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u1 psych vocab
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| nature | inherent biological and genetic factors that influence an individual's psychological development, traits, behaviors, and cognitive abilities. |
| nurture | environmental influences and experiences that shape an individual's psychological development, behaviors, and cognitive processes. |
| Evolutionary Perspective | the study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time to enhance survival and reproductive success. |
| Natural Selection | the process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to future generations. |
| Eugenics | belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and decrease undesirable ones. |
| Twin studies | Examines similarities and differences between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to assess the relative influence of genetics and environment on traits and behaviors. |
| family studies | Analyzes similarities and differences among family members, including parents and siblings, to understand the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping traits and behaviors within a family unit. |
| adoption studies | Investigates similarities between adopted children and their biological and adoptive families to assess the impact of genetics versus environment on various traits and behaviors. |
| Central Nervous System | brain and spinal cord. It serves as the command center of the body, responsible for processing information, coordinating responses, and regulating bodily functions. |
| Peripheral Nervous System | all the nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. It serves as a communication network, transmitting sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS). |
| Autonomic nervous system | involuntary bodily functions, It operates automatically, without conscious control. |
| Somatic Nervous System | voluntary movements and relaying sensory information from the body to the central nervous system. |
| Neural Systems | |
| Glial Cells | support cells" of the nervous system, provide structural support, insulation, and nourishment to neurons. |
| Spinal Cord Reflex | a fast, automatic, unlearned response to a stimulus that is processed directly in the spinal cord without waiting for input from the brain |
| Reflex Arc | rapid, automatic responses to sensory stimuli without conscious thought (primitive reflexes). |
| Sensory Neurons | specialized nerve cells that transmit sensory information from sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, muscles, and organs, to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). |
| Motor Neurons | transmit signals from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to muscles, glands, and organs, initiating and controlling voluntary and involuntary movements. |
| Interneurons | connectors within the central nervous system, relaying signals between sensory neurons and motor neurons. |
| All or nothing principle | once a neuron reaches its threshold of excitation, it will fire an action potential at full strength. |
| depolarization | phase of action potential where the inside of the neuron becomes less negative compared to the outside due to the influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium ions, through ion channels in the cell membrane. |
| refractory period | brief period following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to generate another action potential. |
| resting potential | stable, negative electrical charge that exists across the cell membrane of a neuron when it is not actively transmitting signals. |
| reuptake | neurotransmitters that have been released into the synapse are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron from which they were originally released. |
| threshold | level of stimulation required to trigger an action potential in a neuron. It is the minimum amount of stimulation necessary to produce a response. |
| Multiple Sclerosis | immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath; chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy the receptors for acetylcholine; chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular junction, where nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. |
| Brain Stem | oldest and most primitive part of the brain, responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep-wake cycles. |
| Medulla | base of the brainstem, regulating essential autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. |
| Reticular Activating System | a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a critical role in regulating arousal, attention, and consciousness. |
| Cerebellum | ack of the brain, below the cerebral hemispheres, responsible for coordinating movement, balance, and posture. |
| Cerebral Cortex | outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, including thinking, perceiving, and decision-making. |
| Limbic System | located beneath the cerebral cortex, is a set of brain structures involved in emotions, memory, and motivation. |
| Thalamus | relay station in the brain that processes and relays sensory information, such as sight, sound, touch, and taste, to the cerebral cortex. |
| Hypothalamus | mall but powerful structure located below the thalamus, responsible for regulating various essential bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the sleep-wake cycle. |
| Pituitary Gland | small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, often referred to as the "master gland" due to its central role in regulating hormone production and secretion throughout the body. |
| hippocampus | curved structure located within the brain's temporal lobes, primarily responsible for forming and consolidating new memories. |
| Amygdala | mall, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain's temporal lobes, involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression. |
| Corpus Callosum | hick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and information sharing between the two hemispheres. |
| Occipital Lobe | ack of the brain and is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes. |
| Temporal Lobe | ides of the brain and are involved in processing auditory information, language comprehension, and memory formation. |
| Parietal Lobe | top of the brain and are primarily responsible for processing sensory information from the body, such as touch, temperature, and spatial awareness. |
