Topic 1.1

Question 1

Neurons

Answer 1

Brain cells that relay messages within and between brain areas, and from the brain to the rest of the body (and back).

Question 2

Glial cells

Answer 2

Cells that play a supporting and protective role within the brain.

Question 3

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 3

An area of neuroscience that is concerned with cognitive (thinking) functions and the processing within the brain that supports these.

Question 4

neuroanatomy

Answer 4

An area of neuroscience that is concerned with the structure and organisation of the brain.

Question 5

fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner

Answer 5

which provides detailed information about brain activity

Question 6

neurogenetics,

Answer 6

which is an area of neuroscience devoted to the study of the genetics underpinning the nervous system.

Question 7

translational research

Answer 7

When research being conducted in a laboratory setting can be carried across to have a clinical impact.

Question 8

Mental states

Answer 8

A term used in cognitive psychology to refer to mental activities including thinking, believing and feeling.

Question 9

psychodynamic approach to the mind

Answer 9

infers that the mind is created from a dynamic interaction between the id, ego and superego.

Question 10

behaviourism

Answer 10

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).

Question 11

conditioned reflex or conditioned response.

Answer 11

When the dogs salivated in response to the previously unconnected stimulus

Question 12

operant (or instrumental) conditioning

Answer 12

a learning process where behaviours are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences.

Question 13

cognitive psychology perspective

Answer 13

An area within psychology that focuses on the mind and the scientific investigation of mental processes.

Question 14

evolutionary approach

Answer 14

A scientific view that argues that humans and other organisms are a product of biological evolution

Question 15

Plasticity

Answer 15

The ability of the brain to adapt and change as a result of experience.

Question 16

concept of adaptation

Answer 16

Plasticity, the idea that biological systems can change in response to the environment.

Question 17

Phenotypic plasticity

Answer 17

Changes in response to the environment that occur during the lifespan of an individual organism which might, for example, affect behaviour.

Question 18

medicalised approach

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

psychopharmacology

Answer 19

focuses on how substances such as drugs affect the brain and mind

Question 20

Experimental psychology

Answer 20

is a branch of psychology devoted to linking the mind and behaviour by rigorously applying the experimental scientific method.

Question 21

biopsychosocial model (BPS model)

Answer 21

it proposes that biological, psychological and social factors are all important in health and that they interact with each other.

Question 22

reductionism

Answer 22

A level of analysis that narrows the focus from large to small scale.