Physiological Psychology Quiz: Test Your Knowledge with Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Physiological Psychology?

The study of cognitive processes
The study of the physiological basis of behavior (correct)
The study of environmental factors on behavior
The study of social influences on behavior

What has been a major source of early knowledge in Physiological Psychology?

Surveys and self-reporting
Brain scans and imaging
Observations of brain-damaged individuals (correct)
Controlled laboratory experiments

What is a recent area of study in Physiological Psychology?

The physiology of social behavior
The physiology of human pathological conditions (correct)
The physiology of cognitive development
The physiology of sleep and waking

What is a fundamental aspect of the human nervous system?

Its complexity and intricacy (A)

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What is the ultimate goal of Physiological Psychology?

To understand the neural basis of behavior (B)

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What is the primary function of the brain and spinal cord?

To act as a switchboard (C)

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What is the term for the electrical information transmitted in the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Nerve impulse (C)

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What is the main difference between the Somatic and Autonomic divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Somatic is voluntary, while Autonomic is involuntary (C)

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What is the term for the process of responding to some form of energy in the environment by an activity generally useful to life?

Behavior (C)

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What is the purpose of utilizing brain surgery in the study of brain chemistry?

To prod parts of the brain and ask the conscious patient what they experience (B)

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Flashcards

Physiological Psychology

Studies the physical operation of the brain and its connection to thoughts, speech, and actions.

Nature of Physiological Psychology

Combines experimental methods of psychology and physiology to study psychological issues.

Methods of Study in Physiological Psychology

Observing changes in behavior due to brain damage, animal experiments, brain surgery, study of brain chemistry, and modern scanning systems.

Behavior

The process of responding to environmental stimuli by an activity generally useful to life.

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Stimulus

A form of energy that affects the organism.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

Made up of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons; functions as a switchboard, connecting millions of central neurons.

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Nerve Impulse

Electrical information transmitted in the CNS.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Branches out from the spinal cord and brain, extending to the body's extremities; carries information to and from the CNS.

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Somatic System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and communicates with sense organs.

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Autonomic System

Maintains the body's automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood vessels, and glands.

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Study Notes

Physiological Psychology

Physiological psychology studies the physical operation of the brain and its connection to our thoughts, speech, and actions.
It involves understanding brain cells, structures, components, and chemistry, and their relationship to our behavior.

The Nature of Physiological Psychology

The modern history of physiological psychology combines experimental methods of psychology and physiology to study various psychological issues.
Topics of study include perceptual processes, control of movement, sleep and waking, reproductive behaviors, ingestive behaviors, emotional behaviors, learning, and language.

Methods of Study

Early knowledge was gained by observing changes in behavior due to brain damage.
Animal experiments, including removal or cutting of brain parts, have been used to study behavior.
Brain surgery, including prodding parts of the brain, has provided insights into brain functioning.
Study of brain chemistry, including the effects of drugs, has been used to understand brain functioning.
Modern scanning systems, such as fMRI and PET, have given further insights into brain activation.

Mechanisms of Behavior

Behavior is the process of responding to environmental stimuli by an activity generally useful to life.
A stimulus is a form of energy that affects the organism.
The brain and spinal cord function as a switchboard, connecting millions of central neurons.
The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and neurons.
A nerve impulse is electrical information transmitted in the CNS.

Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) branches out from the spinal cord and brain, extending to the body's extremities.
The PNS carries information to and from the CNS.
The PNS has two divisions: somatic and autonomic.
The somatic system controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and communicates with sense organs.
The autonomic system is concerned with maintaining the body's automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood vessels, and glands.