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GRE Psychology Subject Exam > GRE Psychology CH 1-3 > Flashcards

GRE Psychology CH 1-3 Flashcards

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1
Q

Adaptations

A

physical characteristics, skills, and abilities

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2
Q

Behavior

A

wide variety of actions that occur in al organisms

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3
Q

Behaviorism

A

a psychological approach that emphasizes the role of environmental forces in producing behavior

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4
Q

Cognitive neuroscience

A

the study of the neural mechanisms that underlie thought, learning, and memory

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5
Q

Cognitive psychology

A

the study of how people think, learn, and remember

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6
Q

Critical thinking

A

a systematic way of evaluating info to reach reasonable conclusions

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7
Q

Culture

A

the beliefs, values, rules, norms, and customs existing within a group of people who share a common language and environment

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8
Q

Evolutionary theory

A

organisms change over time due to the inheritance of favorable genetic adaptations which are then passed to offspring

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9
Q

Functionalism

A

theory that mind came into existence over the course of human evolution and works as it does to help humans adapt to environmental demands

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10
Q

Gestalt theory

A

the whole of personal experience is different from the sum of its parts, proposed by Wertheimer and Kohler

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11
Q

Introspection

A

a systematic examination of subjective mental experiences that requires people to inspect and report on the content of their thoughts; first used by Wundt

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12
Q

Mind

A

mental activity, result of neurons and associated chemical reactions (senses, memories, thoughts, feelings)

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13
Q

Mind/body problem

A

Are the mind and body separate and distinct, or is the mind simply the physical brain’s subjective experience?

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14
Q

Natural selection

A

the process by which organisms’ random mutations that are adaptive are passed along and random mutations that hinder survival are not

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15
Q

Nature/nurture debate

A

influence each other in shaping brain, mind, and behavior

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16
Q

Psychoanalysis

A

a method developed by Freud that attempts to bring the contents of the unconscious to conscious awareness so that conflicts can be revealed

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17
Q

Psychological science

A

the study of mind, brain, and behavior

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18
Q

Social psychology

A

the study of group dynamics in relation to psychological processes

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19
Q

Stream of consciousness

A

idea that mind consists of an ever-changing, continuous serious of thoughts, proposed by James

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20
Q

Structuralism

A

school of thought that is based on idea that conscious experience can be studied when broken down into its underlying components, est. by Titchener

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21
Q

Unconscious

A

the mental processes that operate below the level of conscious awareness

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22
Q

Accuracy

A

the extent to which an experimental measure is free from error

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23
Q

Brain imaging

A

a range of experimental techniques that make brain structures and brain activity visible

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24
Q

Case study

A

special type of observational/descriptive study that involves intensive examination of one person or a few individuals (clinical case studies) or one or a few organizations (organizational case studies)

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25
Q

Central tendency

A

a measure that represents the typical behavior of the group as a whole

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26
Q

Confound

A

anything that affects a dependent variable and may unintentionally vary between the experimental conditions of a study

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27
Q

Control group

A

the participants in the study that receive no intervention or n intervention different from the one being studied

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28
Q

Correlational study

A

a research method that examines how variables are naturally related in the real world, without any attempt by the researcher to alter them

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29
Q

Cross-sectional studies

A

research deign that compares different groups of make inferences about both

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30
Q

Culturally sensitive research

A

studies that take into account the ways culture affects thoughts, feelings, and actions

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31
Q

Data

A

objective observations or measurements

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32
Q

Dependent variable

A

in an experiment, the measure that is affected by manipulation of the independent variable

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33
Q

Descriptive statistics

A

overall summary of data

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34
Q

Descriptive studies

A

involve observing and noting behavior to analyze it objectively

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35
Q

Directionality problem

A

when researchers find a relationship between two variables in the correlational study, they cannot determine which variable may have caused changes in the other variable

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36
Q

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A

a device that measures electrical activity in the brain

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37
Q

Experiment

A

a study that tests causal hypotheses by measuring and manipulating variables

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38
Q

Experimental group

A

the participants in a study that receive the intervention

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39
Q

Experimenter expectancy effect

A

actual change in the behavior of the people or animals being observed that is due to observer bias

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40
Q

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

A

an imaging technique used to examine changes in the activity of the working human brain

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41
Q

Hypothesis

A

a specific prediction of what should be observed in the world if a theory is correct

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42
Q

Independent variable

A

in an experiment, the condition that is manipulated by the experimenter to examine its impact on the dependent variable

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43
Q

Inferential statistics

A

Mathematical methods that employ probability theory for deducing (inferring) the properties of a population from the analysis of the properties of a data sample drawn from it. It is concerned also with the precision and reliability of the inferences it helps to draw.

