AP Psych Unit 1

Evolutionary Perspective

Psychological approach explaining behavior and mental processes in terms of survival and reproduction over generations.

Eugenics

Discredited movement aimed at improving human genetic quality through selective breeding.

Natural Selection

Process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common over generations.

Twin Studies

Research comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins to examine genetic vs. environmental influences.

Behavior Genetics

Study of how genes and environment interact to influence behavior.

Dizygotic Twins

Twins from two separate eggs and sperm; share ~50% of their genes; fraternal twins.

Environment

External factors and experiences that influence development, like upbringing, culture, and life events.

Epigenetics

Study of how environmental factors can turn genes on/off without changing DNA sequence.

Genetics

Study of heredity and how traits are passed from parents to offspring via DNA.

Heredity

Biological transmission of traits from parents to children.

Monozygotic Twins

Twins from a single fertilized egg; genetically identical; identical twins.

Autonomic Nervous System

Branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates activity.

Parasympathetic Nervous System:

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body, conserving energy and promoting “rest and digest.”

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord; connects CNS to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Branch of the peripheral nervous system controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Branch of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body for “fight or flight” responses.

Axon

Long fiber of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body to other neurons or muscles.

Cell Body

Part of a neuron containing the nucleus; integrates signals and maintains cell health.

Dendrites

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

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system that nourish, protect, and aid neurons.

Interneuron

Neurons that connect sensory and motor neurons; primarily found in the CNS.

Motor Neuron

Neurons that carry instructions from the CNS to muscles or glands.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty covering around axons that speeds neural transmission.

Neuron

Nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals.

Reflex Arc

Simple neural pathway that controls reflexive actions without involving the brain.

Sensory Neuron

Neurons that carry incoming information from sensory receptors to the CNS

Synapse

Junction between neurons where neurotransmitters pass messages from one neuron to another.