Chapter 1
What is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes?
Psychology
What are the basic building blocks of the nervous system?
Neurons
What does “nature” refer to in psychology?
Genetic inheritance and biology
What is the study of physical, cognitive, and social changes across the lifespan?
Developmental psychology
Which perspective in psychology focuses on biological processes underlying behavior?
Neuroscience/biological perspective
Who is considered the father of psychology and founded the first lab?
Wilhelm Wundt
What part of the neuron sends messages to other neurons?
Axon
What does “nurture” refer to?
Environmental influences and experience
Who proposed the stages of cognitive development?
Jean Piaget
Which part of the brain is linked to emotion, especially fear and aggression?
Amygdala
Which school of thought focuses on the purpose of consciousness and behavior?
Functionalism
What chemical messengers cross the synaptic gap between neurons?
Neurotransmitters
What is the study of how genes and environment influence behavior?
Behavioral genetics
What is Erik Erikson best known for studying?
Psychosocial development
What is the ongoing debate about the relative impact of genes and environment?
Nature vs. nurture debate
What is the difference between structuralism and functionalism?
Structuralism studies structure; functionalism studies purpose
What part of the brain is responsible for coordination and balance?
Cerebellum
What are identical twins also called?
Monozygotic twins
What is attachment, and why is it important?
Emotional bond between child and caregiver; critical for development
What stage in Piaget’s theory involves mastering conservation and logical thinking?
Concrete operational stage
Which perspective studies how behavior is learned through rewards and punishments?
Behavioral perspective
What division of the nervous system controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion?
Autonomic nervous system
What is epigenetics?
How environment can affect gene expression without changing DNA
What theory suggests moral reasoning develops in stages?
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
Which psychological approach emphasizes human growth potential and free will?
Humanistic perspective