as smaller doses

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons. When released by the sending neuron, they travel across the synapse and bind to receptor sites on the receiving neuron, thereby influencing whether that neuron will generate a neural impulse.

fraternal twins

dizygotic twins, twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment.

reuptake

a neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron.

depressants

drugs (such as alcohol, barbiturates, and opiates) that reduce neural activity and slow body functions

endorphins

"morphine within"—natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.

Endocrine system

The system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity, and the organs that have major functions outside the system: pancreas, gonads, hypothalamus.

nervous system

the body's speedy, electro-chemical communication network, consisting of all the nerve cells of the peripheral and central nervous systems.

central nervous system (CNS)

the brain and spinal cord.

twin studies

researchers assess hereditary influence by comparing the resemblance of identical twins and fraternal twins with respect to a trait

Stimulants

Drugs (such as caffeine, nicotine, and the more powerful amphetamines, cocaine, and Ecstasy) that excite neural activity and speed up body functions.

peripheral nervous system (PNS)

the sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body.

adoption studies

research carried out on children, adopted at birth by parents not related to them, to determine the relative influence of heredity and environment on human behavior

nerves

bundled axons that form neural "cables" connecting the central nervous system with muscles, glands, and sense organs.

DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

somatic nervous system

the division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles. Also called the skeletal nervous system.

Caffeine

a stimulant drug found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and some soft drinks

autonomic nervous system

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart). Its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms.

chromosomes

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes, we have at total of 46 of them (23 from each parent)

sympathetic nervous system

the division of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.

EEG machine

Measures the stages of sleep by detecting eye movement, muscle tension, & brain waves

parasympathetic nervous system

the division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving its energy.

molecular genetics

the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes, can identify genes linked to illnesses

reflex

a simple, automatic response to a sensory stimulus, such as the knee-jerk response.

Nicotine

stimulant found in tobacco

polarization

term used to describe resting potential

Homeostasis

The body's ablility to maintained balance in the nervous system to offset disrupting changes from the environment. (EXAMPLE: body temperature stays 98.6 when you walk outside and its 32 degrees)

depolarization

term used to describe action potential

Personality and Intelligence

mainly influenced by nature

dopamine

too much is associated with schizophrenia, too little with Parkinson's Disease

Cocaine

A stimulant drug derived from the coca plant

seratonin

too little is associated with depression

Values and beliefs

mainly influenced by nurture

acetylcholine

controls muscles, blocking it causes paralysis, Alzheimer's involves a reduction in this neurotransmitter

NREM-1

Easy to awaken from & lasts no more than 10 mins. You may experience hypnogogic sensations (sense of falling- which can lead to hypnic jerks)

charge inside of neuron at rest

negative

Amphetamines

drugs that stimulate neural activity, causing sped-up body functions and associated energy and mood changes

charge inside of a neuron at action potential

positive

ectasy

Also called MDMA, this hallucinogenic stimulant produces lowered inhibitions, pleasant feelings, and greater acceptance of others

refractory period

time period from when a neuron releases neurotransmitters until it returns to resting potential, it cannot send another message during this time

NREM-2

Last about 20 minutes; brain waves start to be more erratic. An EEG could show the presence of sleep spindles. Also, you must go into this stage for your power naps to be effective.

receptor sites

areas along the dendrites where neurotransmitters can gain access to/influence whether a neuron will reach threshold, they work like a lock and key and only certain neurotransmitters gain access

Marijuana

Leaves, stems, resin, and flowers from the hemp plant that, when smoked, lower inhibitions and produce feelings of relaxation and mild euphoria

agonist

any chemical that mimics a neurotransmitter

Hallucinogens

psychedelic ("mind-manifesting") drugs, such as LSD, that distort perceptions and evoke sensory images in the absence of sensory input

antagonist

any chemical that blocks a neurotransmitter

NREM-3

Lasts about 30 minutes. Brain waves start to really slow down (delta waves)--very rejuvenating, deep sleep. This phase gets shorter and disappears as the night wears on. Sleep walking can occur in this stage.

Lesion

tissue destruction

Dendrites

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

a powerful hallucinogenic drug; also known as acid

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

axon terminal

Pancreas

a large elongated exocrine gland located behind the stomach. It releases insulin and glucagon to break down food for energy.

CT (computed tomography) scan

a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body

REM sleep

Brain waves look like you're almost awake, but your body is paralyzed & you are dreaming very vivid and usually negative dreams. This phase grows as the night wears on. 20 to 25% of sleep is typically spent in this phase.

PET (position emission tomography) scan

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task

Effects of sleep deprivation

*Compromised immune system

*Increased cortisol levels

*Contributes to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and depression

*Impaired creativity

*Increased irritability

Information Processing Theory of Dreaming

Dreams help us sort out the day's events and consolidate our memories.

fMRI

shows blood flow and brain activity, see structures in the brain that are active

MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging)

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue, shows brain anatomy

Brain stem

automatic survival functions, consists of three different structures

Activation Synthesis Theory of Dreaming

The minds attempt to makes sense of the random neural firing...makes up a story about it.

Medulla

controls heartbeat and breathing

Hormones

Chemical messengers released to the blood by the cells of endocrine glands that regulate the metabolic activities of other cells in the body. They signal target cells to perform specific chemical reactions.

Reticular formation

a nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal and alertness

Insomnia

Recurring problems falling and/or staying asleep at night

Pons

helps coordinate movement

Sleep Apnea

You stop breathing while sleeping. Eventually, you awaken just long enough to draw a breath.

thalamus

the brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

cerebellum

sensory, movement, balance, nonverbal learning & memory (little brain)

Narcolepsy

Uncontrolled sleep attacks where you can go directly into REM sleep. Last no more than five minutes.

Night Terrors

A sleep disorder causing feelings of terror or dread; typically occurs during the first hours of deep, NREM-3 sleep. Mostly associated with children.

Limbic system

emotions and drives

Hypothalamus

controls maintenance functions such as eating; helps govern endocrine system by regulating the pituitary gland; linked to emotion and reward