AO1

• Cognitive Revolution

  A period in psychology that began in the 1950s, emphasizing the study of mental processes, such as perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving, and relying on technology and empirical evidence.
• Evolution


  The scientific theory that all species of life have developed over time through the process of natural selection, genetics, and environmental pressures, proposed by Charles Darwin.
• Speciation


  The process of a new species emerging from an existing one, often through geographic isolation or adaptation to a new environment.
• What are the three factors that shape human behavior according to the biological approach?

  Genetic, biological structures, and biochemistry
• What does heredity refer to in genetics?

  The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes
• What is the definition of genotype?


  The genetic makeup of an individual
• How does phenotype differ from genotype?

  Phenotype is the observable characteristics resulting from the interaction of genotype with the environment
• How can the likelihood of a trait being genetic be tested?

  Through twin studies
• What is the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins in terms of DNA sharing?

  Monozygotic twins share 100% of their DNA, while dizygotic twins share 50%
• What do concordance rates measure in twin studies?

  The likelihood of a characteristic being genetically determined
• What does a 100% concordance rate in monozygotic twins indicate about a trait?

  It suggests that the trait is purely genetic
• Why are mental disorders considered to have a genetic component?

  Because concordance rates for these disorders are higher in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins
• What is the implication of not having 100% concordance rates in monozygotic twins for mental disorders?

  It indicates that other factors, such as environmental influences, also play a role
• What sophisticated imaging techniques are used in the biological approach?

  MRI scans and PET scans.
• What is the most important biological structure in a human?

  The nervous system
• What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

  • Central nervous system (CNS)
  • Peripheral nervous system
• What does the central nervous system consist of?

  The brain and spinal cord
• What is the role of the brain in the nervous system?

  It controls the body
• What is the function of the spinal cord?

  To communicate with the rest of the body
• What are neurons responsible for in the nervous system?

  Transmitting nerve impulses
• How do neurons communicate with each other?

  By transmitting electrical signals
• What are the main lobes of the brain and their functions?

  • Frontal lobe: speech, thought, thinking
  • Parietal lobe: sensory information (touch, temperature)
  • Occipital lobe: visual information
  • Cerebellum: balance, posture, fine motor movements
  • Temporal lobe: hearing and memory
• What is the function of the frontal lobe?

  Involved with speech, thought, and thinking
• What does the parietal lobe process?

  Sensory information such as touch
• What is the role of the occipital lobe?

  Processes visual information
• What does the cerebellum control?

  Balance, posture, and fine motor movements
• What is the function of the temporal lobe?

  Involved with hearing and memory
• What happened to Phineas Gage?

  He damaged his frontal lobe
• How did Phineas Gage's behavior change after his accident?

  He became less organized and more impulsive
• What are the two key concepts in biochemistry related to the nervous system?

  • Neurotransmitters: facilitate neuron communication
  • Hormones: influence bodily functions via glands
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Substances that allow neuron communication
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

  They cross the synapse between neurons
• What are the two types of neurotransmitters?

  Inhibitory and excitatory
• How do inhibitory neurotransmitters affect signals?

  They decrease the likelihood of signal transmission
• How do excitatory neurotransmitters affect signals?

  They increase the likelihood of signal transmission
• What is the role of hormones in the body?

  They influence key bodily functions
• How do hormones act compared to neurotransmitters?

  More slowly than in the nervous system
• Where are hormones produced?

  By glands in the endocrine system
• What bodily functions do hormones influence?

  Puberty, metabolism, growth, and emotions