---
title: "Frontal Lobes — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The frontal lobes handle decision-making, voluntary movement, and personality. Learn how they connect to memory, schizophrenia, and ADHD on the AP Psych exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/frontal-lobes"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Frontal Lobes — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The frontal lobes are areas at the front of each cerebral hemisphere involved with decision-making, problem-solving, control over voluntary movements or activity (motor skills), and complex behaviors such as social interactions and personality expression.

## Related Study Guides

- [1.2 Research Methods in Psychology](/ap-psych-revised/unit-1/research-methods-psychology/study-guide/0cwRKu5WpZguow9JROzH)
- [8.3 Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders](/ap-psych-revised/unit-8/neurodevelopmental-schizophrenic-spectrum-disorders/study-guide/UeIxH8UvART97L3IQnGx)
- [5.6 Biological Bases of Memory](/ap-psych-revised/unit-5/biological-bases-memory/study-guide/dMwTyl3dNib1GhEyLais)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Prefrontal Cortex](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/prefrontal-cortex): Part of frontal lobes responsible for thinking, planning, reasoning and impulse control.
- [Motor Cortex](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/motor-cortex): Region located at rear portion of frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements by sending signals to muscles.
- [Broca's Area](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/brocas-area): A region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere (usually left) associated with speech production.