Psychology key terms

The division of the peripheral nervous system that carries sensory information and controls skeletal muscle movement, including voluntary actions and reflexes.

A region of the parietal lobe that processes sensations from the body, including touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

Single-photon emission-computed tomography: a scanning technique used in this study to measure regional cerebral blood flow.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: a type of antidepressant that acts on serotonin signalling.

A way of writing a number as $a \times 10^n$, where $1 \leq a < 10$ and $n$ is an integer, which may be positive, zero or negative.

The use of consistent testing procedures, such as instructions, time limits and scoring rules, so that results can be compared meaningfully.

The same prepared wording given to participants to explain what they should do and any relevant information about taking part.

A consistent set of steps used for participants and conditions, keeping relevant features the same apart from the intended manipulation of the independent variable.

A test administered and scored according to consistent rules so that results can be compared meaningfully.

A person’s position or rank relative to others, which carries a level of value, respect or authority.

Negative beliefs and social judgement attached to a characteristic or condition, such as having a mental health problem.

Something that can be detected by a sense receptor, such as light or sound waves.

Holding encoded information in memory over time.

Selecting participants from subgroups of the target population in proportion to each subgroup's size.

A subgroup of a population defined by a shared characteristic, such as an age category. The plural is strata.

A life-threatening event in which blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted by a blockage or a bleed.

A technique that produces images of the brain’s physical features, such as its size, shape and internal structures.

An interview in which every participant is asked the same prepared questions, using the same wording and order.

The influence of personal opinions and interpretations on a judgement, rather than a conclusion established independently of the person making it.

Having a lower position in a social hierarchy and submitting rather than challenging those of higher rank.

Harmful or inappropriate use of a substance, which does not necessarily involve the compulsion and impaired control characteristic of dependence.

The combining of excitatory and inhibitory inputs received by a neuron, which determines whether it reaches the threshold for firing.

A small region in the hypothalamus that acts as a biological clock, receiving information about light and helping regulate the sleep–wake cycle.

Using Facebook to keep track of other people’s activities, such as reading their updates and viewing their photographs.

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity during a threatening or stressful situation.

A feature of an illness or disorder, such as persistent low mood or disturbed sleep.

A junction between neurons, including the sending membrane, the synaptic cleft and the receiving membrane.