Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is neuroscience?
What is neuroscience?
The scientific study of the nervous system.
What is biopsychology?
What is biopsychology?
The scientific study of the biology of behavior.
What term is commonly referred to as the 'nature-nurture issue'?
What term is commonly referred to as the 'nature-nurture issue'?
The debate on whether humans and other animals inherit their behavioral capacities or acquire them through learning.
What is the fundamental method of biopsychology?
What is the fundamental method of biopsychology?
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What does the term 'neuroplasticity' refer to?
What does the term 'neuroplasticity' refer to?
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What are the six major divisions of biopsychology? (Select all that apply)
What are the six major divisions of biopsychology? (Select all that apply)
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What are the three main types of research in biopsychology? (Select all that apply)
What are the three main types of research in biopsychology? (Select all that apply)
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What are the two main designs used in behavioral research? (Select all that apply)
What are the two main designs used in behavioral research? (Select all that apply)
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The term 'lordosis' refers to the arched-back, rump-up, tail-diverted posture exhibited by female rodents during sexual receptivity.
The term 'lordosis' refers to the arched-back, rump-up, tail-diverted posture exhibited by female rodents during sexual receptivity.
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The Coolidge effect describes the phenomenon where a copulating male can recommence copulating with a new female partner.
The Coolidge effect describes the phenomenon where a copulating male can recommence copulating with a new female partner.
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Korsakoff's syndrome is primarily caused by the toxic effects of alcohol.
Korsakoff's syndrome is primarily caused by the toxic effects of alcohol.
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The term 'asomatognosia' is used to describe a deficiency in the awareness of one's own body parts, which commonly results from damage to the left parietal lobe.
The term 'asomatognosia' is used to describe a deficiency in the awareness of one's own body parts, which commonly results from damage to the left parietal lobe.
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The term 'spandrel' refers to a non-adaptive evolutionary by-product that is often the incidental result of a developmental program.
The term 'spandrel' refers to a non-adaptive evolutionary by-product that is often the incidental result of a developmental program.
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The term 'exaptation' refers to a trait that evolved to serve one function and was later co-opted to serve another.
The term 'exaptation' refers to a trait that evolved to serve one function and was later co-opted to serve another.
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Humans are the only species known to engage in complex social behavior, including mating bonds.
Humans are the only species known to engage in complex social behavior, including mating bonds.
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The term 'polygyny' refers to the mating system where one male mate forms bonds with multiple females.
The term 'polygyny' refers to the mating system where one male mate forms bonds with multiple females.
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The term 'polyandry' refers to the mating system where one female mate forms bonds with multiple males.
The term 'polyandry' refers to the mating system where one female mate forms bonds with multiple males.
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The term 'monogamy' refers to the mating system where enduring bonds are formed between one male and one female.
The term 'monogamy' refers to the mating system where enduring bonds are formed between one male and one female.
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The term 'dichotomous traits' refers to traits that occur in one form or another, but never in combination.
The term 'dichotomous traits' refers to traits that occur in one form or another, but never in combination.
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The term 'true-breeding line' refers to organisms that always produce offspring with the same trait, even when interbred.
The term 'true-breeding line' refers to organisms that always produce offspring with the same trait, even when interbred.
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The term 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, while 'genotype' refers to the genetic makeup of an organism.
The term 'phenotype' refers to the observable traits of an organism, while 'genotype' refers to the genetic makeup of an organism.
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The 'dominant gene' is expressed in a homozygous or heterozygous state, whereas the 'recessive gene' is only expressed in the homozygous state.
The 'dominant gene' is expressed in a homozygous or heterozygous state, whereas the 'recessive gene' is only expressed in the homozygous state.
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DNA is composed of a single-stranded molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid, made up of a sequence of nucleotide bases.
DNA is composed of a single-stranded molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid, made up of a sequence of nucleotide bases.
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'Mutations' are defined as accidental alterations in individual genes that can be beneficial or detrimental to an organism's fitness.
'Mutations' are defined as accidental alterations in individual genes that can be beneficial or detrimental to an organism's fitness.
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'Enhancers' are stretches of DNA that contain structural genes, which provide information for the synthesis of proteins.
'Enhancers' are stretches of DNA that contain structural genes, which provide information for the synthesis of proteins.
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The term 'transcription factor' refers to a protein that binds to DNA and influences the extent to which a gene is expressed.