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44
Q

Institutional review boards (ERBs)

A

groups of people responsible for reviewing proposed research to ensure that it meets the accepted standards of science and provides for the physical and emotional well-being of research participants

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45
Q

Longitudinal studies

A

involve observing and classifying developmental changes that occur in the same people over time

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46
Q

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A

a method of brain imaging that produces high-quality images of the brain

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47
Q

Mean

A

a measure of central tendency that is the arithmetic average of a set of numbers

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48
Q

Median

A

a measure of central tendency that is the value in a set of numbers that falls exactly halfway between the lowest and highest values

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49
Q

Meta-analysis

A

a “study of studies” that combines the findings of multiple studies to arrive at a conclusion

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50
Q

Mode

A

a measure of central tendency that is the most frequent score or value in a set

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51
Q

Naturalistic observation

A

a passive descriptive study in which observers do not change or alter ongoing behavior

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52
Q

Observational technique

A

a research method of careful and systematic assessment and coding of overt behavior

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53
Q

Observer bias

A

systematic errors in observation that occur because of an observer’s expectations

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54
Q

Participant observation

A

a type of descriptive study in which the researcher is actively involved in the situation

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55
Q

Population

A

everyone in the group the experimenter is interested in

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56
Q

Positron emission tomography (PET)

A

a method of brain imaging that assesses metabolic activity by using a radioactive substance injected into the bloodstream

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57
Q

Random assignment

A

the procedure for placing research participants into the conditions of an experiment in which each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any level of the independent variable

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58
Q

Reactivity

A

when the knowledge that one is being observed alters the behavior being observed

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59
Q

Reliability

A

the extent to which a measure is stable and consistent over time in similar conditions

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60
Q

Replication

A

repetition of an experiment to confirm the results

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61
Q

Research

A

scientific process that involves the systematic and careful collection of data

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62
Q

Response performance

A

a research method in which researchers quantify perceptual or cognitive processes in response to a specific stimulus

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63
Q

Sample

A

a subset of a population

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64
Q

Scatterplot

A

graph that illustrates the relationship between two variables

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65
Q

Scientific method

A

a systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why

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66
Q

Selection bias

A

when participants in different groups in an experiment differ systematically

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67
Q

Self-report method

A

a method of data collection in which people are asked to provide information about themselves, such as in questionnaires or surveys

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68
Q

Standard deviation

A

a statistical measure of how far away each value is, on average, from the mean

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69
Q

Theory

A

a model of interconnected ideas and concepts that explains what is observed and makes predictions about future events

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70
Q

Third variable problem

A

when the experimenter cannot directly manipulate the independent variable and therefore cannot be confident that another, unmeasured variable is not the actual cause of differences in the dependent variable

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71
Q

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A

the use of strong magnets to briefly interrupt normal brain activity as a way to study brain regions

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72
Q

Validity

A

the extent to which the data collected addresses the research hypothesis in the way intended

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73
Q

Variability

A

in a set of numbers, how widely dispersed the values are from each other and from the mean

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74
Q

Variable

A

something in the world that can be measured and that can vary

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75
Q

Acetylcholine (Ach)

A

the neurotransmitter responsible for motor control at the junction between nerves and muscles; also involved in mental processes such as learning, memory, sleeping, and dreaming

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76
Q

Action potential

A

the neural impulse that passes along the axon and subsequently causes the release of chemicals from the terminal buttons

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77
Q

Agonists

A

any drug that enhances the actions of a specific neurotransmitter

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78
Q

All-or-none principle

A

the principle whereby a neuron fires with the same potency each time, although frequency can vary; it either fires or not

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79
Q

Amygdala

A

a brain structure that serves a vital role in our learning to associate things with emotional responses and in processing emotional information