| Somatosensory Cortex | region of the brain located in the parietal lobe, responsible for processing sensations from the skin, muscles, and joints. |
| Frontal Lobe | igher-level cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and personality expression. |
| Motor Cortex | ocated in the frontal lobe, responsible for planning, executing, and controlling voluntary movements of the body. |
| Split Brain Research | studies individuals who have undergone a surgical procedure called corpus callosotomy, which disconnects the two hemispheres of the brain. |
| Epilepsy | a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal, sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain |
| Broca’s Areas | located in the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the frontal lobe, that is responsible for speech production and language processing. |
| Werenickes | region located in the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the temporal lobe, that is involved in language comprehension and understanding spoken and written language. |
| Aphasia | language disorder |
| Contralateral Hemispheric Organization | phenomenon where each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. |
| Brain Plasticity | brain's ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life in response to experiences, learning, and environmental changes. |
| EEG | non-invasive neuroimaging technique used to record the electrical activity of the brain. |
| fMRI | neuroimaging technique used to measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen levels. |
| Lesioning | research technique used to study brain function by intentionally damaging or destroying specific areas of the brain in experimental animals. |
| Dopamine | neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, reward, motivation, and movement. |
| Serotonin | neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and stress. |
| Norepinephrine | neurotransmitter that functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It is involved in the body's "fight or flight" response, regulating arousal, attention, and stress. |
| Glutamate | primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, playing a key role in synaptic transmission and neuronal communication. It is involved in various brain functions, including learning, memory, and neural plasticity. |
| GABA | primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. |
| Endorphins | neurotransmitters produced by the brain and central nervous system that act as natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. |
| Substance P | eurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain signals in the nervous system. |
| Acetylcholine | neurotransmitter that plays a fundamental role in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. It is involved in various functions, including muscle contraction, memory, and learning. |
| excitatory messages | chemicals released by neurons that increase the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron. |
| Inhibitory Messages | chemicals released by neurons that decrease the likelihood of an action potential occurring in the postsynaptic neuron. |
| Adrenaline | hormone produced primarily by the adrenal gland and helps prepare the body for action. |
| Leptin | regulates energy balance and appetite. It acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. |
| Ghrelin | hormone produced primarily by the stomach and small intestine that stimulates appetite and promotes hunger. |
| Melatonin | regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms in the body. |
| Oxytocin | hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a key role in social bonding. |
| Agonists | activate- a drug increases the effect of a neurotransmitter |
| Antagonist | a drug decreases the effect of a neurotransmitter |
| Stimulants | Caffeine and Cocaine |
| Depressants | Alcohol |
| Hallucinogen | LSD |
| Opioids | Heroin |
| Psychoactive Drugs | ubstances that alter brain function, leading to changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. |
| Consciousness | tate of being aware of and able to perceive one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings. |
| Circadian Rhythm | natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. |
| Jet Lag | A temporary disruption of the body's circadian rhythm due to rapid travel across multiple time zones. It can result in fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating as the body adjusts to the new time zone. |
| Shift Work | Employment schedules that require working outside of typical daytime hours, often disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm. It can lead to sleep disturbances |
| EEG Waves Sleep Stages | |
| NREM | |
| Hypnagogic Sensation | |
| Paradoxical Sleep | |
| REM Deprivation | |
| REM Rebound | phenomenon where the body increases the time spent in REM sleep after a period of REM deprivation. |
| Consolidation Theory | dreams play a role in the memory consolidation and processing of memories. During sleep, the brain organizes and integrates information acquired throughout the day, |
| Activation-Synthesis | dreams are the result of random neural activity in the brainstem during REM sleep, which is then interpreted and synthesized by the cerebral cortex into a narrative or story. |
| Effects of sleep deprivation | |
| narcolepsy | sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden episodes of muscle weakness |
| REM sleep behavior disorder | sleep disorder where individuals physically act out their dreams during REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or others due to loss of muscle paralysis. |
| somnambulism | sleepwalking |
| Sensation | process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive and represent stimulus energies from our environment. |
| Absolute Threshold | minimum amount of stimulation required for a stimulus to be detected by a sensory system |
| Just-Noticeable Difference | smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected by an individual. It's the minimal difference needed for a person to perceive that a change has occurred. |
| Sensory Adaptation | process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to constant stimuli over time. |
| Synesthesia | condition in which stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in another sensory pathway. |
| Sensory interaction | one sense can influence another, such as when smell affects taste |
| Retina | where photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) convert light into electrical signals that can be processed by the brain. |
