Scientific Foundations of Psychology
Psychology was first defined as...
The science of mental life.
Neurons
Nerve cells which are the basic building block of the nervous system.
Behavior genetics
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
Developmental psychology
A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.
Bipolar disorder
A disorder in which a person alternates between the hopelessness and lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania. (Formerly called manic depressive disorder)
3 key elements of scientific inquiry
curiosity, skepticism, humility
Three neurotransmitters which control mood functioning
Dopamine, Endorphins, Serotonin
Heredity
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
Nature Vs Nurture
How our genetic inheritance (our nature) interacts with our experiences (Our nurture) to influence our development.
3 types of anxiety disorders
Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias.
Introspection
Process of looking inward in an attempt to directly observe one's own psychological process-unreliable because it varied from person to person.
Axon
Neuron extensions that pass messages through its branches to other neurons, muscles, or glands.
Epigenetics
The study of environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change-environments can trigger or block genetic expression.
Age-related emotional differences
Teenagers experience more intense but brief emotions whereas older adults experience less intense but enduring emotions.
3 types of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge eating disorder
Empiricism
Idea which states that knowledge comes from experience and that observation and experimentation enable scientific knowledge. Developed by John Locke.
Threshold
The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse.
Monozygotic
Identical twins
The telomeres (tips) of chromosomes wear down. This leads to aging cells dying and not being replaced.
Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs)
Acquired (not lifelong) disorders marked by cognitive deficits; often related to Alzheimer's disease, brain injury or disease, or substance abuse.
Behaviorism
The view that psychology (1) should be an objective science (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not (2).
Glial cells
Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons; also play a role in learning, thinking, and memory.
Dizygotic
Fraternal twins
Cross-sectional studies
Somatic Symptom Disorder
A psychological disorder in which symptoms take a bodily form without an apparent physical cause.