The term 'transcription factor' refers to a protein that binds to DNA and influences the extent to which a gene is expressed.
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The 'messenger RNA' (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that carries the genetic code for a protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
The 'messenger RNA' (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that carries the genetic code for a protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
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'Sex-linked traits' are traits that are controlled by genes located on the X chromosome, as the Y chromosome is small and carries few genes.
'Sex-linked traits' are traits that are controlled by genes located on the X chromosome, as the Y chromosome is small and carries few genes.
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'Epigenetics' studies all mechanisms of inheritance except for the genetic code and its expression.
'Epigenetics' studies all mechanisms of inheritance except for the genetic code and its expression.
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The term 'transgenerational epigenetics' refers to the transmission of acquired traits across generations through epigenetic mechanisms.
The term 'transgenerational epigenetics' refers to the transmission of acquired traits across generations through epigenetic mechanisms.
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The Human Genome Project, initiated in 1970, aimed to map the sequence of all 3 billion bases that compose the human genome.
The Human Genome Project, initiated in 1970, aimed to map the sequence of all 3 billion bases that compose the human genome.
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The term 'proteome' refers to the complete set of proteins encoded by an organism's genes.
The term 'proteome' refers to the complete set of proteins encoded by an organism's genes.
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The term 'reuptake' and 'enzymatic degradation' are the two main mechanisms for terminating neurotransmitter action in the synapse.
The term 'reuptake' and 'enzymatic degradation' are the two main mechanisms for terminating neurotransmitter action in the synapse.
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'Gap junctions', also known as electrical synapses, allow electrical signals and small molecules to pass between adjacent cells.
'Gap junctions', also known as electrical synapses, allow electrical signals and small molecules to pass between adjacent cells.
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'Glutamate' is the most prevalent inhibitory, and 'GABA' is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
'Glutamate' is the most prevalent inhibitory, and 'GABA' is the most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
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Monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, are a class of large-molecule neurotransmitters.
Monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, are a class of large-molecule neurotransmitters.
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'Noradrenergic' neurons release norepinephrine, and 'adrenergic' neurons release epinephrine.
'Noradrenergic' neurons release norepinephrine, and 'adrenergic' neurons release epinephrine.
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The term 'acetylcholine' refers to a small-molecule neurotransmitter that is often compared to a professor who is late for lecture.
The term 'acetylcholine' refers to a small-molecule neurotransmitter that is often compared to a professor who is late for lecture.
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'Soluble gas neurotransmitters', such as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, are known to participate in retrograde transmission.
'Soluble gas neurotransmitters', such as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, are known to participate in retrograde transmission.
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'Endocannabinoids' are a class of unconventional neurotransmitters that are similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
'Endocannabinoids' are a class of unconventional neurotransmitters that are similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
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Neurotransmitter molecules can only function as neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitter molecules can only function as neurotransmitters.
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'Reuptake' and 'enzymatic degradation' are the two main mechanisms for terminating neurotransmitter action in the synapse.
'Reuptake' and 'enzymatic degradation' are the two main mechanisms for terminating neurotransmitter action in the synapse.
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The term 'agonistic' refers to a drug that enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter, while the term 'antagonistic' refers to a drug that opposes the effects of a neurotransmitter.
The term 'agonistic' refers to a drug that enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter, while the term 'antagonistic' refers to a drug that opposes the effects of a neurotransmitter.
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The terms 'nicotinic' and 'muscarinic' refer to different types of receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, named after the substances (nicotine and muscarine) that were found to selectively bind to those receptors.
The terms 'nicotinic' and 'muscarinic' refer to different types of receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, named after the substances (nicotine and muscarine) that were found to selectively bind to those receptors.
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'Atropine', the main active ingredient of the belladonna plant, is a receptor blocker that acts as an antagonist by binding to muscarinic receptors.
'Atropine', the main active ingredient of the belladonna plant, is a receptor blocker that acts as an antagonist by binding to muscarinic receptors.
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'Curare', an extract from a certain class of woody vines, is a nicotinic receptor blocker that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
'Curare', an extract from a certain class of woody vines, is a nicotinic receptor blocker that inhibits the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
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'Botox', a neurotoxin released by a bacteria, is a nicotinic antagonist that blocks the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
'Botox', a neurotoxin released by a bacteria, is a nicotinic antagonist that blocks the release of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions.
