This type of cell has not reached maturity, has committed themselves to a specific type, and is thought to be able to migrate into multiple types of cells.

Stem Cells

The space between two connecting neurons through which messages are transmitted chemically is known as:

Synapse

The ability of the nervous system to change is referred to as:

Plasticity

Nerves in the body that extend outside the central nervous system are called:

Peripheral Nervous System

This gland was thought to be for many years the "master gland" controlling all others. It primarily produces oxytocin, associated with feelings of love and affection.

Pituitary Gland

This gland's primary function is to produce testosterone, the male sex hormone.

Testes

Chapter 4 Quiz

The detection of physical energy by sense organs, which then send information to the brain is called:

Sensation

The perception of offense outside the known chains of sensation is known as?

Extra-Sensory

Perception below the threshold of conscious awareness is known as:

Subliminal Perception

The ability to judge distance and three-dimensional relations is known as:

Depth Perception

Principles governing how we perceive objects as wholes within their overall context is referred to as:

Gestalt Principles

The ability to attend to many sense modalities simultaneously is known as:

Parallel Processes

Pain or discomfort felt in an amputated limb is called?

Phantom Pain

The inability to see some or all colors is known as:

Color Blindness

Parts of the visual field. We can’t see because of the absence of rods and cones is called:

Blind Spot

The process of selecting one sensory channel and ignoring or minimizing others is called:

Selective Attention

A condition in which people experience cross- modal sensations is referred to as:

Synesthesia

The study of how we perceive sensory stimuli based on their physical characteristics I known as:

Psychophysics

The Brian's interpretation of raw sensory input is known as:

Perception

The process of converting an external energy of substance into electrical activity within neurons is known as:

Transduction

A specialized cell responsible for converting external stimuli into neural activity for a specific sensory system is called a(n):

Sense Receptor

Chapter 5 Quiz

These drugs cause dramatic alterations in perception, mood, and thought and can produce both visual and auditory illusions.

Hallucinogenics

Drugs that relieve pain and induce sleep are called:

Narcotics

The reduction of the effect of a drug as a result of repeated use, requiring users to consume greater quantities of the drug to achieve the same effect, is called?

Tolerance

Dependence on a drug that occurs when people continue to take to avoid withdrawal symptoms is known as:

Physical Dependence

Substances that contain chemicals similar to those found naturally in our brains alter consciousness by changing chemical processes in neurons are called?

Psychoactive Drug

A set of techniques that provides people with suggestions for alteration in their perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is known as:

Hypnosis

State of being where people are unable to move just after falling asleep or right before waking up is known as:

Sleep Paralysis

The awareness that one is dreaming while one is dreaming is known as:

Lucid Dreaming

Walking while fully asleep is called:

Sleepwalking

A medical disorder caused by blockage of the airway during sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue, is known as?

Sleep Apnea

Chapter 1 Worksheet

Psychology – The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Levels of Analysis – Different ways of examining psychological phenomena (biological, psychological, social).

Multiply Determined – Human behavior is influenced by multiple factors.

Individual Differences – Variations in behavior, emotions, and thinking among people.

Naïve Realism – The belief that we see the world exactly as it is.

Scientific Theory – A well-supported explanation for a range of observations.

Hypothesis – A testable prediction derived from a theory.

Confirmation Bias – The tendency to seek information that supports one’s beliefs.

Belief Perseverance – Holding onto beliefs despite contrary evidence.

Metaphysical Claim – A statement that cannot be tested scientifically (e.g., existence of a soul).

Pseudoscience – Claims that appear scientific but lack empirical evidence.

Scientific Skepticism – Evaluating claims with an open mind and requiring strong evidence.

Critical Thinking – Analyzing information logically and questioning assumptions.

Correlation-Causation Fallacy – Mistaking correlation for causation.

Variable – Anything that can change or vary in research.

Falsifiable – Capable of being disproven through evidence.

Replicability – The ability to duplicate research findings.

Decline Effect – The tendency for research findings to weaken over time.

Introspection – Examining one’s own thoughts and feelings.

Structuralism – Studying the structure of conscious experience through introspection.

Functionalism – Examining the purpose of thoughts and behaviors.

Natural Selection – The process where traits that enhance survival are passed on.

Behaviorism – Focus on observable behavior rather than mental processes.

Cognitive Psychology – Study of mental processes like memory, perception, and problem-solving.

Cognitive Neuroscience – The study of brain activity linked to cognition.

Psychoanalysis – Freud’s theory that unconscious drives shape behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology – Examines how evolution influences behavior and mental processes.

Basic Research – Research aimed at increasing scientific knowledge.

