Psychology: MAOA Gene and Personality Traits

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily considered inhibitory?

Glutamine

Acetylcholine

Norepinephrine

GABA (correct)

Which theorist is best known for their work on operant conditioning?

Skinner (correct)

Piaget

Pavlov

Bandura

Which of these issues is primarily classified as a social issue resulting from suboptimal human development?

Cognitive challenges

Bullying or victimization (correct)

Anxiety disorders

Depression

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath surrounding an axon?

Acting as insulation to speed up impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving electrochemical messages?

Dendrites Signup and view all the answers

During neurotransmission, what is the role of synaptic vesicles?

Storing neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of glial cells?

Guiding neurons during prenatal development. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, which theorist is associated with the concept of self-actualization?

Carl Rogers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters can have both excitatory and inhibitory effects?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the first four steps in the process of neurotransmission?

Synthesis, Storage, Release, Binding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason children from higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to exhibit greater success compared to their peers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds?

They are exposed to a significantly greater number of words per hour during their early years. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'low psychological age' primarily reflect?

An immature level of emotional regulation and adaptability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of neurons?

To receive, process, and transmit messages. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological conditions are most commonly linked to cognitive distortions?

Depression and anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Why might sleeping improve one's emotional state, according to research?

Sleep provides a period where the body is mostly devoid of norepinephrine's impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'critical period' in the context of development?

A narrow time window when a specific body part is highly susceptible to environmental impacts. Signup and view all the answers

Which specific brain area is known for the process of neurogenesis?

Hippocampus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is considered a teratogen?

Thalidomide Signup and view all the answers

What effect does childhood trauma, abuse or neglect have on a child's genome?

It can significantly alter the child’s genome. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main consequences associated with sleep deprivation?

Decline in cognitive focus, impaired immune function, and increased irritability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these chemicals acts as an insulator and speeds up electrical impulses?

Myelin Signup and view all the answers

Which brain regions show increased activity during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep?

Prefrontal Cortex, Hippocampus, and Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a likely result of increased cortisol levels?

Improved sleep quality Signup and view all the answers

According to research what are considered necessary childhood experiences for healthy development?

Early language development, secure attachment, and self-regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is most associated with human bonding and connection?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'oxytocin is a reciprocal relationship' refer to in human attachment?

Oxytocin plays a key role in a mutual bonding process between caregiver and child. Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the human brain influences a person's experience of pain?

The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is identified as a critical period of development?

Emotional control and language acquisition Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is most significantly affected by marijuana use?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is stated to have an equal or greater impact on a child's development as abuse or neglect?

Poverty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MAOA Gene and Aggression

The MAOA gene is linked to increased levels of violence and aggression
A variant of the gene makes it more likely a child will be aggressive, violent and potentially criminal

Characteristics of Personality (Big 5)

Extraversion: Gains energy in social situations, associated with sociability
Openness: Receptivity to new ideas and experiences
Conscientiousness: Responsible, adheres to norms and values, disciplined
Agreeableness: Honest, kind, considerate, sympathetic
Neuroticism: Anxious, stressed, experiencing self-doubt

Locus of Control

Internal locus of control: Belief that individuals control their actions and outcomes
External locus of control: Belief that external factors (like luck) dictate one's fate

Neuroticism During and After Puberty

Women experience increased neuroticism during and after puberty
Puberty-related increases in neuroticism are potentially influenced by environmental factors.

Addiction Risk Factors

One of the largest risk factors for addiction is not specified.

Neuron Structure and Function

Soma: Maintains the neuron, contains genetic material that directs its development and function
Dendrites: Receive electrochemical signals from other neurons
Axon: Conducts electrical impulses away from the soma to other neurons or glands
Myelin sheath: Insulates the axon and speeds up electrical impulse transmission

Psychological Conditions Associated with Cognitive Distortions

Depression and anxiety

Sleep Deprivation Consequences

Decreased cognitive function (focus, attention, problem-solving)
Increased stress levels
Impaired immune function
Irritability

Brain Regions Active During REM Sleep

Prefrontal cortex
Hippocampus
Amygdala

Child Development Experiences

Early-language development
Attachment
Self-regulation

Critical Periods In Development

Emotional control
Habitual ways of responding
Peer social skills
Language

Neurotransmitters and Disorders

Serotonin: Associated with depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, and high levels of optimism

Problems Associated with Acetylcholine Deficiency

Alzheimer's disease

Teratology

The study of birth defects (physical and psychological)

Factors Predicting Future Success

Self-regulation

Neuron Types

Cell body (soma)
Dendrites
Axon
Myelin sheath

Prenatal Development and Myelin

Physical and mental activity promote myelin development

Myelin Importance

Myelin acts as insulation, facilitating speedy electrical impulse conduction.

Sensitive and Critical Periods

Sensitive Period: A broader window of opportunity for learning, more susceptible to environmental influences.
Critical Period: A narrow time frame, crucial and specific for learning.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

A condition resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Hormones for Human Connection

Oxytocin

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz explores the connections between the MAOA gene and aggression, as well as the Big Five personality traits. It also examines concepts such as locus of control and neuroticism during puberty. Test your knowledge on how these psychological concepts interact and influence behavior.