Ch1
Everything we do that can be directly observed.
The brain and spinal cord make up the
Central Nervous System
Rods are specialized for
Light sensitivity in dim conditions
The term that refers to daily cycles like sleep/wake, body temperature, and blood sugar levels
Circadian Rhythms
What is the small brain structure called that uses input from the retina to synchronize its own rhythm with the daily cycle of light and dark?
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)
A testable prediction that derives logically from a theory.
Hypothesis
__________ nerves carry information from the senses to the brain and spinal cord
Afferent or Sensory
What type of processing occurs when sensory receptors take in new information
Bottom-up processing
These types of drugs slow down the nervous system
Depressants
A regulated procedure in which variables are manipulated to see their effect.
Experiment
In experimental research, the ________ is a manipulated experimental factor
Independent variable
This principle states that a neuron either fires completely or not at all.
All-or-nothing principle
Organizing and interpreting sensory information gives meaning in this process.
Perception
Metacognition is...
The processes by which we think about thinking
The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and brings it to a resting state
Parasympathetic Nervous System
________ provide an objective description of how variables are going to be measured and observed in a particular study.
Operational definitions
The ________ is the part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body to mobilize it for action and thus is involved in the experience of stress.
Sympathetic Nervous System
What is Weber's Law?
Difference threshold depends on proportional changes in stimuli to be perceived as different.
What are the three neurotransmitters involved in sleep?
Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Acetylcholine.
The two structures in the eye that work together to focus light on the eye's retina
Cornea and lens
He founded psychology’s first lab and used introspection to study conscious experience. What is the approach called
Wilhelm Wundt; Structuralism
What are two types of cells in our nervous system? What are their functions?
Glial cells--provide support, nutritional benefits, and other functions
Neurons--handle the information-processing
What is the difference between absolute and difference threshold?
Absolute--smallest amount of energy needed to detect a stimulus
Difference--just noticeable difference
When a physical and/or psychological dependence on drugs develops, what is it called.
Drug addiction
What dream theory proposes that one can understand dreaming by applying the same intellectual concepts used in studying the waking mind?
Cognitive theory of dreaming