Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the estimated heritability of autism?
What is the estimated heritability of autism?
Which environmental contributor is linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia?
Which environmental contributor is linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia?
What is the approximate contribution of genetic factors to the risk of developing schizophrenia?
What is the approximate contribution of genetic factors to the risk of developing schizophrenia?
Which neurotransmitter pathways are implicated in the genetic predisposition for anxiety disorders?
Which neurotransmitter pathways are implicated in the genetic predisposition for anxiety disorders?
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Which statement reflects the gene-environment interaction related to anxiety disorders?
Which statement reflects the gene-environment interaction related to anxiety disorders?
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What is the heritability estimate for ADHD?
What is the heritability estimate for ADHD?
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Which factor is NOT identified as a key environmental contributor to schizophrenia?
Which factor is NOT identified as a key environmental contributor to schizophrenia?
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What role do stressors play in the development of schizophrenia in genetically predisposed individuals?
What role do stressors play in the development of schizophrenia in genetically predisposed individuals?
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What is the primary role of transduction in perception?
What is the primary role of transduction in perception?
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Which type of photoreceptor is more sensitive to light and useful for night vision?
Which type of photoreceptor is more sensitive to light and useful for night vision?
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What is primarily processed in the primary visual cortex (V1)?
What is primarily processed in the primary visual cortex (V1)?
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Which pathway is involved in identifying objects rather than locating them?
Which pathway is involved in identifying objects rather than locating them?
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What is the cochlea's primary function in the auditory system?
What is the cochlea's primary function in the auditory system?
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Which type of skin receptor is responsible for detecting painful stimuli?
Which type of skin receptor is responsible for detecting painful stimuli?
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How does the brain localize sound sources?
How does the brain localize sound sources?
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Which type of receptor detects temperature changes in the skin?
Which type of receptor detects temperature changes in the skin?
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What defines the genotype of an individual?
What defines the genotype of an individual?
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Which scientist is known for identifying nuclein in 1869?
Which scientist is known for identifying nuclein in 1869?
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What significant discovery did Watson and Crick make in 1953?
What significant discovery did Watson and Crick make in 1953?
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What is the main focus of the Eugenics Movement that began in the 1900s?
What is the main focus of the Eugenics Movement that began in the 1900s?
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Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Nature vs Nurture'?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'Nature vs Nurture'?
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What did the Human Genome Project achieve in 2003?
What did the Human Genome Project achieve in 2003?
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What was a significant finding regarding identical twins discovered in 2013?
What was a significant finding regarding identical twins discovered in 2013?
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Which principle is NOT associated with Empiricism (Behaviourism)?
Which principle is NOT associated with Empiricism (Behaviourism)?
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Who discovered that DNA composition is species-specific?
Who discovered that DNA composition is species-specific?
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What did Gregor Mendel's discoveries in 1866 primarily focus on?
What did Gregor Mendel's discoveries in 1866 primarily focus on?
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What is required to pass the marking criteria in a research report?
What is required to pass the marking criteria in a research report?
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What does it mean to critically evaluate content in a research report?
What does it mean to critically evaluate content in a research report?
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To achieve a distinction in supporting claims in a research report, what is necessary?
To achieve a distinction in supporting claims in a research report, what is necessary?
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How should sentences be structured to achieve clarity in a research report?
How should sentences be structured to achieve clarity in a research report?
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What is the minimum requirement for summarizing literature to pass the marking criteria?
What is the minimum requirement for summarizing literature to pass the marking criteria?
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What do students need to do to show understanding of key concepts in their research report?
What do students need to do to show understanding of key concepts in their research report?
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What should students ask themselves when making a claim in their research report?
What should students ask themselves when making a claim in their research report?
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What aspect of writing must be demonstrated for a distinction in the clarity of a research report?
What aspect of writing must be demonstrated for a distinction in the clarity of a research report?
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What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in neuronal communication?
What is the primary function of neurotransmitters in neuronal communication?
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Which neurotransmitter is identified as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter?
Which neurotransmitter is identified as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of a neuron?
Which of the following is NOT a component of a neuron?
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What happens when an action potential travels down an axon?
What happens when an action potential travels down an axon?
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What is a common effect of an undersupply of GABA in the nervous system?
What is a common effect of an undersupply of GABA in the nervous system?
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How can anti-anxiety drugs affect GABA activity?
How can anti-anxiety drugs affect GABA activity?
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Which of the following pairs correctly identifies the relationship between neurons and their functions?
Which of the following pairs correctly identifies the relationship between neurons and their functions?
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What is the role of synapses in neuronal communication?
What is the role of synapses in neuronal communication?
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Study Notes
Getting Help
- For vUWS questions, use the FAQ section.
- For subject related questions, use the discussion board.
- For IT-related questions, call +61 (2) 9852 5111.
- For personal matters, email the unit coordinator or deputy coordinator.
- Do not email your tutor.
Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology is a field of scientific inquiry.
- It uses scientific techniques and methods to explain and understand the causes of behavior.
- Psychological science aims to understand the experiences, motives, and perspectives behind human actions, decision-making processes, and interactions.
- This subject focuses on the nature of psychology as a scientific discipline.
Neuron Anatomy and Communication
- Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout the body.
- Key parts of a neuron include dendrites, soma (cell body), axon, and terminal buttons.
- Neurons communicate through synapses, junctions between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the somatic or dendritic membrane of another.
- When an action potential travels down an axon, its terminal buttons release a chemical (neurotransmitter) that has an excitatory or inhibitory effect on the receiving neuron.
Neurotransmitters and Human Behavior
- GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and sleep.
- GABA plays a crucial role in regulating anxiety.
- An undersupply of GABA might lead to a highly reactive nervous system.
