Brain and Behaviour
The theory that certain areas of the brain are responsible for certain psychological functions
Localization of function
A chemical messenger system of the organism; the system of glands that secrete hormones
Endocrine system
the genetic constitution of an individual organism
genotype
examines and measures specific structures and density of tissues in the brain through an automated procedure
voxel-based morphometry (VBM)
The ability of the brain to change in response to environmental demands
Neuroplasticity
A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland; it is known for its role in social interaction and sexual reproduction
Oxytocin
a set of traits that actually manifest in an individual's body, appearance or behaviour
Phenotype
produces a 3 dimensional image showing the structure of the brain through the use of magnetic fields and radio frequency waves that interact with hydrogen atoms
a part of the limbic system, known to be implicated in emotional regulation and long-term memory
Hippocampus
a chemical messenger that communicates information (such as fertility or sexual attractiveness) from one member of a species to another
Pheremone
the gene that acts as a predictor of antisocial behavior (as per caspi et al)
MAOA
shows actual brain activity and indicates which areas of the brain are most active and engaged in a behavior or cognitive process
fMRI
a class of chemicals that act by preventing reuptake of excess serotonin in the synapse, hence increasing its concentration in the synaptic gap
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
the hormone related to the formation of flashbulb memories
adrenaline
the key mechanism of evolution; differential survival of individuals based on the extent to which they are adapted to the environment
Natural selection
observes metabolic processes in the brain using a gamma ray detector. Injected with a radioactive tracer compound. Allows participants to perform psychological tasks while researchers observe activity
PET scan
a neurotransmitter that facilitates spatial memory formation and recall (ie. encoding of new information)
acetylcholine
___ acts as a pheromone as it alerts potential mates to the compatibility between their immune systems (ie. the more different they are, the better)
MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)
the gene that is a predictor of depression (as per caspi et al)
5-HTT
structural neuroimaging, showcasing multiple images of the brain which can be combined together. Low resolution, but can show major structural problems