Applied Research – Research aimed at solving practical problems.

Chapter 2 Worksheet

Intuitive Thinking – Quick, automatic, and instinctive thought process.

Analytical Thinking – Slow, logical, and effortful problem-solving.

Naturalistic Observation – Studying behavior in its natural environment.

Case Study – In-depth analysis of an individual or small group.

External Validity – The extent to which findings apply to real-world settings.

Internal Validity – The degree to which an experiment measures what it intends to.

Existence Proof – Demonstrating that a phenomenon occurs.

Random Selection – Ensuring every individual has an equal chance of being chosen for a study.

Reliability – Consistency of a measurement or test.

Validity – The accuracy of a measurement or test.

Self-report – Participants provide information about themselves.

Response Set – A tendency to respond to questions in a biased way.

Correlation Design – A study that examines relationships between variables.

Scatterplot – A graph showing the relationship between two variables.

Illusory Correlation – Perceiving a relationship where none exists.

Correlation – A relationship between two variables.

Causation – When one variable directly affects another.

Experimental Design – A study involving controlled variables to test causation.

Experiment – A controlled study to test hypotheses and determine cause-effect relationships.

Random Assignment – Assigning participants to groups by chance.

Experimental Group – The group receiving the treatment or manipulation.

Control Group – The group that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.

Independent Variable – The variable manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable – The variable measured in response to changes.

Operational Definition – A clear, specific description of how a variable is measured.

Placebo Effect – Improvement due to expectations rather than actual treatment.

Blind – Participants are unaware of their group assignment.

Experimenter Expectancy Effect – Researcher bias influencing results.

Double-blind – Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments.

Demand Characteristics – Cues that influence participants’ behavior in a study.

Research Ethics – Guidelines ensuring safety and fairness in research.

Informed Consent – Participants agree to take part after learning study details.

Confidentiality – Protecting participants' personal information.

Beneficence – Ensuring research benefits outweigh potential harm.

Deception – Withholding full details to prevent bias but must be justified.

Debriefing – Explaining the study to participants after it concludes.

Statistics – Mathematical analysis of data.

Mean – The average of a data set.

Median – The middle value in an ordered data set.

Mode – The most frequently occurring value in a data set.

Descriptive Statistics – Summarizing and organizing data.

Central Tendency – Measures (mean, median, mode) showing data’s center.

Variability – The extent to which data points differ.

Range – The difference between the highest and lowest values.

Standard Deviation – A measure of how much values deviate from the mean.

Inferential Statistics – Methods for determining if results apply beyond the sample.

Chapter 3 Worksheet

Here are short definitions for your psychology terms:

Neuron – A nerve cell that transmits information.

Dendrite – Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon – A long fiber that transmits signals away from the neuron’s body.

Synaptic Vesicle – A sac in the axon terminal that holds neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitter – Chemical messenger that transmits signals between neurons.

Synapse – The gap where communication occurs between neurons.

Synaptic Cleft – The space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Glial Cell – Support cells that assist and protect neurons.

Myelin Sheath – Fatty coating that speeds up signal transmission in neurons.

Resting Potential – A neuron’s stable, inactive state.

Threshold – The level of stimulation needed to trigger an action potential.

Action Potential – An electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Absolute Refractory Period – A brief time when a neuron cannot fire again.

Receptor Site – A location on a neuron where neurotransmitters bind.

Reuptake – The process of neurotransmitters being reabsorbed by the neuron.

Endorphin – A neurotransmitter that reduces pain and boosts pleasure.

Plasticity – The brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself.

Neurogenesis – The creation of new neurons.

Stem Cell – Undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types.

Central Nervous System – The brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System – The nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

Cerebral Ventricles – Fluid-filled spaces in the brain that provide cushioning.

Cerebral Cortex – The outer layer of the brain responsible for thinking and perception.

Cerebrum (Forebrain) – The largest brain part, controlling higher functions.

### Figure 3.8 Brain Structures

Cerebellum – Controls balance and coordination.

Reticular Activating System – Regulates arousal and alertness.

Cerebral Cortex – Involved in complex thinking and processing.

Corpus Callosum – Connects the two brain hemispheres.

Thalamus – Relays sensory information to the brain.

Hypothalamus – Regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature.

Pituitary Gland – The "master gland" that controls hormone release.

Hippocampus – Crucial for memory formation.

Pons – Regulates sleep and connects brain regions.

Medulla – Controls vital functions like heartbeat and breathing.

Interneuron – A neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons.

Reflex – An automatic response to stimuli.

