Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which stage of sleep is primarily associated with dreaming and high brain activity?
Which stage of sleep is primarily associated with dreaming and high brain activity?
What is the primary function of the Medulla in the brainstem?
What is the primary function of the Medulla in the brainstem?
What is the difference between absolute threshold and difference threshold?
What is the difference between absolute threshold and difference threshold?
What type of drug is alcohol classified as?
What type of drug is alcohol classified as?
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Which component of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for higher-level processing?
Which component of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for higher-level processing?
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What is the role of epigenetics in understanding behavior?
What is the role of epigenetics in understanding behavior?
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Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation and sleep?
Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation and sleep?
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What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?
What does the Central Nervous System (CNS) consist of?
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Which gland is referred to as the 'master gland' in the endocrine system?
Which gland is referred to as the 'master gland' in the endocrine system?
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What characteristic of dopamine is highlighted in its role within the nervous system?
What characteristic of dopamine is highlighted in its role within the nervous system?
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How do gender differences in mating preferences illustrate evolutionary psychology?
How do gender differences in mating preferences illustrate evolutionary psychology?
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Which of the following accurately describes the sympathetic nervous system?
Which of the following accurately describes the sympathetic nervous system?
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What can be said about the heritability of traits in behavioral genetics?
What can be said about the heritability of traits in behavioral genetics?
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Study Notes
Biological Underpinnings of Behavior
- Phrenology, an early, incorrect belief that skull shape determined personality, initially sparked brain mapping efforts. Scientific thinking is crucial in psychology.
Genetics and Behavior
- Chromosomes, in 23 pairs, carry genetic material (half from each parent).
- Genes, segments of DNA, control traits; humans have about 20,000. Genes can be active or inactive.
- The genome is the complete set of genetic instructions.
- Heritability quantifies the proportion of individual differences attributable to genes.
- Gene-environment interaction means environment influences gene expression (environment "plays the hand" that genes "deal").
- Epigenetics studies how the environment alters gene activity.
Evolutionary Psychology
- Natural selection explains behaviors like fear of heights or preference for high-calorie foods.
- Evolutionary psychology suggests men are attracted to signs of youth and fertility; women look for resources.
- Criticism exists regarding the interplay of biological and social learning explanations.
Nervous System Overview
- The Central Nervous System (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord.
- The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is outside the CNS; it is divided into Somatic (voluntary) and Autonomic (involuntary) branches.
- The Autonomic system has two branches:
- Sympathetic: "fight-or-flight" response.
- Parasympathetic: "rest-and-digest" response.
- The Autonomic system has two branches:
Neurons and Neurotransmitters
- Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system (sensory, motor, interneurons).
- Key neurotransmitters include:
- Acetylcholine: Muscle movement, memory (Alzheimer's link).
- Dopamine: Reward, learning, emotion (Schizophrenia, Parkinson's link).
- Serotonin: Mood, hunger, sleep (Depression link).
- Endorphins: Natural painkillers released during exercise.
Endocrine System
- The endocrine system uses hormones with slower, long-lasting effects.
- Key glands include:
- Hypothalamus: Regulates homeostasis.
- Pituitary: Master gland controlling other glands.
- Adrenal: Produces adrenaline for stress responses.
- Pineal: Secretes melatonin (sleep hormone).
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
- Sleep occurs in stages including NREM-1 (light sleep), NREM-2 (moderate sleep), NREM-3 (deep sleep), and REM (dreaming).
- Sleep cycles repeat approximately every 90 minutes, progressing from deep to REM sleep.
- Sleep is vital for memory consolidation, problem-solving, growth, and overall health.
Psychoactive Drugs
- Psychoactive drugs are categorized as depressants, stimulants, or hallucinogens. Tolerance, withdrawal, and addiction result from their use.
Sensation and Perception
- Sensation involves detecting stimuli (absolute and difference thresholds).
- Sensory systems include visual (retina processing light, rods and cones), auditory (hair cells), chemical (taste and smell), tactile (touch—pressure, temperature, pain), and vestibular (balance).
Brain Functionality
- The brainstem comprises the medulla (heart rate, breathing), pons (communication), and reticular formation (alertness).
- The cerebral cortex, divided into four lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal), includes association areas for higher-level processing.
- Brain plasticity refers to its ability to adapt and rewire.
- Split-brain studies demonstrated hemisphere specialization.
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Description
This quiz explores the biological underpinnings of behavior, including genetics, evolutionary psychology, and the role of epigenetics. It covers key concepts such as gene-environment interactions and the influence of natural selection on human behavior. Test your understanding of how biology shapes psychology!
