Psychology Chapter on Genetics and Behavior

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with regulating mood, arousal, and learning?

Norepinephrine (correct)

Dopamine

Serotonin

GABA

What is the role of antagonists in neurotransmitter action?

They oppose the action of neurotransmitters. (correct)

They replicate neurotransmitter actions.

They have no effect on neurotransmitter actions.

They enhance the effect of neurotransmitters.

Which neurotransmitter is critical for sleep and wakefulness?

Norepinephrine

Serotonin (correct)

GABA

Dopamine

What is the main function of GABA in the nervous system?

Acts as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Signup and view all the answers

Dopamine is primarily important for which of the following?

Voluntary movement Signup and view all the answers

What do twin studies primarily compare?

Resemblance of identical and fraternal twins Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of behavioral genetics?

Understanding the genetic basis of behaviors and traits Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the view of the interactionist model in genetics?

Genetic dispositions shape behaviors but do not determine them Signup and view all the answers

In evolutionary psychology, what is considered key to understanding behavior?

Reproductive success and adaptation significance Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of genetics does molecular genetics study?

The biochemical bases of genetic inheritance Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals towards the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Afferent nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of endorphins in the body?

Provide pain relief and induce pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the brain is NOT part of the hindbrain?

Thalamus Signup and view all the answers

What function does the cerebral cortex perform?

Processes higher mental functions Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is part of the limbic system?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical structure serves as a connection point for the cerebrum and the thalamus?

Cerebral Cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of cortisol?

Regulate metabolism of salt and carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which hormones are secreted by the gonads?

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What are chromosomes primarily composed of?

DNA carrying genetic information Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of chromosomes do humans typically have?

23 pairs Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a genotype is described as homozygous?

The organism has two identical alleles for a trait Signup and view all the answers

What influences behavioral traits according to behavioral genetics?

Genetic factors and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes polygenic inheritance?

Multiple genes influence a single trait Signup and view all the answers

What research method is used to study if a trait runs in families?

Family studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the left hemisphere of the brain?

Verbal processing Signup and view all the answers

What connects the two cerebral hemispheres?

Corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

What is aphasia commonly associated with?

Impairment in speech production and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What area of the brain is primarily associated with language production?

Broca's area Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher's work on split-brain patients contributed to our understanding of hemispheric functions?

Roger Sperry Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sensory information transfer between hemispheres when the corpus callosum is cut?

There is no transfer of sensory information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the right hemisphere?

Musical processing and visual recognition Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by 'image to the left visual field' in regards to brain lateralization?

No verbal identification occurs but visual identification is possible Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe is involved in sensory perception and integration?

Parietal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What consequence may result from a split-brain procedure?

Specialization of hemispheric functions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Twin Studies

Identical twins (monozygotic) share 100% of their genes while fraternal twins (dizygotic) share 50%
Adoption studies are used to compare similarities between adopted children and their biological versus adoptive parents

Modern Approaches to the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Molecular Genetics seeks to understand the biochemical basis of genetic inheritance
Genetic mapping involves locating specific genes, the Human Genome Project (2003) mapped the entire human genome

Behavioral Genetics

The interactionist model: Individuals inherit predispositions rather than destinies (Rose, 1995)
Evolutionary Psychology: Examines how behavior has evolved to be adaptive in terms of reproductive success
Adaptations: Can be both physical (flight-or-fight response) and behavioral (taste preferences)
Parental Investment and Mating: Evolutionary Psychology examines the role of these factors in shaping behavior

Alzheimers Disease

Associated with the degeneration of motor neurons and voluntary muscles
Implicated in attention and memory deficits
The neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a vital role in the function of these neurons

Neurotransmitters

Specific neurotransmitters: Work at specific synapses in a "lock and key" model
Agonist: Mimics the action of neurotransmitters (eg. nicotine)
Antagonist: Opposes the action of neurotransmitters (eg. curare)
Neurotransmitter circuits and interactions: Complex networks of neurons, neurotransmitters, and receptors that interact

Monoamines

Norepinephrine (NE): Influences mood, arousal, and learning in both the CNS and PNS
Serotonin (5-HT): Critical for sleep-wakefulness, implicated in eating disorders, aggression, and mood
Dopamine (DA): Plays a key role in voluntary movement

Amino Acids

GABA (and glycine): Major inhibitory neurotransmitters, regulating anxiety, seizures, and sleep

Endorphins

Endogenous opiates that produce pain relief and pleasurable emotions, responsible for the "runner's high"

Neuroplasticity

The brains ability to reorganize itself over the lifespan

Nervous System

Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body
Somatic Nervous System: Voluntary control of skeletal muscles
- Afferent: Sensory input towards the CNS
- Efferent: Motor commands away from the CNS
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary functions
- Sympathetic: Fight-or-flight response
- Parasympathetic: Rest and digest
Brain: Protected by meninges (membranes)
- Cerebellum: Coordinates movement and balance
Spinal Cord: Transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body

Brain Function

Three Major Subdivisions:
- Hindbrain: Medulla, pons, reticular formation, cerebellum
- Midbrain: Substantia nigra, reticular formation, superior colliculi
- Diencephalon: Thalamus, hypothalamus
Limbic System: Amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus
Cerebrum (Cerebral Cortex): Responsible for higher mental functions
- Folded structure: Ridges (gyri), valleys (sulci)
Two Hemispheres : Specialized halves
- Separated by: Longitudinal fissure
- Connected by: Corpus callosum
- Left Hemisphere: Verbal processing (language, speech, reading, writing)
- Right Hemisphere: Nonverbal processing (spatial, musical, visual recognition)

Aphasia

Language impairment affecting speech production, understanding (including reading and writing)

Broca's Area and Wernicke's Area

Located in the left hemisphere of the brain, these areas are critical for language function.
Broca's Area: Speech production
Wernicke's Area: Language comprehension

Split-Brain Research

Roger Sperry (1981 Nobel Prize) pioneered split-brain research
Procedure: Severing the corpus callosum in patients with severe epilepsy
Effect: No transfer of sensory information between hemispheres
Results:
- Images shown to the right visual field (left hemisphere) could be verbally identified
- Images shown to the left visual field (right hemisphere) could be identified manually but not verbally

Frontal Lobe

Responsible for sensory perception and integration through the Somatosensory Cortex

Endocrine System

Pituitary Gland (Master Gland): Regulated by the hypothalamus, produces hormones that control other glands
Thyroid Gland: Produces thyroxine, regulating metabolism
Parathyroid Gland: Controls calcium levels in the blood
Adrenal Glands: Secrete cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine
Pancreas: Secretes insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar
Gonads: Secrete sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone)

Genes and Behavior

Behavioral Genetics: Focuses on the influence of genetic factors on behavioral traits
Chromosomes: Strands of DNA carrying genetic information
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (except gametes)
Genes: Located on chromosomes, each chromosome carries thousands of genes
Genes can be dominant or recessive
Genotype: Genetic makeup
Phenotype: Observable characteristics
Polygenic inheritance: Multiple genes contribute to a specific trait

Research Methods

Family Studies: Investigating whether a trait runs in families

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of twin studies, behavioral genetics, and modern approaches to the nature vs. nurture debate. This quiz covers genetic inheritance, evolutionary psychology, and the impact of both nature and nurture on human behavior. Test your understanding of these key concepts in psychology.