| Transduction | conversion of sensory stimuli into neural impulses that can be understood by the brain. |
| Blind Spot | Area on the retina where the optic nerve exits the eye, lacking photoreceptor cells. It's a spot where vision is absent, as there are no light-sensitive cells to detect visual stimuli. |
| Lens ( | Transparent structure in the eye that focuses light onto the retina. It adjusts its shape to help the eye properly refract light, enabling clear vision at different distances. |
| Rods | more sensitive to light and are used for night vision, but they do not detect color |
| Cones | responsible for color vision and are sensitive to red, green, and blue light. |
| Fovea | . Cones are most densely concentrated in the central part of the retina |
| Ganglion cells | Neurons in the retina that receive visual information from bipolar cells and transmit it to the brain via the optic nerve. |
| Nearsightedness | A common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. |
| Farsightedness | A vision condition where distant objects are seen more clearly than close ones. It happens when the eyeball is too short or the cornea is too flat, causing light to focus behind the retina rather than directly on it. |
| Trichromatic Theory | A theory proposing that color vision is based on three types of cone receptors, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light (red, green, and blue). The brain combines signals from these cones to create the perception of a wide range of colors. |
| Opponent-Process Theory | A theory proposing that color vision is based on pairs of opposing color processes (red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white). |
| Afterimage Effect | visual sensations that persist after a stimulus is removed. They occur due to temporary overstimulation of cone cells in the retina, resulting in a brief perception of an inverted or complementary image. |
| Prosopagnosia | A neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize familiar faces, including one's own face, despite intact vision and intellect. It's often referred to as face blindness. |
| Blindsight | A phenomenon where individuals with damage to their visual cortex can respond to visual stimuli without consciously perceiving them. It suggests that some visual processing can occur unconsciously, bypassing traditional pathways in the brain. |
| Wavelengths | The distance between sound wave peaks. Shorter wavelengths mean higher-pitched sounds, while longer wavelengths mean lower-pitched sounds. |
| Amplitude | The measure of the intensity or loudness of a sound wave, represented by the height of its peaks. Greater amplitude corresponds to louder sounds, while lower amplitude indicates softer sounds. |
| place theory | different parts of the inner ear detect different sound frequencies. High pitches are sensed near the entrance, low pitches near the end. |
| volley theory | theory of pitch perception proposing that groups of auditory neurons fire in rapid succession, or "volleys", to encode the frequency of sounds above 1000 Hz. This allows the brain to perceive pitches that exceed the firing rate of individual neurons. |
| frequency theory | frequency of a sound wave directly corresponds to the rate at which auditory nerve fibers fire. Higher frequency sounds lead to faster firing rates, resulting in higher perceived pitches. |
| Sound Localization | brain's ability to determine the location of a sound source in space. It relies on cues such as differences in arrival time and intensity between the ears, as well as spectral cues, to accurately locate sounds. |
| Conduction Hearing Loss | Hearing impairment caused by problems with the outer or middle ear, such as damage to the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear bones. It typically results in difficulty hearing soft sounds and can often be treated medically or surgically (temporary). |
| Sensorineural Deafness | Hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It results in difficulty hearing soft sounds and understanding speech, and is often permanent. Common causes include aging, exposure to loud noise, and certain medical conditions. |
| Olfaction | Responsible for smell. Special receptors in the nose detect smells and send signals to the brain via the olfactory nerve. The thalamus helps process this information, allowing us to identify different odors. |
| Pheromones | Chemical substances released by animals, including humans, that trigger social or behavioral responses in others of the same species. They play a role in communication, mating, and territorial marking. |
| Gustation & 6 Tastes | Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami & Olegustus |
| Gate Control Theory | theory proposing that the experience of pain is modulated by a neural "gate" in the spinal cord. This gate can open to allow pain signals to be transmitted to the brain or close to block them. |
| Phantom Limb Sensations | Sensation of pain or other feelings in a missing limb. It occurs due to the brain's continued perception of the limb, even though it's no longer there. |
| Vestibular sense | sense of body orientation and movement, including balance and spatial awareness. It relies on receptors in the inner ear that detect changes in head position and movement, helping to maintain stability and coordinate bodily movements. |
| Semicircular Canals | Fluid-filled structures in the inner ear that detect rotational movements of the head-crucial role in vestibular sense |
| Kinesthesis | sense of body movement and position, including the awareness of muscle and joint sensations. It allows us to perceive and control our body's movements, |
| (Weber’s Law) | perceived difference in a stimulus must be proportional to the original intensity of the stimulus |
| Accommodation) | The process by which the lens of the eye changes its shape to focus on objects at different distances. It allows for clear vision of both nearby and distant objects by adjusting the curvature of the lens. |
| Dichromatism | color vision deficiency where an individual has only two types of functioning cone cells instead of the normal three. This condition typically results in difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, especially reds and greens. |
| monochromatism | rare form of color blindness where an individual has only one type of functioning cone cell, or none at all. This results in the inability to perceive colors, seeing the world in shades of gray. |
Created by:
arianacontreras