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80
Q

Antagonists

A

any drug that inhibits the action of a specific neurotransmitter

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81
Q

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

A

a major component of PNS; regulates body’s internal environ. by stimulating glands and maintaining internal organs

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82
Q

Axon

A

a long narrow outgrowth of a neuron by which info is transmitted to other neurons

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83
Q

Basal ganglia

A

a system of subcortical structures that are important for the initiation of planned movement

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84
Q

Brainstem

A

a section of the bottom of the brain, housing the most basic programs of survival, such as breathing, swallowing, vomiting, urination, and orgasm

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85
Q

Broca’s area

A

the left frontal region of the brain, crucial for the production of language

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86
Q

Cell body

A

in the neuron, where info from thousands of other neurons is collected and processed

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87
Q

Central nervous system (CNS)

A

the brain and spinal cord

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88
Q

Cerebellum

A

a large, convoluted protuberance at the back of the brainstem, essential for coordinated movement and balance

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89
Q

Cerebral cortex

A

the outer layer of brain tissue, which forms the convoluted surface of the brain

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90
Q

Chromosomes

A

structures within the cell body that are made up of genes

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91
Q

Dentrites

A

branchlike extensions of the neuron that detect information from other neurons

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92
Q

Dizygotic twins

A

twin siblings who result from two separately fertilized eggs

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93
Q

Dominant gene

A

a gene that is expressed in the offspring whenever it is present

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94
Q

Dopamine

A

a monoamine neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control

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95
Q

Endocrine system

A

a communication system that uses hormones to influence thoughts, behaviors, and actions

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96
Q

Endorphins

A

a neurotransmitter involved in natural pain reduction and reward

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97
Q

Epinephrine

A

the neurotransmitter responsible for adrenaline rushes, bursts of energy caused by its release throughout the body

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98
Q

Frontal lobes

A

the region at the front of the cerebral cortex concerned with planning and movement

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99
Q

GABA

A

the primary inhibitory transmitter in the nervous system

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100
Q

Gene

A

the unit of heredity that determines a particular characteristic in an organism

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101
Q

Genotype

A

the genetic constitution determined at the moment of conception

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102
Q

Glutamate

A

the primary excitatory transmitter in the nervous system

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103
Q

Gonads

A

the main endocrine glands involved in sexual behavior

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104
Q

Heritability

A

a statistical estimate of the variation, caused by differences in heredity, in a trait within a population

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105
Q

Hippocampus

A

a brain structure important for the formation of certain types of memory

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106
Q

Hormones

A

chemical substances, typically released from endocrine glands, that travel through the bloodstream to targeted tissues, which are subsequently influenced by the hormones

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107
Q

Hypothalamus

A

a small brain structure that is vital for temperature regulation, emotion, sexual behavior, and motivation

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108
Q

Interneurons

A

one of the three types of neurons, these neurons communicate only with other neurons, typically within a specific brain region

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109
Q

Monozygotic twins

A

twin siblings who result from one zygote splitting in two and therefore share the same genes

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110
Q

Motor neurons

A

one of the three types of neurons, these efferent neurons direct muscles to contract or relax, thereby producing movement

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111
Q

Myelin sheath

A

a fatty material, made up of glial cells, that insulates the axon and allows for the rapid movement of electrical impulses along the axon

112
Q

Neuron

A

the basic unit of the nervous system; it operates through electrical impulses, which communicate with other neurons through chemical signals; they receive, integrate, and transmit info in the nervous sys.

113
Q

Neurotransmitter

A

a chemical substance that carries signals from one neuron to another

114
Q

Nodes of Ranvier

A

small gaps of exposed axon, between the segments of myelin sheath, where action potentials are transmitted

115
Q

Norepinephrine

A

the neurotransmitter involved in states of arousal and awareness

116
Q

Occipital lobe

A

a region of the cerebral cortex, at the back of the brain, important for vision

117
Q

Parasympathetic division of ANS

A

a division of the ANS; it returns the body to resting state

118
Q

Parietal lobe

A

a region of the cerebral cortex, in front of the occipital lobes and behind the frontal lobes, important for the sense of touch and of the spatial layout of an environment