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'Morphine', the major psychoactive ingredient in opium, is an effective analgesic and has no side effects.
'Morphine', the major psychoactive ingredient in opium, is an effective analgesic and has no side effects.
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'Endogenous opioids', such as enkephalins and endorphins, are naturally occurring opioid peptides that bind to opioid receptors in the brain.
'Endogenous opioids', such as enkephalins and endorphins, are naturally occurring opioid peptides that bind to opioid receptors in the brain.
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'Schizophrenia' is a debilitating mental illness that is thought to be caused by excessive activity at dopamine synapses, and is often effectively treated by dopamine agonists.
'Schizophrenia' is a debilitating mental illness that is thought to be caused by excessive activity at dopamine synapses, and is often effectively treated by dopamine agonists.
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'Parkinson's disease' is characterized by the degeneration of a major dopamine pathway in the brain, which can be mimicked by dopamine agonists like cocaine and amphetamines.
'Parkinson's disease' is characterized by the degeneration of a major dopamine pathway in the brain, which can be mimicked by dopamine agonists like cocaine and amphetamines.
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'X-ray' is a structural brain-imaging technique that is based on the principle that different tissues absorb X-rays to varying degrees, allowing visualization of internal structures.
'X-ray' is a structural brain-imaging technique that is based on the principle that different tissues absorb X-rays to varying degrees, allowing visualization of internal structures.
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'Computed tomography (CT)' is a structural brain-imaging technique that uses computer-assisted x-rays to create three-dimensional images of the brain and other internal structures.
'Computed tomography (CT)' is a structural brain-imaging technique that uses computer-assisted x-rays to create three-dimensional images of the brain and other internal structures.
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In 'magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)', high-resolution images are constructed based on the measurement of radio-frequency waves emitted by hydrogen atoms as they align with a powerful magnetic field.
In 'magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)', high-resolution images are constructed based on the measurement of radio-frequency waves emitted by hydrogen atoms as they align with a powerful magnetic field.
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'Functional MRI (fMRI)' produces images of brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow to active brain regions, using the BOLD signal, which reflects the magnetic properties of oxygenated blood.
'Functional MRI (fMRI)' produces images of brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow to active brain regions, using the BOLD signal, which reflects the magnetic properties of oxygenated blood.
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'Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)' is a technique that measures the rate of water diffusion along axons, allowing visualization of major tracts in the brain.
'Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)' is a technique that measures the rate of water diffusion along axons, allowing visualization of major tracts in the brain.
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'Electroencephalography (EEG)' is a measure of the gross electrical activity of the brain, recorded through large electrodes attached to the scalp, and the resulting signal is called an electroencephalogram.
'Electroencephalography (EEG)' is a measure of the gross electrical activity of the brain, recorded through large electrodes attached to the scalp, and the resulting signal is called an electroencephalogram.
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'Event-related potentials (ERPs)' are changes in the cortical EEG signal that are elicited by a momentary presentation of a sensory stimulus, averaged over multiple trials to reduce noise.
'Event-related potentials (ERPs)' are changes in the cortical EEG signal that are elicited by a momentary presentation of a sensory stimulus, averaged over multiple trials to reduce noise.
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'Magnetoencephalography (MEG)' measures changes in magnetic fields on the surface of the scalp that are produced by changes in underlying patterns of neural activity.
'Magnetoencephalography (MEG)' measures changes in magnetic fields on the surface of the scalp that are produced by changes in underlying patterns of neural activity.
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'Electromyography (EMG)' is used to measure muscle tension, while 'Electrooculography (EOG)' is used to record eye movements.
'Electromyography (EMG)' is used to measure muscle tension, while 'Electrooculography (EOG)' is used to record eye movements.
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'Skin conductance level (SCL)' is a measure of the background level of skin conductance, while 'skin conductance response (SCR)' is a measure of transient changes in skin conductance that are associated with discrete experiences.
'Skin conductance level (SCL)' is a measure of the background level of skin conductance, while 'skin conductance response (SCR)' is a measure of transient changes in skin conductance that are associated with discrete experiences.
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'Heart rate', 'arterial blood pressure', and 'local blood volume' are three commonly used measures of cardiovascular activity in psychophysiological research.
'Heart rate', 'arterial blood pressure', and 'local blood volume' are three commonly used measures of cardiovascular activity in psychophysiological research.
