What is Psychology
This term describes psychology’s focus on both observable actions and internal mental processes.
What are behavior and mental processes?
This type of research method involves watching behavior in natural settings without interference.
What is naturalistic observation?
This term refers to segments of DNA that code for specific traits.
What are genes?
This part of the neuron receives incoming signals.
What are dendrites?
Protected by the skull and vertebrae, this two-part system serves as the command center for the human body.
What is the Central Nervous System
This perspective emphasizes how behavior is shaped by consequences, rewards, and learning.
What is the behavioral perspective?
This term describes a sample where every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
What is a random sample?
This concept describes how environmental factors can turn genes “on” or “off” without changing DNA itself.
What is epigenetics?
This chemical messenger crosses the synapse to transmit signals between neurons.
What is a neurotransmitter?
This system activates the “fight or flight” response.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This type of psychologist studies how people think, solve problems, and remember information.
What is a cognitive psychologist?
This variable is measured in an experiment to see whether it changes in response to manipulation.
What is the dependent variable?
This term describes the statistical estimate of how much variation in a trait within a population can be attributed to genetic differences.
What is heritability?
This neurotransmitter is associated with reward, motivation, and movement.
What is dopamine?
This brain region helps coordinate movement and balance.
What is the cerebellum?
This concept refers to the idea that psychological science relies on systematic observation and evidence rather than intuition or personal belief.
What is empiricism?
This problem occurs when a factor other than the independent variable influences the outcome of an experiment.
What is a confounding variable?
This phenomenon explains why identical twins raised apart can still show striking similarities.
What is genetic influence?
This brain structure is responsible for forming new memories.
What is the hippocampus?
This term describes the brain’s ability to change and reorganize after injury or experience.
What is neuroplasticity?
This term describes the tendency to believe you “knew it all along” after learning the outcome of an event.
What is hindsight bias?
This term describes the ability of a study to be repeated with similar results, strengthening scientific confidence.
What is replication?
A child inherits a genetic predisposition for musical ability, but only develops exceptional skill after years of practice and exposure. This illustrates what principle?
What is the interaction of nature and nurture?
This process occurs when neurotransmitters are absorbed back into the presynaptic neuron after signaling, helping regulate the amount available in the synapse.
What is reuptake?
This structure acts as the brain’s sensory relay station, directing incoming information to the appropriate cortex.
What is the thalamus?