Psychology - The Brain Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is the definition of psychology?
The systematic study of thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Psychology has evolved from being defined simply as the study of the mind and body.
What is the scientific method in psychology?
A systematic and planned way of conducting research
It is essential for understanding the mind, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
What are pseudosciences?
Non-scientific explanations of human behaviour
Examples include astrology and other fields with scientific-sounding names.
Name two specialty areas psychologists can work in.
- Clinical
- Educational
Most psychologists specialize in one or two specific areas.
What is the main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor
Psychiatrists specialize in diagnosing, treatment and prevention of mental illness and emotional problems.
How many years of education does a psychiatrist typically complete?
13 years
This includes 6 years of university training, 1 year as an intern, and 5 years of postgraduate training.
How many years of education does a psychologist typically complete?
6 years
This includes 4 years of university training and 2 years of full-time training or postgraduate studies.
What is the purpose of the nervous system?
To coordinate and control the activities of the body
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
- Central Nervous System (CNS) * Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
What does the Central Nervous System consist of?
- Brain * Spinal Cord
What is the role of the spinal cord?
- Receive sensory information from the body * Send messages to the brain * Receive motor information from the brain * Send it to relevant parts of the body
What does the Somatic Nervous System (SNS) control?
Voluntary responses and sensory information to the CNS
What is the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Regulates internal organs automatically without conscious thought
What are the two sub-divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?
- Sympathetic Nervous System * Parasympathetic Nervous System
What is the role of the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Arouses the body during extreme emotions or stress
Define the ‘fight-flight-freeze response.’
An adaptive reaction to threats where the body prepares to fight or escape
What physiological changes occur during the fight-flight response?
- Heart rate accelerates * Liver increases sugar release * Pupils dilate * Stomach decreases contractions
What is the role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Restores the body to a state of calm after stress
What happens to the body after the threat has passed?
- Heart rate returns to normal * Liver decreases sugar release * Pupils contract * Stomach increases contractions
What is the ‘freeze’ reaction?
A response where one cannot escape or fight, leading to immobility
True or False: Freezing can sometimes be adaptive.
True
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for voluntary movements.
Somatic Nervous System
Fill in the blank: The _______ regulates heart rate, breathing, and digestion without conscious control.
Autonomic Nervous System
What is homeostasis in the context of the nervous system?
The state of steady internal conditions maintained by the body