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'Stereotaxic surgery' is a procedure for precisely positioning experimental devices within the brain, using a stereotaxic atlas and a stereotaxic instrument.
'Stereotaxic surgery' is a procedure for precisely positioning experimental devices within the brain, using a stereotaxic atlas and a stereotaxic instrument.
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'Lesion methods' are used to selectively damage specific brain structures, using techniques such as aspiration, radiofrequency lesions, knife cuts, and reversible lesions.
'Lesion methods' are used to selectively damage specific brain structures, using techniques such as aspiration, radiofrequency lesions, knife cuts, and reversible lesions.
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'Pharmacological research methods' aim to administer drugs that either increase or decrease the effects of neurotransmitters and observe the resulting behavioral consequences.
'Pharmacological research methods' aim to administer drugs that either increase or decrease the effects of neurotransmitters and observe the resulting behavioral consequences.
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'Selective chemical lesions' involve injecting neurotoxins that have an affinity for specific components of the nervous system, allowing targeted damage to specific brain regions.
'Selective chemical lesions' involve injecting neurotoxins that have an affinity for specific components of the nervous system, allowing targeted damage to specific brain regions.
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The '2-deoxyglucose (2DG) technique' is a neuroanatomical tracing technique that involves injecting radioactive 2DG and analyzing its uptake in different brain areas.
The '2-deoxyglucose (2DG) technique' is a neuroanatomical tracing technique that involves injecting radioactive 2DG and analyzing its uptake in different brain areas.
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'Cerebral dialysis' is a technique for measuring extracellular concentrations of neurochemicals in behaving animals by extracting the fluid surrounding neurons through a cannula implanted in the brain.
'Cerebral dialysis' is a technique for measuring extracellular concentrations of neurochemicals in behaving animals by extracting the fluid surrounding neurons through a cannula implanted in the brain.
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'Immunocytochemistry' is used to locate specific neuroproteins in the brain by labeling their antibodies with a dye or radioactive element and then exposing brain slices to those labeled antibodies.
'Immunocytochemistry' is used to locate specific neuroproteins in the brain by labeling their antibodies with a dye or radioactive element and then exposing brain slices to those labeled antibodies.
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'In situ hybridization' is a technique for locating specific proteins in the brain by using labeled hybrid RNA strands that bind to complementary mRNA strands.
'In situ hybridization' is a technique for locating specific proteins in the brain by using labeled hybrid RNA strands that bind to complementary mRNA strands.
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'Gene knockout techniques' are procedures for creating organisms that lack a particular gene, called knockout mice.
'Gene knockout techniques' are procedures for creating organisms that lack a particular gene, called knockout mice.
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'Gene replacement techniques' allow scientists to replace one gene with another, providing new possibilities for research and therapy.
'Gene replacement techniques' allow scientists to replace one gene with another, providing new possibilities for research and therapy.
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'Transgenic mice' are genetically modified mice that contain genetic material from another species, and can be used to study the effects of specific genes.
'Transgenic mice' are genetically modified mice that contain genetic material from another species, and can be used to study the effects of specific genes.
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'Green fluorescent protein (GFP)' is a protein that exhibits green fluorescence when exposed to blue light, and can be used to label specific cells in a model organism.
'Green fluorescent protein (GFP)' is a protein that exhibits green fluorescence when exposed to blue light, and can be used to label specific cells in a model organism.
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The 'brainbow' technique is a research technique in which each neuron in a model organism is labeled with a different color, allowing scientists to trace their pathways and connections.
The 'brainbow' technique is a research technique in which each neuron in a model organism is labeled with a different color, allowing scientists to trace their pathways and connections.
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'Optogenetics' is a novel technique that uses light to control the activity of neurons by inserting an opsin gene into specific neurons, providing a powerful tool for studying brain function and developing new therapies.
'Optogenetics' is a novel technique that uses light to control the activity of neurons by inserting an opsin gene into specific neurons, providing a powerful tool for studying brain function and developing new therapies.
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The term 'connectome' refers to the complete map of neural connections in the brain.
The term 'connectome' refers to the complete map of neural connections in the brain.
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The 'cingulate cortex' is an area of the brain that is thought to be involved in emotional experience, and can be stimulated or inhibited using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
The 'cingulate cortex' is an area of the brain that is thought to be involved in emotional experience, and can be stimulated or inhibited using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
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The term 'default mode network' refers to brain structures that are typically active when the mind is at rest and less active during cognitive tasks.
