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Flashcards in this deck (11)
  • What is the nature-nurture issue focused on?

    The role of education in development

    The impact of culture on evolution

    The influence of genetics and environment on behavior

    The effects of peer pressure

    psychology development
  • What is natural selection?

    The process by which favorable traits are passed on

    The selection of mates for reproduction

    A theory disproved by evolution

    The intentional breeding of organisms

    biology evolution
  • What does behavioral genetics study?

    The evolution of genetic traits

    The effects of environmental factors on behavior

    The psychological impact of genetics

    The interaction between genetics and behavior

    psychology genetics
  • What is mutation?

    A change in the DNA sequence

    An inherited behavior

    A process of natural selection

    A type of genetic disorder

    genetics evolution
  • What comprises the central nervous system (CNS)?

    Nerves and muscles

    Brain and spinal cord

    Sensory organs

    Brain and heart

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is the function of the somatic nervous system?

    Processes sensory information

    Coordinates reflex actions

    Regulates involuntary functions

    Controls voluntary movements

    anatomy nervous_system
  • What is synapse?

    The junction between two neurons

    A bundle of nerves

    A part of the brain

    A type of neurotransmitter

    neuroscience anatomy
  • What is the role of neurotransmitters?

    Protect neurons from damage

    Store genetic information

    Initiate action potentials

    Transmit signals across synapses

    neuroscience biology
  • What is the significance of the limbic system?

    Regulates emotions and memory

    Controls voluntary movement

    Coordinates muscle activity

    Processes sensory information

    anatomy psychology
  • What does REM stand for in REM sleep?

    Rapid Eye Movement

    Relaxed Eye Movement

    Regular Eye Movement

    Restful Eye Movement

    sleep psychology
  • What is the function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus?

    Regulates circadian rhythms

    Manages sensory processing

    Coordinates voluntary muscle movement

    Controls hormonal release

    anatomy sleep
Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture

The nature-nurture debate explores the impact of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on human development.

Key Concepts: - Natural Selection: Process by which traits increase survival. - Evolutionary Psychology: Study of the mind through evolutionary theory. - Behavior Genetics: Exploration of genetic influences on behavior. - Heredity: Transmission of genetic characteristics.

Key Terms: - Genes: Units of heredity. - Genome: Complete set of genes in an organism. - Epigenetics: Study of changes in gene expression not involving alterations to the DNA sequence.

The Nervous System

The nervous system consists of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

CNS: - Brain and Spinal Cord.

PNS: - Sensory Neurons (Afferent): Carry signals to the CNS. - Motor Neurons (Efferent): Carry signals from the CNS. - Interneurons: Connect neurons within the CNS.

Subdivisions: - Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements. - Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic).

Neurons and Synapses

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system.

Structure: - Cell Body: Contains the nucleus. - Dendrites: Receive signals. - Axon: Transmits signals away from the cell body. - Myelin Sheath: Insulates the axon for faster transmission.

Key Processes: - Action Potential: Electrical signal that travels down the axon. - Synapse: Junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse.

Key Terms: - Reuptake: Process of neurotransmitter reabsorption. - Endorphins: Neurotransmitters associated with pain relief and pleasure. - Agonist: Substance that activates a receptor. - Antagonist: Substance that blocks a receptor.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system regulates physiological processes through hormones.

Key Aspects: - Hormones: Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream. - Psychoactive Drugs: Substances that affect brain function and behavior. - Substance Use Disorder: Condition characterized by an inability to control use of a substance.

Brain Structure

The brain consists of multiple areas with distinct functions.

Main Sections: - Forebrain: Includes the cerebral cortex. - Midbrain: Controls auditory and visual processing. - Hindbrain: Manages vital functions (medulla, cerebellum).

Key Areas: - Limbic System: Involved in emotions and memory. - Cerebral Cortex: Responsible for higher mental processes (frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes).

Sleep and Consciousness

Sleep is essential for physical and mental health.

Sleep Stages: - REM Sleep: Associated with dreaming. - NREM Sleep: Deep sleep stages. - Circadian Rhythm: Regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Disorders: - Insomnia: Difficulty in sleeping. - Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks.

Key Theorists

Several key figures have shaped our understanding of psychology and behavior.

Notable Individuals: - Sigmund Freud: Pioneer in dream analysis. - Roger Sperry: Research on split-brain phenomena. - Michael Gazzaniga: Furthered understanding of brain functionality.