119
Q

Parkinson’s disease

A

a neurological disorder that seems to be caused by dopamine depletion, marked by muscular rigidity, tremors, and difficulty initiating voluntary action

120
Q

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

A

all nerve cells in the body that are not part of the CNS; somatic and autonomic

121
Q

Phenotype

A

observable physical characteristics that result from both genetic and environmental influences

122
Q

Pituitary gland

A

located at the base of the hypothalamus; the gland that sends hormonal signals controlling the release of hormones from endocrine glands

123
Q

Plasticity

A

a property of the brain that allows it to change as a result of experience, drugs, or injury

124
Q

Prefrontal cortex

A

a region of the frontal lobes, especially prominent in humans, important for attention, working memory, decision making, appropriate social behavior, and personality

125
Q

Receptors

A

in neurons, specialized protein molecules, on the postsynaptic membrane, that neurotransmitters bind to after passing across the synaptic cleft

126
Q

Recessive gene

A

a gene that is expressed only when it is matched with a similar gene from the other parent

127
Q

Resting membrane potential

A

the electrical charge of a neuron when it is inactive

128
Q

Reuptake

A

the process whereby a neurotrasmitter is taken back into the presynaptic terminal buttons, thereby stopping its activity

129
Q

Sensory neurons

A

one of the three types of neurons, these afferent neurons detect information from the physical world and pass that info along to the brain

130
Q

Serotonin

A

a monoamine neurotransmitter important for a wide range of psychological activity, including emotional states, impulse control, and dreaming

131
Q

Somatic nervous system

A

a major component of the peripheral nervous system; transmits sensory signals to the CNS via nerves

132
Q

Substance P

A

a neurotransmitter involved in pain reception

133
Q

Sympathetic division of ANS

A

a division of the ANS; prepares the body for action

134
Q

Synapse, or synaptic cleft

A

the site for chemical communication between neurons, which contains extracellular fluid

135
Q

Synethesia

A

neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway

136
Q

Temporal lobes

A

the lower region of the cerebral cortex, important for processing auditory info and memory

137
Q

Terminal buttons

A

small nodules, at the ends of axons, that release chemical signals from the neuron to the synapse

138
Q

Thalamus

A

the gateway to the brain; it receives almost all incoming sensory info before that info reaches the cortex

139
Q

physical characteristics, skills, and abilities

A

Adaptations

140
Q

wide variety of actions that occur in al organisms

A

Behavior

141
Q

a psychological approach that emphasizes the role of environmental forces in producing behavior

A

Behaviorism

142
Q

the study of the neural mechanisms that underlie thought, learning, and memory

A

Cognitive neuroscience

143
Q

the study of how people think, learn, and remember

A

Cognitive psychology

144
Q

a systematic way of evaluating info to reach reasonable conclusions

A

Critical thinking

145
Q

the beliefs, values, rules, norms, and customs existing within a group of people who share a common language and environment

A

Culture

146
Q

organisms change over time due to the inheritance of favorable genetic adaptations which are then passed to offspring

A

Evolutionary theory

147
Q

theory that mind came into existence over the course of human evolution and works as it does to help humans adapt to environmental demands

A

Functionalism

148
Q

the whole of personal experience is different from the sum of its parts, proposed by Wertheimer and Kohler

A

Gestalt theory

149
Q

a systematic examination of subjective mental experiences that requires people to inspect and report on the content of their thoughts; first used by Wundt

A

Introspection

150
Q

mental activity, result of neurons and associated chemical reactions (senses, memories, thoughts, feelings)

A

Mind

151
Q

Are the mind and body separate and distinct, or is the mind simply the physical brain’s subjective experience?