The term 'default mode network' refers to brain structures that are typically active when the mind is at rest and less active during cognitive tasks.
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The term 'repetition priming' refers to a technique in which repetitive exposure to a particular stimulus influences subsequent performance of that stimulus, and this can be observed in language and memory tasks.
The term 'repetition priming' refers to a technique in which repetitive exposure to a particular stimulus influences subsequent performance of that stimulus, and this can be observed in language and memory tasks.
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The 'Wisconsin Card Sorting Test' is used to assess frontal lobe function and is particularly sensitive to damage in this region.
The 'Wisconsin Card Sorting Test' is used to assess frontal lobe function and is particularly sensitive to damage in this region.
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The 'token test' is a quick screen for language-related deficits, employing twenty tokens with different shapes, sizes, and colors.
The 'token test' is a quick screen for language-related deficits, employing twenty tokens with different shapes, sizes, and colors.
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The 'Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)' is a widely used standardized test battery for assessing general intelligence, but it often fails to detect memory deficits.
The 'Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)' is a widely used standardized test battery for assessing general intelligence, but it often fails to detect memory deficits.
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The term 'episodic memory' refers to memory for personal experiences, while 'semantic memory' refers to memory for knowledge of the world.
The term 'episodic memory' refers to memory for personal experiences, while 'semantic memory' refers to memory for knowledge of the world.
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The term 'explicit memory' refers to memories that the patient is aware of and can express verbally, while 'implicit memory' refers to memories that are demonstrated by improved performance without conscious awareness.
The term 'explicit memory' refers to memories that the patient is aware of and can express verbally, while 'implicit memory' refers to memories that are demonstrated by improved performance without conscious awareness.
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'Pavlovian conditioning' is also known as 'classical conditioning', and involves pairing an initially neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that reliably elicits a response.
'Pavlovian conditioning' is also known as 'classical conditioning', and involves pairing an initially neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that reliably elicits a response.
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'Operant conditioning' involves changing the rate of a voluntary response (such as lever pressing) by the use of reinforcement or punishment.
'Operant conditioning' involves changing the rate of a voluntary response (such as lever pressing) by the use of reinforcement or punishment.
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'Self-stimulation paradigm' involves animals learning to press a lever to deliver electrical stimulation to specific regions of the brain, often termed 'pleasure centers'.
'Self-stimulation paradigm' involves animals learning to press a lever to deliver electrical stimulation to specific regions of the brain, often termed 'pleasure centers'.
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'Conditioned taste aversion' is a learning paradigm in which animals develop an aversion to a specific taste after experiencing illness or nausea.
'Conditioned taste aversion' is a learning paradigm in which animals develop an aversion to a specific taste after experiencing illness or nausea.
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'The radial arm maze' is a spatial learning task that assesses rodents' spatial memory and navigation abilities.
'The radial arm maze' is a spatial learning task that assesses rodents' spatial memory and navigation abilities.
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'The Morris water maze' is a spatial learning task that assesses the ability of rodents to navigate to a hidden platform in a circular pool of murky water.
'The Morris water maze' is a spatial learning task that assesses the ability of rodents to navigate to a hidden platform in a circular pool of murky water.
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'Conditioned defensive burying' is a task where rodents learn to associate an aversive stimulus (such as a shock or a noxious odor) with an object, and respond by flinging bedding material at the object.
'Conditioned defensive burying' is a task where rodents learn to associate an aversive stimulus (such as a shock or a noxious odor) with an object, and respond by flinging bedding material at the object.
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The term 'lordosis quotient' refers to the proportion of mounts that elicit lordosis in a female rodent during sexual activity.
The term 'lordosis quotient' refers to the proportion of mounts that elicit lordosis in a female rodent during sexual activity.
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Traditional conditioning paradigms, including Pavlovian, operant, and self-stimulation paradigms, are used in biopsychology research to study learning processes and the neural mechanisms underlying those processes.
Traditional conditioning paradigms, including Pavlovian, operant, and self-stimulation paradigms, are used in biopsychology research to study learning processes and the neural mechanisms underlying those processes.
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Seminatural animal learning paradigms, such as the radial arm maze and the Morris water maze, are designed to approximate ecologically relevant tasks and are thought to be more directly related to innate neural mechanisms.
Seminatural animal learning paradigms, such as the radial arm maze and the Morris water maze, are designed to approximate ecologically relevant tasks and are thought to be more directly related to innate neural mechanisms.
