Biological Basis of Behavior and Sensation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the amygdala?

Emotion regulation (correct)

Language comprehension

Memory consolidation

Sensory processing

Which type of memory processing involves retaining information for later use?

Transducing

Consolidating (correct)

Encoding

Retrieving

What is the role of the corpus callosum in brain function?

Processing sensory information

Controlling voluntary movements

Connecting the two cerebral hemispheres (correct)

Regulating the autonomic nervous system

Which of the following best describes the difference between GABA and glutamate?

GABA is inhibitory, while glutamate is excitatory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

Relaying sensory information to the cortex Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a specific phobia from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Specific phobias are triggered by particular objects or situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the brain is directly connected to the limbic system and involved in the olfactory process?

Olfactory bulb Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'seven sins of memory' primarily associated with?

Common memory errors and failures Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorders?

Bipolar II may have hypomanic episodes without full manic episodes. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is primarily involved in the emotional response to trauma?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the biological theory of schizophrenia related to dopamine?

Increased dopamine activity in certain brain areas is linked to positive symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an epigenetic modification?

Methylation adding a methyl group to DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a major symptom of PTSD according to general criteria?

Increased emotional awareness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best explains post-traumatic growth?

Improvement in personal relationships following trauma. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of evolutionary psychology, what does parental investment refer to?

Efforts made by parents to raise children to sexual maturity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus in relation to trauma?

Supporting the encoding of new memories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Basis of Behavior

Neurons have dendrites, axons, and synaptic terminals.
Synapses mediate communication between neurons.
Action potentials involve ion movement, maintaining resting potential, and reaching a threshold.
Neurotransmitters like GABA (inhibitory) and glutamate (excitatory) affect neuronal activity.
The central and peripheral nervous systems are differentiated.
Brain lobes (e.g., frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) have specific functions.
Broca's and Wernicke's areas are crucial for language.
The corpus callosum connects the brain hemispheres.
The limbic system (amygdala, hippocampus) is involved in emotions and memory.
The thalamus relays sensory information.
The hypothalamus regulates bodily functions.
The hindbrain (cerebellum, pons, medulla) controls essential functions.
The midbrain facilitates sensory and motor functions.

Sensation and Perception

Sensation involves detecting stimuli.
Perception is the interpretation of sensory information.
Transduction converts stimuli into neural signals.
All senses have specialized receptor cells responding to specific energy types (e.g., light, sound).
Visual system includes rods and cones, and details of eye structure and visual processing (except synaptic transmission).

Memory and Attention

Memory involves encoding, consolidation, and retrieval.
Long-term potentiation (LTP) and sleep contribute to consolidation.
Amygdala and hippocampus have roles in memory processes.

Abnormal Psychology

Primary features of disorders (e.g., OCD, anxiety, depression) are described.
Distinguishing between specific phobias and generalized anxiety (GAD).
Biological theories of various disorders (e.g., serotonin in depression).
Unipolar vs. bipolar depression.
Schizophrenia's positive and negative symptoms.
Biological theory of dopamine in schizophrenia.
Factors and components of therapy.

Trauma and Resilience

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its role in stress response.
Functions of the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex in relation to trauma.
Definition and major symptom criteria for PTSD.
Brain networks and primary functions.
PTSD features like hyperactive amygdala and reduced hippocampal volume.
Epigenetics: how factors can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
Methylation: the process of adding a methyl group to DNA.
Trauma characteristics and social support.

Evolutionary Psychology

(Specific to PSY102 -6x)

Evolution, natural selection, and sexual selection are discussed.
Comparisons of K-selected and R-selected species.
Intrasexual and intersexual selection.
Kin selection, reciprocal altruism, and parental investment.
Biological purposes of emotions.
Trade-offs in biological and evolutionary strategies.
Mating strategies in humans.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of the biological basis of behavior and the processes of sensation and perception. This quiz covers neurons, brain structures, neurotransmitters, and the differentiation between sensation and perception. Test your knowledge on how these aspects influence human behavior and cognition.