Somatic Nervous System – Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Autonomic Nervous System – Controls involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System – Activates the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System – Calms the body after stress.

Endocrine System – The body's hormone-regulating system.

Hormone – Chemical messengers in the bloodstream.

Pituitary Gland – Controls other glands and regulates growth.

Adrenal Gland – Produces stress-related hormones like adrenaline.

Chromosome – A structure carrying genetic information.

Gene – A unit of heredity containing DNA.

Genotype – A person’s genetic makeup.

Phenotype – Observable traits resulting from genes and environment.

Dominant Gene – A gene that is expressed if present.

Recessive Gene – A gene that is only expressed if inherited from both parents.

Fitness – An organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.

Evolutionary Psychology – Studies how evolution influences behavior.

Heritability – The extent to which traits are inherited.

Family Study – Examines traits in families to determine genetic influence.

Twin Study – Compares twins to assess genetic vs. environmental effects.

Adoption Study – Compares adopted children to biological and adoptive parents.

Epigenetics – The study of how environment influences gene expression.

Chapter 4 Worksheet

Sensation – The process of detecting stimuli from the environment.

Perception – The brain’s interpretation of sensory information.

Illusion – A distorted perception of reality.

Transduction – The conversion of sensory stimuli into neural signals.

Sense receptor – A specialized cell that detects sensory stimuli.

Sensory adaptation – Reduced sensitivity to constant stimuli.

Psychophysics – The study of how physical stimuli relate to perception.

Absolute threshold – The minimum stimulus needed to be detected 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND) – The smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected.

Weber’s Law – The principle that JND is a constant proportion of the original stimulus.

Signal detection theory – Explains how we detect signals amid background noise.

Synesthesia – A condition where senses blend (e.g., seeing sounds).

Selective attention – Focusing on one stimulus while ignoring others.

Inattentional blindness – Failing to notice stimuli when attention is elsewhere.

Pupil – The opening in the eye that controls light intake.

Cornea – The clear outer layer of the eye that focuses light.

Lens – The structure that adjusts focus onto the retina.

Accommodation – The lens changing shape to focus on objects.

Retina – The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye.

Fovea – The central part of the retina with sharp vision.

Acuity – The clarity or sharpness of vision.

Rods – Retinal cells that detect dim light and motion.

Dark adaptation – The process of adjusting to low light.

Cones – Retinal cells responsible for color vision.

Optic nerve – The nerve that transmits visual information to the brain.

Blind Spot – The area where the optic nerve leaves the eye, lacking receptors.

Feature detector cell – A neuron that responds to specific visual features.

Trichromatic Theory – The idea that color vision is based on three cone types (red, green, blue).

Color Blindness – A deficiency in perceiving certain colors.

Opponent Process Theory – The idea that color is perceived in opposing pairs (red-green, blue-yellow).

Proprioception – The sense of body position and movement.

Vestibular Sense – The sense of balance and spatial orientation.

Semicircular canals – Inner ear structures that detect head movement.

Parallel Processing – Processing multiple aspects of a stimulus at once.

Bottom-up processing – Perception driven by raw sensory input.

Top-down processing – Perception influenced by expectations and prior knowledge.

Perceptual set – A tendency to perceive stimuli in a certain way.

Perceptual constancy – Recognizing objects as unchanging despite variations in appearance.

Depth Perception – The ability to judge distance and three-dimensional space.

Monocular Depth Cues – Depth cues requiring only one eye (e.g., size, shadow).

Binocular Depth Cues – Depth cues requiring both eyes (e.g., retinal disparity).

Extrasensory Perception (ESP) – The claimed ability to perceive beyond normal senses.

Chapter 5 Worksheet

Circadian Rhythm- Cyclical changes that occur on a roughly 24-hour basis in many biological processes

Biological clock- area of the hypothalamus that’s responsible for controlling our levels of alertness

REM- the stage of sleep during which the brain is most active and during which vivid dreaming most often occurs. This sleep is denoted by Rapid Eye Movement

Non-REM sleep- stages 1- 4 where no Rapid Movement of the Eyes occur

Lucid Dreaming- Being aware that you are dreaming

Manifest content- What appears in the dream

Latent content- What the Manifest content means

Activation Synthesis Theory- Dreams reflect the brain’s attempt to make sense of random and internally generated neural signals during REM sleep

Dream Continuity- Continuity between sleeping and waking experiences and dreams mirror life circumstances

Mystical Experience- Feelings of unity or oneness with the world, often with strong spiritual overtones

Psychoactive Drug: Substance that contains chemicals similar to those found naturally in our brains that alter consciousness by changing chemical processes in neurons

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