Core biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches to behavior from the IB Psychology syllabus. Front: the term or study. Back: a plain-language definition.
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- Neuron
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A specialized nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals throughout the nervous system.- Neurotransmitter
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A chemical messenger that carries signals across the synapse between two neurons.- Synapse
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The small gap between two neurons across which neurotransmitters pass to transmit a signal.- Hormone
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A chemical messenger released into the bloodstream by glands that influences behavior and body function.- Localization of brain function
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The theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific cognitive functions or behaviors.- Amygdala
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A brain structure central to processing emotions, especially fear.- Hippocampus
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A brain structure critical for forming and consolidating new long-term memories.- Prefrontal cortex
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A brain region involved in planning, decision making, and regulating behavior.- Neuroplasticity
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The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.- Twin studies
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Research comparing identical and fraternal twins to estimate the relative influence of genetics and environment on behavior.- fMRI
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A brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow to show which brain areas are active during a task.- Schema
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A mental framework of organized knowledge that helps a person interpret new information.- Multi-store model of memory
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A model proposing that memory flows through separate sensory, short-term, and long-term stores.- Working memory model
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A model of short-term memory made up of separate components that temporarily hold and manipulate different types of information.- Reconstructive memory
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The idea that memories are actively rebuilt at recall and can be distorted by schemas or new information.
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