A

Mind/body problem

152
Q

the process by which organisms’ random mutations that are adaptive are passed along and random mutations that hinder survival are not

A

Natural selection

153
Q

influence each other in shaping brain, mind, and behavior

A

Nature/nurture debate

154
Q

a method developed by Freud that attempts to bring the contents of the unconscious to conscious awareness so that conflicts can be revealed

A

Psychoanalysis

155
Q

the study of mind, brain, and behavior

A

Psychological science

156
Q

the study of group dynamics in relation to psychological processes

A

Social psychology

157
Q

idea that mind consists of an ever-changing, continuous serious of thoughts, proposed by James

A

Stream of consciousness

158
Q

school of thought that is based on idea that conscious experience can be studied when broken down into its underlying components, est. by Titchener

A

Structuralism

159
Q

the mental processes that operate below the level of conscious awareness

A

Unconscious

160
Q

the extent to which an experimental measure is free from error

A

Accuracy

161
Q

a range of experimental techniques that make brain structures and brain activity visible

A

Brain imaging

162
Q

special type of observational/descriptive study that involves intensive examination of one person or a few individuals (clinical case studies) or one or a few organizations (organizational case studies)

A

Case study

163
Q

a measure that represents the typical behavior of the group as a whole

A

Central tendency

164
Q

anything that affects a dependent variable and may unintentionally vary between the experimental conditions of a study

A

Confound

165
Q

the participants in the study that receive no intervention or n intervention different from the one being studied

A

Control group

166
Q

a research method that examines how variables are naturally related in the real world, without any attempt by the researcher to alter them

A

Correlational study

167
Q

research deign that compares different groups of make inferences about both

A

Cross-sectional studies

168
Q

studies that take into account the ways culture affects thoughts, feelings, and actions

A

Culturally sensitive research

169
Q

objective observations or measurements

A

Data

170
Q

in an experiment, the measure that is affected by manipulation of the independent variable

A

Dependent variable

171
Q

overall summary of data

A

Descriptive statistics

172
Q

involve observing and noting behavior to analyze it objectively

A

Descriptive studies

173
Q

when researchers find a relationship between two variables in the correlational study, they cannot determine which variable may have caused changes in the other variable

A

Directionality problem

174
Q

a device that measures electrical activity in the brain

A

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

175
Q

a study that tests causal hypotheses by measuring and manipulating variables

A

Experiment

176
Q

the participants in a study that receive the intervention

A

Experimental group

177
Q

actual change in the behavior of the people or animals being observed that is due to observer bias

A

Experimenter expectancy effect

178
Q

an imaging technique used to examine changes in the activity of the working human brain

A

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

179
Q

a specific prediction of what should be observed in the world if a theory is correct

A

Hypothesis

180
Q

in an experiment, the condition that is manipulated by the experimenter to examine its impact on the dependent variable

A

Independent variable

181
Q

Mathematical methods that employ probability theory for deducing (inferring) the properties of a population from the analysis of the properties of a data sample drawn from it. It is concerned also with the precision and reliability of the inferences it helps to draw.

A

Inferential statistics

182
Q

groups of people responsible for reviewing proposed research to ensure that it meets the accepted standards of science and provides for the physical and emotional well-being of research participants

A

Institutional review boards (ERBs)

183
Q

involve observing and classifying developmental changes that occur in the same people over time

A

Longitudinal studies

184
Q

a method of brain imaging that produces high-quality images of the brain

A

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

185
Q

a measure of central tendency that is the arithmetic average of a set of numbers

A

Mean

186
Q

a measure of central tendency that is the value in a set of numbers that falls exactly halfway between the lowest and highest values

A

Median

187
Q

a “study of studies” that combines the findings of multiple studies to arrive at a conclusion

A

Meta-analysis

188
Q

a measure of central tendency that is the most frequent score or value in a set

A

Mode

189
Q

a passive descriptive study in which observers do not change or alter ongoing behavior

A

Naturalistic observation

190
Q

a research method of careful and systematic assessment and coding of overt behavior

A

Observational technique

191
Q

systematic errors in observation that occur because of an observer’s expectations

A

Observer bias

192
Q

a type of descriptive study in which the researcher is actively involved in the situation

A

Participant observation

193
Q

everyone in the group the experimenter is interested in

A

Population

194
Q

a method of brain imaging that assesses metabolic activity by using a radioactive substance injected into the bloodstream

A

Positron emission tomography (PET)

195
Q

the procedure for placing research participants into the conditions of an experiment in which each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any level of the independent variable

A

Random assignment

196
Q

when the knowledge that one is being observed alters the behavior being observed

A

Reactivity

197
Q

the extent to which a measure is stable and consistent over time in similar conditions

