Psychology on Genetic and Environmental Influences

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Questions and Answers

What does Eric Kandel suggest about the impact of learning on genetic structure?

Learning does not affect genetic structure.

Learning alters brain structure permanently.

Learning can make dormant genes active. (correct)

Learning only affects behavioral traits.

What role does the thalamus play in the brain?

It regulates emotional balance.

It connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

It relays sensory information to higher brain regions. (correct)

It controls vital bodily functions.

Which of the following describes the function of the spinal cord?

It regulates emotional states.

It acts as a blood supply to the brain.

It processes sensory information.

It facilitates communication between the brain and the body. (correct)

What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about genetic endowment?

It may increase the probability of stressful life events. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for basic automatic functions like breathing?

Brain Stem Signup and view all the answers

Which structures in the forebrain are significant for regulating behavior and emotion?

Thalamus and Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the limbic system in the brain?

It facilitates memory processing and emotional regulation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the hypothalamus contribute to the body?

It regulates vital bodily functions and emotional states. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?

Controls muscles and voluntary movement Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation and is low in levels during increased impulsivity?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main roles of the sympathetic nervous system?

Mobilizes the body during stress Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all neurons in the central nervous system does the cerebral cortex contain?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which system balances the functions of the sympathetic nervous system?

Parasympathetic Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of norepinephrine in the nervous system?

Modulates behavioral tendencies Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for reasoning and planning?

Frontal Lobe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the autonomic nervous system?

Manages cardiovascular and metabolic functions Signup and view all the answers

What do one-dimensional models primarily focus on in explaining behavior?

A single cause or conceptual approach Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of multidimensional models?

They integrate various sources of information. Signup and view all the answers

Which gene type must be paired with another recessive gene to determine a specific trait?

Recessive gene Signup and view all the answers

In the study by McClearn et al. (1997), what was found about heritability estimates?

They ranged from 32% to 62% for specific cognitive abilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of genes on mental disorders?

Most mental disorders show some level of genetic influence. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the explanation of obsessive-compulsive disorder in one-dimensional models?

It explains the disorder through family history alone. Signup and view all the answers

What type of gene strongly influences a particular trait and does not require a paired gene?

Dominant gene Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the multidimensional perspective emphasize in understanding abnormal behavior?

A combination of multiple influences Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of dopamine in psychological conditions?

It may play a significant role in depression. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the condition where an individual perceives they have no control over their environment?

Learned helplessness Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the ability to learn by observing others?

Modeling Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a species' evolved preparedness to learn about certain objects or situations?

Prepared learning Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concept that describes psychological and physical benefits derived from an optimistic outlook during stress?

Learned optimism Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon did Lawrence Weiskrantz describe that involves the ability to respond to visual stimuli despite being blind?

Blind sight Signup and view all the answers

In the context of behavioral science, how do animals demonstrate learned helplessness?

They cease attempts to escape a harmful situation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cognitive science?

How behaviors are shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of implicit memory?

To act on past events without conscious recollection Signup and view all the answers

Which component of emotion involves basic emotional behaviors such as freezing or escaping?

Emotion and Behavior Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effect can emotional suppression have?

Increased sympathetic nervous system activity Signup and view all the answers

How do positive moods influence cognitive processes?

They enhance positive associations and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What best describes 'susto' in Latin American culture?

Anxiety symptoms related to the belief of witchcraft Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes exaggerated fear responses and anxiety reactions?

Fright Disorder Signup and view all the answers

How does emotion relate to psychopathology according to the content?

Mood and emotions can significantly affect psychological disorders. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about emotions processing is accurate?

Emotions can bypass higher cognitive functions for processing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

One-Dimensional vs. Multidimensional Models

One-dimensional models simplify behavior to a single cause, often neglecting other influencing factors.
Example: Viewing obsessive-compulsive disorder solely through the lens of family history.
Multidimensional models adopt an interdisciplinary, integrative perspective, recognizing multiple influences on behavior.

Genetic Contributions to Psychopathology

Mental disorders exhibit significant genetic influence but are not solely determined by genetics.
Genetic factors related to temperament can manifest early in life, influencing behavior.
Dominant genes affect traits directly, while recessive genes require pairing to influence traits.

New Developments in Gene and Behavior Studies

Study by McClearn et al. found heritability for cognitive abilities in elderly twins ranging from 32% to 62%.

Gene-Environment Interaction

Learning can alter genetic structures; inactive genes may become active through environmental interaction.
Genetic vulnerability can increase the likelihood of experiencing stressful life events, exemplified by blood-injury phobia linked to impulsive behaviors.

Neuroscience Contributions to Psychopathology

Central Nervous System processes information from sensory organs and coordinates responses.
Spinal cord facilitates communication between the brain and body.

Brain Structure Overview

The brain consists of the Brain Stem and Forebrain.
Brain Stem manages automatic functions like breathing and sleeping.
Thalamus relays sensory information (except smell), and the Hypothalamus regulates vital bodily functions.
Corpus Callosum connects brain hemispheres, while the Limbic system is involved in emotion and memory.

Peripheral Nervous System

Comprises the Somatic Nervous System for voluntary muscle control, and the Autonomic Nervous System for involuntary body functions.
Sympathetic Nervous System activates the body during stress and danger.

Neurotransmitters and Psychopathology

Glutamate and GABA are key amino acids involved in neural signaling.
Serotonin (5-HT) regulates mood and behavior; low levels linked to aggression and impulsivity.
Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) modulates behavioral tendencies without direct involvement in specific behaviors.
Dopamine is implicated in addiction and mood disorders, notably schizophrenia.

Behavioral and Cognitive Science

Cognitive science studies information processing and memory acquisition.
Learned Helplessness describes animals that cease to try to escape unpleasant conditions when they feel that their actions have no effect.
Learned Optimism suggests that maintaining an optimistic outlook in the face of adversity leads to better psychological and physical outcomes.

Albert Bandura’s observational learning theory indicates that learning can occur indirectly by watching others.
Prepared learning emphasizes innate predispositions for certain learning due to evolutionary significance.

Memory Types

Implicit memory involves actions based on past experiences without conscious recall.
Explicit memory refers to the conscious recollection of events.

Emotions and Psychopathology

Biological and evolutionary aspects of emotions, including the fight or flight response, play a significant role in psychological health.
Emotions involve behaviors, physiological responses, and cognitive interpretations that inform emotional experiences.
Suppressing emotions may raise sympathetic nervous system activity, contributing to psychological disorders.

Fright Disorder involves exaggerated startle responses tied to cultural contexts.
Susto is a Latin American syndrome indicating anxiety and somatic symptoms believed to result from supernatural causes.
Voodoo Death exemplifies how social support negation can lead to severe psychological distress and physiological reactions due to cultural beliefs.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between one-dimensional and multidimensional models in psychology, as well as the genetic contributions to mental disorders. It highlights the interplay between genes and environment, examining how they shape behavior and cognitive abilities. Test your understanding of these essential psychological concepts!