Topic 1.1 Flashcards
Neurons
Brain cells that relay messages within and between brain areas, and from the brain to the rest of the body (and back).
Glial cells
Cells that play a supporting and protective role within the brain.
cognitive neuroscience
An area of neuroscience that is concerned with cognitive (thinking) functions and the processing within the brain that supports these.
neuroanatomy
An area of neuroscience that is concerned with the structure and organisation of the brain.
fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner
which provides detailed information about brain activity
neurogenetics,
which is an area of neuroscience devoted to the study of the genetics underpinning the nervous system.
translational research
When research being conducted in a laboratory setting can be carried across to have a clinical impact.
Mental states
A term used in cognitive psychology to refer to mental activities including thinking, believing and feeling.
psychodynamic approach to the mind
infers that the mind is created from a dynamic interaction between the id, ego and superego.
behaviourism
An approach in psychology that is concerned with observable behaviours rather than the concept of the mind (it does not take into account thoughts and feelings).
conditioned reflex or conditioned response.
When the dogs salivated in response to the previously unconnected stimulus
operant (or instrumental) conditioning
a learning process where behaviours are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences.
cognitive psychology perspective
An area within psychology that focuses on the mind and the scientific investigation of mental processes.
evolutionary approach
A scientific view that argues that humans and other organisms are a product of biological evolution
Plasticity
The ability of the brain to adapt and change as a result of experience.
concept of adaptation
Plasticity, the idea that biological systems can change in response to the environment.
Phenotypic plasticity
Changes in response to the environment that occur during the lifespan of an individual organism which might, for example, affect behaviour.
medicalised approach
An approach to understanding mental health that suggests that mental health is the same as/an extension to physical health and therefore requires medical treatment.
psychopharmacology
focuses on how substances such as drugs affect the brain and mind
Experimental psychology
is a branch of psychology devoted to linking the mind and behaviour by rigorously applying the experimental scientific method.
biopsychosocial model (BPS model)
it proposes that biological, psychological and social factors are all important in health and that they interact with each other.
reductionism
A level of analysis that narrows the focus from large to small scale.