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What is the scientific study of the nervous system?
What is the scientific study of the nervous system?
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What is the scientific study of the biology of behavior?
What is the scientific study of the biology of behavior?
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What is the scientific study of behavior?
What is the scientific study of behavior?
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Who is considered the father of behaviorism?
Who is considered the father of behaviorism?
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Which of the following is NOT a discipline of neuroscience relevant to biopsychology?
Which of the following is NOT a discipline of neuroscience relevant to biopsychology?
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What is the scientific term for the arched-back, rump-up, tail-diverted posture of female rodents during sexual receptivity?
What is the scientific term for the arched-back, rump-up, tail-diverted posture of female rodents during sexual receptivity?
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What is the name of the surgical procedure in which the connections between the prefrontal lobes and the rest of the brain are severed?
What is the name of the surgical procedure in which the connections between the prefrontal lobes and the rest of the brain are severed?
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The scientific inference method relies on studying directly observable phenomena.
The scientific inference method relies on studying directly observable phenomena.
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Which of the following is NOT a division of biopsychology?
Which of the following is NOT a division of biopsychology?
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What is the term used to describe structures that are similar because they have a common evolutionary origin?
What is the term used to describe structures that are similar because they have a common evolutionary origin?
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What is the term for the process in which structures that are similar but do not have a common evolutionary origin evolve in unrelated species because they have similar solutions to the same environmental demands?
What is the term for the process in which structures that are similar but do not have a common evolutionary origin evolve in unrelated species because they have similar solutions to the same environmental demands?
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What is the term used to describe characteristics that evolved to serve one function but were later co-opted to serve another?
What is the term used to describe characteristics that evolved to serve one function but were later co-opted to serve another?
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Human evolution proceeded in a single, linear path, with each species evolving directly from the one before it.
Human evolution proceeded in a single, linear path, with each species evolving directly from the one before it.
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What is the name of the theory that states traits associated with higher survival and reproduction rates are more likely to be passed on to future generations?
What is the name of the theory that states traits associated with higher survival and reproduction rates are more likely to be passed on to future generations?
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What term describes a stable hierarchy of social dominance that is established through combative encounters between males?
What term describes a stable hierarchy of social dominance that is established through combative encounters between males?
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What is the name of the group of organisms that are reproductively isolated from other organisms, meaning they can only produce fertile offspring by mating with members of the same species?
What is the name of the group of organisms that are reproductively isolated from other organisms, meaning they can only produce fertile offspring by mating with members of the same species?
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What term describes the process of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells)?
What term describes the process of cell division that produces gametes (sex cells)?
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What is the name of the molecule that carries the genetic code for a given organism?
What is the name of the molecule that carries the genetic code for a given organism?
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What are the two genes that control the same trait?
What are the two genes that control the same trait?
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What is the term used to describe an organism that possesses two identical genes for a trait?
What is the term used to describe an organism that possesses two identical genes for a trait?
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What is the term used to describe an organism that possesses two different genes for a trait?
What is the term used to describe an organism that possesses two different genes for a trait?
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What is the term for accidental alterations in individual genes?
What is the term for accidental alterations in individual genes?
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What type of chromosomes are typical chromosomes that come in matched pairs?
What type of chromosomes are typical chromosomes that come in matched pairs?
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What type of chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine an individual's sex?
What type of chromosomes are the pair of chromosomes that determine an individual's sex?
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Study Notes
Biopsychology as Neuroscience
- Biopsychology is the scientific study of the biology of behavior.
- Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system.
- Biopsychology draws on various neuroscience disciplines including neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology.
Subdisciplines of Neuroscience
- Neuroanatomy: The study of the structure of the nervous system.
- Neurochemistry: The study of the chemical bases of neural activity.
- Neuroendocrinology: The study of the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
- Neuropathology: The study of nervous system disorders.
- Neuropharmacology: The study of the effects of drugs on neural activity.
- Neurophysiology: The study of the functions and activities of the nervous system.
Human and Nonhuman Subjects
- Human advantages:
- Can follow instructions
- Can report subjective experiences
- Often cheaper.
- Understanding human brains is crucial
- Nonhuman advantages:
- Simpler brains and behavior
- Comparative approach offers insights by comparing species
- Ethical considerations allow research on laboratory animals
- Human and nonhuman subjects are both used in biopsychological research.
