GLOSSARY Flashcards
accuracy
how close a measure relates to the ‘true’ value of the quantity being measured
acronym
a pronounceable word formed from the first letters of a group of words
acrostic
in relation to a mnemonic, making verbal associations for items to be remembered by constructing a sentence, phrase or other composition using the first letters of the information to be remembered
activity scheduling
see behaviour activation
acutre stress
stress that lasts for a relatively short time
adaptive behaviour
any behaviour that enables the individual to adjust to the environment appropriately and effectively; compare with maladaptive behaviour
adrenaline
a hormone secreted during stress; also called epinephrine
Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder
a circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterised by a shift of the major sleep episode to an earlier time compared to desired or conventional sleep times, resulting in sleep onset and awakening much earlier than desired and excessive sleepiness; see also circadian rhythm sleep disorder; compare with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
afferent pathway
a neural pathway that carries information towards the brain or spinal cord (e.g. sensory information); compare with efferent pathway
agonist
a chemical agent (e.g. drug) that stimulates neurotransmitter activity; compare with antagonist
aim
a statement outlining the purpose of the investigation
alarm reaction
the first stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome in which the body goes into a temporary state of shock, then rebounds (counter shock), following initial awareness of a stressor
alpha brain wave pattern
associated with a relaxed, calm, internally focussed wakeful state of consciousness, especially if eyes are closed
altered state of consciousness
any state of consciousness that is distinctly different from normal waking consciousness or any waking state in terms of level of awareness and experience; compare with normal waking consciousness
Alzheimer’s disease
a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by gradual widespread degeneration of brain neurons, progressively causing memory decline, deterioration of cognitive and social skills, and personality changes
amygdala
a small structure in the medial temporal lobe, deep within the brain and part of the limbic system; involved in emotional reactions (particularly fear and anger) and formation of a wide variety of emotional memories
anecdote
an informal verbal report of an event that has been casually observed
antagonist
a chemical agent (e.g. drug) that inhibits neurotransmitter activity; compare with agonist
antecedent stimulus
an object or event that precedes a specific behaviour and signals the probable consequence for the behaviour and therefore influences the occurrence of the behaviour
anticipatory anxiety
in relation to specific phobia, worry or apprehension about the possibility of being exposed to a phobic stimulus in the future