- Patients with panic attacks have lower concentrations of GABA.
- Many anti-anxiety drugs enhance GABA activity.
DNA History
- 1859: Charles Darwin published The Origin of the Species.
- 1866: Gregor Mendel discovered the fundamental principles of genetics.
- 1869: Friedrich Miescher identified "nuclein" (later recognized as DNA).
- 1900s: The Eugenics Movement, which aimed to improve the human race by controlling reproduction.
- 1944: Oswald Avery identified DNA as the 'transforming principle' – the molecule responsible for carrying genetic information.
- 1950: Erwin Chargaff discovered that DNA composition is species-specific.
- 1953: James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix structure of DNA.
- 1977: Frederick Sanger developed rapid DNA sequencing techniques, paving the way for genetic research.
- 1980-90: Discoveries emerged connecting specific genes to certain diseases.
- 1990: The Human Genome Project began with the aim to map the entire human genome.
- 2003: The Human Genome Project was completed.
- 2013: DNA Worldwide and Eurofins Forensic found that identical twins are not 100% identical.
Nature vs. Nurture
- The nature vs. nurture debate explores the relative contributions of genetics and environment to human traits.
- Nativism represents the extreme nature position, emphasizing innate traits and biological factors.
- Empiricism (behaviorism) represents the extreme nurture position, emphasizing learning and environmental influences.
- Gene x environment interaction recognizes the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in shaping traits.
Evidence in Psychology
- Personality: Genetics contribute significantly to personality traits, with specific genes influencing neurotransmitter regulation. Environment plays a vital role, shaping personality through experiences and interactions.
- Intelligence: Intelligence has a strong genetic component, but environment also plays a crucial role in shaping intellectual development.
- Aggression: Aggression is influenced by both nature and nurture, with genetic factors and environmental influences contributing to its manifestation.
- Wellbeing: Wellbeing is influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental factors such as social support and life experiences.
- Depression: Depression is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a genetic predisposition may be more susceptible to developing depression in response to stressful life events.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental experiences, like early life stress and trauma.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is characterized by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a genetic predisposition may only develop schizophrenia when they are exposed to certain environmental stressors.
Perception
- Perception is the process by which the brain organizes and interprets sensory information, transforming it into meaningful objects and events.
- Transduction converts physical energy (light, sound) into electrochemical signals the brain can interpret.
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Key Sensory Systems:
- Vision: Light waves are converted into neural signals by the retina.
- Audition: Sound waves are converted into neural signals by the cochlea.
- Somatosensation: Pressure, temperature, and pain are detected through skin receptors.
- Proprioception: Sensing body position and movement through vestibular and kinesthetic systems.
- Gustation (Taste) and Olfaction (Smell): Chemical molecules in food and the air are detected.
Vision
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Photoreceptors: Specialized cells in the retina that detect light and color.
- Rods: More sensitive to light, used for night vision.
- Cones: Detect color and detail, concentrated in the fovea.
- Post-receptoral Mechanisms: Processing of visual information beyond photoreceptors, including lateral antagonism (contrast enhancement) and the blind spot (an area with no photoreceptors).
- Retino-Thalamic-Cortical Pathway: The pathway visual information travels from the retina, through the thalamus, to the visual cortex (V1).
- V1 (Primary Visual Cortex): The first stage in the brain where visual information is processed.
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What vs. Where Pathways:
- What Pathway (Ventral Stream): Involved in identifying objects.
- Where Pathway (Dorsal Stream): Involved in locating objects in space.
Audition
- Cochlea: A spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear that converts sound waves into neural signals.
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Frequency and Amplitude:
- Frequency: Perceived as pitch.
- Amplitude: Perceived as loudness.
- Neural Pathways: Sound signals travel from the cochlea through the auditory nerve to the brainstem, and finally to the primary auditory cortex.
- Primary Auditory Cortex: Located in the temporal lobe, this area processes basic sound aspects such as pitch and volume.
- Localization: The brain's ability to pinpoint a sound source based on timing and intensity differences between the ears.
Somatosensation
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Skin Receptors:
- Mechanoreceptors: Detect pressure and texture.
- Nociceptors: Detect pain.
- Thermoreceptors: Detect temperature changes.
Week 5 Tutorial Agenda
- Attendance
- Research report
- The report: Highlighting relevant resources
- Using marking criteria to understand the report
- Activity: The Discussion Section
- In-tutorial quiz
Report Resources
- The marking criteria, checklist, and report exemplar are available in vUWS.
- Main readings for the topic are available in vUWS.
- Information about the report structure and formatting is available in vUWS.
- Tutorials and the discussion board can be used for questions.
The Marking Criteria
- Summary of Existing Literature (Pass): Show you have read and summarised at least one research paper from the literature.
- Summary of Existing Literature (Distinction): Show you have read and summarised at least two relevant papers and attempted to critically evaluate the content.
- Supporting Claims/ Arguments (Pass): Demonstrate that you have attempted to support your claims/arguments with appropriate scholarly sources.
- Supporting Claims/ Arguments (Distinction): Demonstrate that all relevant claims/arguments are supported using primary sources.
- Clarity of Writing (Pass): Demonstrate that there is some clarity in your writing, even though there is still room for improvement.
- Clarity of Writing (Distinction): Demonstrate that there is clarity in almost all sentences in the paper.
- Understanding of Key Concepts (Pass): Demonstrate understanding of some key concepts and their connections to the literature and research question.
- Understanding of Key Concepts (Distinction): Demonstrate understanding of all key concepts and their connections to the literature and research question throughout the paper.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of psychology as a scientific discipline, including its methods and objectives. Additionally, it delves into neuron anatomy, exploring the structure and communication processes of neurons in the nervous system.
