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Psychology
Week One Key Terms
22
Psychology
Undergraduate 1
05/21/2010

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Term
Structuralism
Definition
school of psychology that explains the science of the mind's structure
Term
Functionalism
Definition
school of psychology that describes the study of the adaptive properties of consciousness and behavior
Term
Naturalistic Observation
Definition
type of research method in which psychologists study behavior by observing subjects in natural conditions.
Term
Correlation Reserch
Definition
measure the relationship between 2 variables without controlling either variable
Term
Experiments
Definition
a study in which the investigator manipulates at least 1 variable while measuring the effect of changes on 1 or more variables
Term
Independent Variable
Definition
the variable in an experiment which is manipulated to test its effects on other variables
Term
Dependent Variable
Definition
the variable that is measured to see how it is changed by manipulations on the other variables
Term
Neurons
Definition
nerve cells which are the basic building blocks of the nervous system
Term
Cell Body
Definition
the cell's life support center
Term
Dendrites
Definition
brushy, branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body
Term
Axon
Definition
long fibers that pass information along to other nerve cells, glands, or muscles
Term
Myelin Sheath
Definition
a layer of fatty tissue that insulates the axons of some neurons and helps speed their impulses
Term
Synapse
Definition
special area between 2 neurons in which one neuron either excites or inhibits the next neuron
Term
Neurotransmitters
Definition
chemicals that have been stored in the neuron and can activate receptors or other neurons
Term
Cerebellum
Definition
the "little brain" attached to the rear of the brainstem
Term
Reticular formation
Definition
"netlike" nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling arousal
Term
Cerbral Cortex
Definition
largest most prominent brain area; intricate covering of interconnected neural cells, like the bark of a tree, forms a thin layer on the cerebral hemispheres; our body's ultimate control and information processing center
Term
Frontal Lobe
Definition
located behind forehead; coordinating movement and higher level of thinking & speech issues
Term
Parietal Lobes
Definition
are at the top of the head, but behind the frontal lobes; involved in the sense of touch
Term
Temporal Lobes
Definition
are just above on either side of the ears; involved in hearing
Term
Occipital Lobes
Definition
are at the base of the skull ( in the back ) ; involved in vision
Term
Peripheral Nervous System ( PNS )
Definition
links the central nervous system with the body's sense receptors, muscles, and glands
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