Phycology

Question 1

Absolute refractory period

Answer 1

A brief period toward the end of neural stimulation during which the nerve cannot be restimulated

Question 2

Absolute threshold

Answer 2

The lowest level of intensity of a stimulus at which its presence or absence can be correctly detected 50 percent of the time.

Question 3

Accommodation

Answer 3

In Piaget’s system, the adaptive modification of the child’s cognitive structures in order to deal with new objects or experiences.

Question 4

ACTH(adrenocorticotrophic hormone)

Answer 4

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in response to stress, causing the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosterone.

Question 5

Action potential

Answer 5

The nerve impulse; the change in electrical potential along a nerve fiber that constitute the nerve impulse as it travels through the axon.

Question 6

Adrenaline (epinephrine)

Answer 6

A substance produced by the adrenal gland which is related to increase in general arousal.

Question 7

Afferent nerves

Answer 7

Nerves carried by the dorsal root which relays sensory impulses to the central nerves system; sometimes used synonymously with sensory nerves.

Question 8

Algorithm

Answer 8

A method for attacking a problem which is assured of success; often involves repetitive operations which survey the possibilities at each step.

Question 9

All-or-non law

Answer 9

The principle that the axon of a neuron fires either with full strength or not at all to a stimulus, regardless of its intensity, provides the stimulus is at least at the threshold value.

Question 10

Amygdala

Answer 10

A part of the limbic system, the system where emotion is organized,it is located between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and becomes active whenever we encounter anything new or unexpected.

Question 11

Androgens

Answer 11

Substances associated with male sex hormone activity in vertebrates, produced mainly by the tests and to a small extent by ovaries and the adrenal cortex.

Question 12

Aphasia

Answer 12

Loss or impairment of the ability to express or receive linguistic communications, resulting from cerebral damage to the parietotemporal cortex.

Question 13

Assimilation

Answer 13

In Piaget’s theory, the taking in of new information. Assimilation ultimately results in the accommodation of a schematic to the new information.

Question 14

Associationism

Answer 14

In psychophysics and cognition the theoretical approach that complex ideas are the result of associations between simple elements. In learning theories synonymous with the S-R connection.

Question 15

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Answer 15

The peripheral nervous system that controls the function of the many glands and smooth muscle organs. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Question 16

Axon

Answer 16

The elongated part of a nerve cell body which carries the nerve impulse away from the cell body toward another nerve fiber or neural structure.

Question 17

Babinski reflex

Answer 17

A reflex presented in newborn children, but disappearing later in life.

Question 18

Behavior modification

Answer 18

The application of scientifically derived principles to the control of human behavior. Both classical and operant conditioning my be employed.

Question 19

Behaviorism

Answer 19

A system of psychology, founded by John B. Watson, which studies observable, measurable stimuli and responses only, without reference to consciousness or mental constructs, which the system argues have no real utility. The objective is to predict the response evoked by certain stimuli.

Question 20

Binocular disparity

Answer 20

The minor difference between the two retinal images when viewing a solid object. Important in depth perception.