Biological Basis of Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of cortisol in the body?

It activates the physiological 'fight or flight' response. (correct)

It helps in the growth of new neurons.

It increases pain sensitivity during stress.

It promotes relaxation and calmness.

How do genes influence psychological traits?

Genes do not play any role in individual differences.

They exclusively determine all psychological traits.

They provide a hereditary blueprint, influenced by the environment. (correct)

They can only affect traits when environmental factors are absent.

What does polygenic inheritance involve?

Environmental factors overriding genetic factors.

Single genes solely determining traits.

Multiple genes contributing to a single trait. (correct)

The inheritance of psychological traits through parenting only.

What do gene-environment interactions imply?

They can determine how genes are expressed or suppressed. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about evolutionary psychology is true?

It explores how natural selection shapes psychological traits. Signup and view all the answers

What biological factors can contribute to psychological disorders?

Genetics and brain structure/function. Signup and view all the answers

How do neurotransmitter imbalances relate to mental disorders?

They are linked to various mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What does the evolutionary approach aim to understand?

The origins and functions of psychological traits. Signup and view all the answers

What role do neurotransmitters play in the brain?

They transmit signals across synapses between neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure of the brain is primarily responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as language and reasoning?

Cerebrum Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones affect behavior?

By acting as chemical messengers released into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cerebellum in the brain?

Movement coordination and balance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is associated with mood regulation?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

In what way does genetics contribute to psychological traits?

It influences predisposition for certain psychological disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and PET?

To study brain activity in real-time. Signup and view all the answers

What does evolutionary psychology suggest about psychological traits?

They have evolved to solve adaptive problems faced by ancestors. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Basis of Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, with biology providing the fundamental understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying these processes.
The brain, composed of neurons, is the primary organ involved in psychological functions.
Neurons communicate through electrochemical signals, facilitated by neurotransmitters that carry messages across synapses.
Specialized brain regions contribute to various cognitive and behavioral aspects; the cerebral cortex is crucial for higher-level cognitive functions like language and reasoning.
Hormones, chemical messengers in the bloodstream, influence behavior and emotions, alongside the endocrine system.
Genetics influence individual differences in psychological traits, with inherited genes contributing to predispositions for specific psychological disorders, though environmental factors are also vital.
Evolutionary psychology explores how evolutionary pressures have shaped psychological traits, behaviors, and cognitive processes, suggesting many traits evolved to address adaptive problems faced by ancestors.

Brain Structure and Function

Distinct brain regions have specialized functions, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
The cerebrum is responsible for higher-level cognition, sensory perception, and voluntary movement.
The cerebellum coordinates movement and balance.
The brainstem controls essential body functions such as breathing and heart rate.
Various brain areas regulate distinct sensory and motor activities; the visual cortex processes visual information.
Neuroimaging techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) allow real-time study of brain activity.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.
Common neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA, each influencing behavior, mood, and cognition differently.
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands.
Hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence sexual development and behavior, while stress hormones like cortisol activate the "fight or flight" response.
Neurotransmitters and hormones interact to produce complex behaviors and mental states.

Genetics and Behavior

Genes, units of hereditary information, provide the blueprint for building and maintaining an organism.
Genes contribute to individual differences in psychological traits, but environmental influences also significantly shape these differences.
Polygenic inheritance implies multiple genes influence a single trait.
Gene-environment interactions determine how genetically predisposed individuals express or restrain certain traits.
Genetic predispositions can increase the likelihood of developing specific psychological disorders, like depression or schizophrenia.

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology examines how natural selection has shaped psychological traits and behaviors.
Psychological characteristics, such as problem-solving abilities, have adaptive value.
Some evolutionary perspectives suggest psychological mechanisms like mate selection strategies are evolved responses to ancestral challenges.
The evolutionary approach helps understand human behavior's universality and diversity across cultures and environments. Addressing questions about the origins and functions of psychological traits.

Biological Influences on Psychological Disorders

Biological factors, including genes, brain structure/function, and neurotransmitter imbalances, influence psychological disorder development.
Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are linked to specific brain structural and chemical changes.
Various mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, may have biological roots, potentially involving imbalances in neurotransmitter systems.
Genetic predispositions heighten the risk of certain disorders, highlighting the complex interplay between genes and environment.
Treatments for psychological disorders can involve medications targeting specific biological systems.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between biology and psychology, focusing on how brain structure, neurons, and neurotransmitters contribute to behavior and cognition. Understand the influence of hormones and genetics on psychological traits and how evolution has shaped these processes. This quiz delves into the foundational aspects of the biological basis underlying psychological functions.