A

Reliability

198
Q

repetition of an experiment to confirm the results

A

Replication

199
Q

scientific process that involves the systematic and careful collection of data

A

Research

200
Q

a research method in which researchers quantify perceptual or cognitive processes in response to a specific stimulus

A

Response performance

201
Q

a subset of a population

A

Sample

202
Q

graph that illustrates the relationship between two variables

A

Scatterplot

203
Q

a systematic procedure of observing and measuring phenomena to answer questions about what happens, when it happens, what causes it, and why

A

Scientific method

204
Q

when participants in different groups in an experiment differ systematically

A

Selection bias

205
Q

a method of data collection in which people are asked to provide information about themselves, such as in questionnaires or surveys

A

Self-report method

206
Q

a statistical measure of how far away each value is, on average, from the mean

A

Standard deviation

207
Q

a model of interconnected ideas and concepts that explains what is observed and makes predictions about future events

A

Theory

208
Q

when the experimenter cannot directly manipulate the independent variable and therefore cannot be confident that another, unmeasured variable is not the actual cause of differences in the dependent variable

A

Third variable problem

209
Q

the use of strong magnets to briefly interrupt normal brain activity as a way to study brain regions

A

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

210
Q

the extent to which the data collected addresses the research hypothesis in the way intended

A

Validity

211
Q

in a set of numbers, how widely dispersed the values are from each other and from the mean

A

Variability

212
Q

something in the world that can be measured and that can vary

A

Variable

213
Q

the neurotransmitter responsible for motor control at the junction between nerves and muscles; also involved in mental processes such as learning, memory, sleeping, and dreaming

A

Acetylcholine (Ach)

214
Q

the neural impulse that passes along the axon and subsequently causes the release of chemicals from the terminal buttons

A

Action potential

215
Q

any drug that enhances the actions of a specific neurotransmitter

A

Agonists

216
Q

the principle whereby a neuron fires with the same potency each time, although frequency can vary; it either fires or not

A

All-or-none principle

217
Q

a brain structure that serves a vital role in our learning to associate things with emotional responses and in processing emotional information

A

Amygdala

218
Q

any drug that inhibits the action of a specific neurotransmitter

A

Antagonists

219
Q

a major component of PNS; regulates body’s internal environ. by stimulating glands and maintaining internal organs

A

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

220
Q

a long narrow outgrowth of a neuron by which info is transmitted to other neurons

A

Axon

221
Q

a system of subcortical structures that are important for the initiation of planned movement

A

Basal ganglia

222
Q

a section of the bottom of the brain, housing the most basic programs of survival, such as breathing, swallowing, vomiting, urination, and orgasm

A

Brainstem

223
Q

the left frontal region of the brain, crucial for the production of language

A

Broca’s area

224
Q

in the neuron, where info from thousands of other neurons is collected and processed

A

Cell body

225
Q

the brain and spinal cord

A

Central nervous system (CNS)

226
Q

a large, convoluted protuberance at the back of the brainstem, essential for coordinated movement and balance

A

Cerebellum

227
Q

the outer layer of brain tissue, which forms the convoluted surface of the brain

A

Cerebral cortex

228
Q

structures within the cell body that are made up of genes

A

Chromosomes

229
Q

branchlike extensions of the neuron that detect information from other neurons

A

Dentrites

230
Q

twin siblings who result from two separately fertilized eggs

A

Dizygotic twins

231
Q

a gene that is expressed in the offspring whenever it is present

A

Dominant gene

232
Q

a monoamine neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control

A

Dopamine

233
Q

a communication system that uses hormones to influence thoughts, behaviors, and actions

A

Endocrine system

234
Q

a neurotransmitter involved in natural pain reduction and reward

A

Endorphins

235
Q

the neurotransmitter responsible for adrenaline rushes, bursts of energy caused by its release throughout the body

A

Epinephrine

236
Q

the region at the front of the cerebral cortex concerned with planning and movement

A

Frontal lobes

237
Q

the primary inhibitory transmitter in the nervous system

A

GABA

238
Q

the unit of heredity that determines a particular characteristic in an organism

A

Gene

239
Q

the genetic constitution determined at the moment of conception

A

Genotype

240
Q

the primary excitatory transmitter in the nervous system

A

Glutamate

241
Q

the main endocrine glands involved in sexual behavior

A

Gonads

242
Q

a statistical estimate of the variation, caused by differences in heredity, in a trait within a population

