Human Emotions and Innate Behaviors

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Questions and Answers

What did Donald E Brown compile in his research on human behavior across cultures?

A list of roughly 400 human universals (correct)

A compilation of emotional responses to environmental stimuli

A theory on language development in children

A list of musical traditions in different societies

How does habituation contribute to survival according to the principles laid out in the content?

It strengthens memory of past stimuli for future reference

It allows individuals to focus on novel stimuli that may indicate danger (correct)

It encourages emotional responses to repeated stimuli

It enhances the physiological response to familiar stimuli

Which of the following statements about the physiology of habituation is accurate?

Intense stimuli always lead to habituation in subjects.

The study of Aplysia's gill-withdrawal reflex provides insights into habituation. (correct)

Habituation is solely studied in human subjects due to complex nervous systems.

Research on habituation has shown it is only applicable to mammals.

Which factor does NOT influence the process of habituation?

Type of nervous system in the subject Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of habituation most closely related to?

Gradual decline in response intensity to a repeated stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with habituation?

Increased response strength with each repeated exposure Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when there is a temporary recovery of a habituated response?

Dishabituation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a stimulus that recovers a habituated response?

Similar enough to trigger the habituation process again Signup and view all the answers

What does habituation demonstrate in the context of learning according to Kandel's research?

Repeated stimulation can lead to a reduction in neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

In the opponent process theory, what is referred to as the A-process?

The euphoric feeling experienced during the initial drug use. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the peak in the opponent process theory?

Plateau. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the after-effect in the opponent process theory?

A transition to an opposing emotional state. Signup and view all the answers

How does repeated drug use affect the peak feeling according to the opponent process theory?

It leads to a decrease in effectiveness and lower peak feelings. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of habituation and emotions, what role does the plateau play?

It marks a period of stable emotional satisfaction post-peak. Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional response is considered the B-process in the opponent process theory?

Withdrawal symptoms following drug use. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of tolerance in drug use imply?

The effectiveness of the drug decreases with continuous use. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Innate Abilities and Human Universals

Humans are equipped with innate abilities, including language and emotional expression.
Research shows a high level of agreement across cultures in identifying basic emotions like happiness, disgust, surprise, anger, and fear, with slight cultural variations.
Donald E. Brown, an anthropologist, identified approximately 400 human universals, such as music, play, laws, trade, and cooking, which manifest differently in various cultures.

Habituation

Habituation refers to the diminishing response to a repeated stimulus over time, serving a survival function by allowing focus on novel stimuli.
Key principles of habituation:
- Occurs after repeated stimulus presentation.
- Gradual decrease in response strength.
- Response recovery occurs after a break from the stimulus.
- Faster habituation with reexposure to the stimulus.
- Intense stimuli may not lead to habituation, while weak stimuli can lead to rapid habituation.
- Similar new stimuli can also trigger habituation.

Physiological Basis of Habituation

Research on habituation is informed by studies of marine snails (Aplysia) with simpler nervous systems.
Aplysia have around 1,000 neurons, contrasting with mammals' billions.
The gill-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia demonstrates habituation, where repeated siphon stimulation leads to a reduced response.
Findings by Kandel and colleagues indicated that habituation results in decreased neurotransmitter release from sensory neurons, linking learning to specific neural locations.

Emotion and Habituation

Emotional habituation aligns with the opponent process theory, which explains changes in emotional responses over time.
The process involves stages: peak (initial high response), plateau (stabilization), and after-effect (opposing emotions arising from repeated stimulation).
Example of emotional habituation:
- Initial exhilaration from receiving a car (peak).
- Subsequent satisfaction but reduced excitement (plateau).
- Distress after an accident (after-effect) that fades to a normal state.

Opponent Process Theory and Drug Addiction

Opponent process theory explains the dual nature of emotional responses (A-process: initial response, B-process: opposing response).
In drug addiction, the first use causes euphoria (A-process), followed by withdrawal symptoms (B-process) as the drug's effects wear off.
With repeated use, emotional peaks decrease (tolerance), illustrating changes in response dynamics due to habituation to the drug.

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Description

This quiz explores the innate abilities and predispositions of humans, particularly focusing on verbal behavior and emotions. It delves into how people from different cultures recognize and classify common emotions. Additionally, it touches upon the concept of human universals found across all cultures.