Definitions Flashcards
Techniques to study the brain
FMRI, MRI
MRI
-Magnetic resonance imaging
cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures using a strong magnetic field and radio waves
- magnet aligns the hydrogen atoms (water molecules) in your body
-radio waves are sent through the body to disrupt this alignment.
-atoms realign, they release signals that are detected by the MRI machine and used by a computer to create images
-useful for monitoring medical cond.
FMRI
-functional magnetic resonance imaging
an imaging scan that shows activity in specific areas of the brain.
-scans for blood flow changes in regions of the brain
-which corresponds to neural activity
useful for studying conditions like a stroke/brain injury
localization of function
diff. parts of the brain perform diff functions
neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to change as a result of experiences
Neural networks
a series of connected neurons that allows the processing and transmitting of information.
Neural Pruning (Synaptic Pruning)
happens when synaptic connections in a neural networks are lost bc they aren’t used
hormone
a chem. messenger that is transported through the bloodstream
Neuron
type of cell that receives, processes, and transmits info. through electrical and chem. signals (draw diagram)
pheromone
a chem. messenger that is sent from one animal which has an effect on a diff. animal (usually of same species)
genes
DNA base sequences
twin/kinship
use of twins or related individuals to study the effects of human behavior
evolutionary explanation of behavior
how does that behavior help us survive, reproduce, or pass on our genes
Antagonist
chemical that reduces the effect of a neurotransmitter
-binds and blocks receptor sites of neurotransmitter
Agonist
chemical that amplifies the effect of a neurotransmitter
-binds to receptor sites of neurotransmitter & activates them
Excitatory
binds to receptor sites and inc. the chances of the post-synaptic neuron firing (sending a signal)
true experiment
researchers actively manipulate an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable, while also controlling for other variables that might influence the outcome
field exp.
research studies conducted in real-world settings. investigate cause-and-effect relationships
quasi
a research design that resembles a true experiment but lacks random assignment of participants to groups.
- real-world settings or when studying naturally occurring phenomena
Cultural dimensions
created by Hofstede; analyzes general cultural differences and how they influence thought/behaviour
Schema-
cognitive process that forms relationships between categories of information and forms an outline based on common features
Acculturation
process by which someone comes into contact with another culture & begins to adopt the norms and behaviors of that culture
Acculturation stress
psychological difficulties associated with being an immigrant or ethnic minority when adapting to a new cultural context
Enculturation
process where culture is learned and cultural transmission is how it is passed on from generation to generation
