AP Psych Test

Question 1

Nature vs Nurture

Answer 1

The debate on how genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) influence behavior and development

Question 2

Genetic predisposition

Answer 2

inherited traits that make an individual more likely to develop certain behaviors or disorders

Question 3

Evolutionary perspective

Answer 3

certain behaviors and processes have benefited humans and those humans have been able to survive and reproduce and spread that trait

Question 4

Eugenics

Answer 4

the controversial study of improving the genetic quality of the human population, often associated with unethical practices

Question 5

Natural selection

Answer 5

individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and pass it onto offspring

Question 6

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 6

brain and spinal cord

Question 7

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 7

connects the CNS to the rest of the body

Question 8

Somatic nervous systems

Answer 8

Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS.

Question 9

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 9

Regulates involuntary bodily functions; divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 10

Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System

Answer 10

The sympathetic prepares the body for “fight or flight,” while the parasympathetic conserves energy and promotes “rest and digestion.”

Question 11

Glial cells

Answer 11

cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; they may also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory.

Question 12

Neurons

Answer 12

a nerve cell; basic building block of the nervous system

Question 13

Reflex Arc

Answer 13

pathway for a body’s reflex. Moves from sensory neurons to spinal chord

Question 14

Sensory neurons

Answer 14

carry signals from the spinal cord to the CNS

Question 15

Motor neurons

Answer 15

transmit signals from CNS to muscles or glands

Question 16

Interneurons

Answer 16

connect messages from the CNS to the PNS

Question 17

All-or-nothing principle

Answer 17

Neurons either fire completely or not at all, depending on reaching a certain threshold.

Question 18

Selective Permeability

Answer 18

The ability of the neuron’s membrane to allow certain ions to pass while blocking others.

Question 19

Action Potential

Answer 19

A rapid change in electrical charge that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Question 20

Depolarization

Answer 20

(+30-40 mV). Neuron is overly positive and going through an action potential

Question 21

Refractory Period

Answer 21

Hyperpolarization. -90 mV, Neuron goes more negative than it was at resting. Period where neurons can’t fire again after just firing.

Question 22

Resting Potential

Answer 22

The state of a neuron when it is not actively firing, typically around -70 mV.

Question 23

Reuptake

Answer 23

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.

Question 24

Firing Threshold

Answer 24

-55 mV, dendrites pick up the positive ions. When action potential begins, gates open.

Question 25

Dopamine

Answer 25

Stimulates reward center. Excitatory and Inhibitory

Question 26

Serotonin

Answer 26

Moods, emotional states, hunger, sleep regulation, and wakefulness (arousal). Inhibitory

Question 27

Norepinephrine/epinephrine

Answer 27

Flight/fight response, mood, learning & memory retrieval. Excitatory

Question 28

GABA

Answer 28

Brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Offset excitatory messages and regulates sleep-wake cycles

Question 29

Endorphins

Answer 29

Involved in pain perception and positive emotions. Inhibitory

Question 30

Glutamate

Answer 30

Helps messages cross the synapse more efficiently. Memory, learning, movement.

Question 31

Acetylcholine

Answer 31

Muscle contraction, general intellectual functioning (memory, learning)

Question 32

Adrenaline

Answer 32

Involved in the fight-or-flight response, increases heart rate, blood flow, and energy production.

Question 33

Leptin

Answer 33

Inhibits hunger and reduces food intake

Question 34

Ghrelin

Answer 34

Stimulates appetite and increases food intake

Question 35

Melatonin

Answer 35

regulates sleep-wake cycles and helps signal the body to prepare for sleep.

Question 36

Oxytocin

Answer 36

involved in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth; promotes trust and empathy.

Question 37

Agonist

Answer 37

enhances or mimics the action of a neurotransmitter or hormone, leading to an increased effect.

Question 38

Antagonist

Answer 38

blocks or reduces the action of a neurotransmitter or hormone, leading to a decreased effect.

Question 39

Reuptake inhibitors

Answer 39

prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron, increasing their availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 40

Depressants

Answer 40

Reduce neural activity and slow body functions; can impair judgment and coordination. Ex. alcohol

Question 41

Stimulants

Answer 41

Increase alertness, attention, and energy by enhancing neurotransmitter activity. Ex. cocaine, caffeine

Question 42

Opioids

Answer 42

Mimic endorphins to provide pain relief and induce euphoria; high potential for addiction. Depress neural activity Ex. heroine

Question 43

Hallucinogens

Answer 43

Distort perception and evoke sensory images without any actual sensory input. Ex. marijuana, through THC

Question 44

Barbiturates

Answer 44

Neural system depressants. Induce sleep and relieve anxiety

Question 45

Myasthenia Gravis

Answer 45

Autoimmune disease that impacts muscles. Causes weakness and rapid fatigue of any muscles under voluntary control. This is due to antibodies produced so ACH can’t bind to receptors

Question 46

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 46

Autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Causes damage to the myelin sheath, leading to disrupted communication between the brain and body. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, muscle weakness, and vision problems