A

Heritability

243
Q

a brain structure important for the formation of certain types of memory

A

Hippocampus

244
Q

chemical substances, typically released from endocrine glands, that travel through the bloodstream to targeted tissues, which are subsequently influenced by the hormones

A

Hormones

245
Q

a small brain structure that is vital for temperature regulation, emotion, sexual behavior, and motivation

A

Hypothalamus

246
Q

one of the three types of neurons, these neurons communicate only with other neurons, typically within a specific brain region

A

Interneurons

247
Q

twin siblings who result from one zygote splitting in two and therefore share the same genes

A

Monozygotic twins

248
Q

one of the three types of neurons, these efferent neurons direct muscles to contract or relax, thereby producing movement

A

Motor neurons

249
Q

a fatty material, made up of glial cells, that insulates the axon and allows for the rapid movement of electrical impulses along the axon

A

Myelin sheath

250
Q

the basic unit of the nervous system; it operates through electrical impulses, which communicate with other neurons through chemical signals; they receive, integrate, and transmit info in the nervous sys.

A

Neuron

251
Q

a chemical substance that carries signals from one neuron to another

A

Neurotransmitter

252
Q

small gaps of exposed axon, between the segments of myelin sheath, where action potentials are transmitted

A

Nodes of Ranvier

253
Q

the neurotransmitter involved in states of arousal and awareness

A

Norepinephrine

254
Q

a region of the cerebral cortex, at the back of the brain, important for vision

A

Occipital lobe

255
Q

a division of the ANS; it returns the body to resting state

A

Parasympathetic division of ANS

256
Q

a region of the cerebral cortex, in front of the occipital lobes and behind the frontal lobes, important for the sense of touch and of the spatial layout of an environment

A

Parietal lobe

257
Q

a neurological disorder that seems to be caused by dopamine depletion, marked by muscular rigidity, tremors, and difficulty initiating voluntary action

A

Parkinson’s disease

258
Q

all nerve cells in the body that are not part of the CNS; somatic and autonomic

A

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

259
Q

observable physical characteristics that result from both genetic and environmental influences

A

Phenotype

260
Q

located at the base of the hypothalamus; the gland that sends hormonal signals controlling the release of hormones from endocrine glands

A

Pituitary gland

261
Q

a property of the brain that allows it to change as a result of experience, drugs, or injury

A

Plasticity

262
Q

a region of the frontal lobes, especially prominent in humans, important for attention, working memory, decision making, appropriate social behavior, and personality

A

Prefrontal cortex

263
Q

in neurons, specialized protein molecules, on the postsynaptic membrane, that neurotransmitters bind to after passing across the synaptic cleft

A

Receptors

264
Q

a gene that is expressed only when it is matched with a similar gene from the other parent

A

Recessive gene

265
Q

the electrical charge of a neuron when it is inactive

A

Resting membrane potential

266
Q

the process whereby a neurotrasmitter is taken back into the presynaptic terminal buttons, thereby stopping its activity

A

Reuptake

267
Q

one of the three types of neurons, these afferent neurons detect information from the physical world and pass that info along to the brain

A

Sensory neurons

268
Q

a monoamine neurotransmitter important for a wide range of psychological activity, including emotional states, impulse control, and dreaming

A

Serotonin

269
Q

a major component of the peripheral nervous system; transmits sensory signals to the CNS via nerves

A

Somatic nervous system

270
Q

a neurotransmitter involved in pain reception

A

Substance P

271
Q

a division of the ANS; prepares the body for action

A

Sympathetic division of ANS

272
Q

the site for chemical communication between neurons, which contains extracellular fluid

A

Synapse, or synaptic cleft

273
Q

neurological condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway

A

Synethesia

274
Q

the lower region of the cerebral cortex, important for processing auditory info and memory

A

Temporal lobes

275
Q

small nodules, at the ends of axons, that release chemical signals from the neuron to the synapse

A

Terminal buttons

276
Q

the gateway to the brain; it receives almost all incoming sensory info before that info reaches the cortex

A

Thalamus

GRE Psychology Subject Exam (5 decks)

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