Research Methods
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Experiments: Methods used by scientists to study cause and effect.
- Between-Subjects Design: Studies different groups under each condition.
- Within-Subjects Design: Tests the same group under various conditions.
- Quasi-Experiments: Studies groups exposed to real-world conditions.
- Case Studies: Studies single cases or subjects.
- Pure Research: Motivated by curiosity; strives to discover new knowledge
- Applied Research: Aims to find solutions; finds practical applications.
- Translational Research: Bridges pure research findings to practical applications.
Divisions of Biopsychology
- Physiological Psychology: Studies neural mechanisms of behavior in nonhuman animals.
- Psychopharmacology: Examines drug effects on brain and behavior.
- Neuropsychology: Investigates brain damage effects on psychological functions in humans, mainly.
- Psychophysiology: Studies relationships between physiological activity and thought/emotional processes.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: Investigates the neural mechanisms of human cognition using brain imaging.
- Comparative Psychology: Studies evolution, genetics, and adaptiveness of behavior using the comparative method.
Evolution, Genetics, and Experience
- Evolution: Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, described in "On the Origin of Species", is fundamental to biological sciences.
- Natural Selection: Heritable traits associated with survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.
- Fitness: An organism's ability to survive and reproduce influencing its genes' transmission to the next generation.
Human Genome Project
- Compiled a map of the human genome's three billion bases.
- Three key findings:
- Humans have relatively few genes.
- Variations associated with diseases have been identified.
- Protein-encoding genes make up a small percentage of human DNA.
Epigenetics
- Study of all inheritance mechanisms beyond the genetic code and its expression.
Research Methods (continued)
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Lesion Methods: Used to study the effects of brain damage
- Aspiration lesions: Removes cortical tissue using suction.
- Radio-frequency lesions (Knife cuts, reversible lesions) destroy targeted areas through other means.
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Electrophysiological Recording: Various methods used to record electrical activity in the nervous system
- Intracellular recordings
- Extracellular recordings
- Multiple unit recordings
- Invasive EEG recordings
- Pharmacological Research Methods: Administer drugs to study effects of neurotransmitter actions.
Neuroanatomy
- Meninges: Three protective membranes (dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Ventricles and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Internal chambers and spaces filled with CSF, protecting and cushioning the CNS.
- Blood-Brain Barrier: A barrier formed by special cerebral blood vessels regulating substance entry into the brain.
Classification of Neurons
- Multipolar: Most common type with one axon and many dendrites.
- Unipolar: One axon extending from the cell body.
- Bipolar: Two processes extending from the cell body.
- Interneurons: Short axons or no axons; integrate neural activity within brain structures rather than sending signals to other structures.
- Glia: Supporting cells of the nervous system, supporting, protecting, and insulating neurons.
Measuring Brain Activity
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures electrical activity across the scalp.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Measures magnetic fields produced by neuronal electrical activity.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Used to temporarily turn off areas of brain function for experiments.
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Used to stimulate areas of the brain by passing a low electrical current.
Other methods for studying the nervous system:
- Contrast x-rays
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
Neurotransmitters and Synapses
- Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons or from neurons to muscles/glands
- Neuropeptides: Short chains of amino acids acting as neurotransmitters.
- Small-molecule neurotransmitters: Small chemical structures ( e.g., glutamate, GABA).
- Monoamines: Catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine) and indolamines (serotonin); larger than amino acids.
- Autoreceptors: Monitor and regulate the release of neurotransmitters at the presynaptic membrane.
- Synapses: Junctions where neurons communicate; directed and non-directed synapses.
Other techniques
- Immunocytochemistry: Used to locate proteins in the brain.
- In situ hybridization: Finds messenger RNA patterns to identify where a gene is expressed in the brain.
- Gene Knockouts and Replacements: Creating organisms missing (knockouts) or with modified genes.
- Optogenetics: Using light to turn genes on/off to study their role in processes.
- Transgenic animals: Animals with modified or foreign genes.
- Stereotaxic surgery: Precisely positioning instruments in the brain.
- Lesion methods: Studying effects of damage to brain structures: aspiration, radio-frequency, knife, reversible.
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Description
Explore the connections between biopsychology and neuroscience in this quiz. You'll learn about the various subdisciplines such as neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and more. Test your understanding of how biology influences behavior and the underlying mechanisms of the nervous system.
