Psych Chapter 3-Mapping the mind and genetics Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is phrenology?
Thought that brain enlargements were attributed to various personality and intellectual traits. Often called bumpology. Based on anectodal evidence.
What is an EEG?
Electroencephalogram. Recording of the brain’s electrical activity at the surface of the skull.
What is a CT?
Computed tomography. Scanning technique using multiple X-rays to create 3D images.
What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imagery. Uses magnetic fields to indirectly visualize brain structures.
What is PET?
Positron emission tomography. Imaging technique that measure the consumption of radioactive glucose yielding a picture of neural activity in different regions of the brain.
What is an fMRI?
Functional MRI. MRI with the BOLD technique (Blood oxygenation level dependent). Measures change in blood oxygen level. Indirect correlate of neural activity.
What is TMS?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation. Aplies strong and quickly changing magnetic fields to the surface of the skull that can either enhance or interrupt brain function.
What is MEG?
Magnetoencephalography. Measures brain activity by detecting tiny magnetic fields generated from the brain.
What is localization of function?
Brains areas that are active during a specific psychological task over and above a basal rate of activity.
What is localization?
Many functions rely on one cerebral hemisphere more than the other, such as language or verbal skill.
What is split-brain surgery?
Operation where neurosurgeons separate patient’s hemispheres by severing the corpus callosum. Used to offer relief from seizures. Patients experience fragmentation.
What is fragmentation?
Generally information crosses over to other hemisphere. If the corpus callosum is severed, this doesn’t occur. Leads to separation of functions.
What are chromosomes?
Linear rods of DNA and genetic information in which humans have 23 different types. (21 autosomes and 46 in total)
What is the genome?
Complete assembly of genes.
What is the phenotype?
Physical manifestation of genetic information.
What is genotype?
Assembly of different alleles.
What is a dominant allele?
Masks the recessive allele.
What is an allele?
Variant of a gene.
What is fitness?
Relative reproductive success.
What is behavioural genetics?
Study of how nature and nurture affects psychological traits.
What is heritability?
Extent to which genes contribute to differences in traits among individuals.
What are the different behavioural genetic designs?
Family studies, twin studies, adoption studies.
What are family studies?
Examine the extent to which a characteristic runs in intact families.
What are twin studies?
Examine differences between identical and fraternal twins in traits.
