Introduction to Psychology: PSY100 AUA-CAS Research Presentation PDF

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PSY100 AUA-CAS RESEARCH PRESENTATION PRESENTER: NAVIDA EDWARDS 1 OBJECTIVES Appreciate the role of genetics towards Analyse the role and function of evolution and range for physical and the nervous syste...

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY: PSY100 AUA-CAS RESEARCH PRESENTATION PRESENTER: NAVIDA EDWARDS 1 OBJECTIVES Appreciate the role of genetics towards Analyse the role and function of evolution and range for physical and the nervous system in psychological characteristics Psychology  WHY IS GENETICS IMPORTANT? Let us think for a moment about our parents and what it is we share or not share. Why do you think this is? Phenotype Genotype  WHY GENETICS When we look at society, we see how changes are constantly being made to ensure survival through improved life and health. This allows us to focus on genetic variations and what is passed from generation onwards. What relevance would this have towards psychology with reference to genes and health?  Genetic Variation Variation arises from genetics and interaction with the environment. Further, it shows the difference between individuals of the same species (think about you and your siblings). It affects cognition and behaviour from adapting and passing on the best measure to future generations. To understand this better we need to look at DNA. The Minnesota twin studies Genes are responsible for the physical characteristics such as eye and hair colour, as well as height. DNA Genes This is why children will have a resemblance to their parents WHY GENETICS Alleles are alternate variations of a gene. Therefore the physical characteristic for eye colour based on variation may look like the following Allele continued  Nervous system Conditions inside and outside of the body need to be controlled for proper functioning of the body. This is done either with chemical or nervous responses. There are receptors which just as the name indicates receives outside information and relay the internally. It therefore detects changes and stimuli. The brain and spinal chord receives and processes information around the body.  Nervous System The nervous system composes of two basic cell types: glial cells (also known as glia) and neurons. Think of glial cells as a shelf and the neurons as the tools. The shelf is needed to organize the tools as well as offer support. Similarly, the base of the nervous system depends on the proper functioning of neurons. This support from the glial cells accounts for insulation as well as the ability to position neurons to aid in communication.  Neurons and Communication Look at the image below. This Lego depicts what neurons are to the nervous system. So how do neurons communicate?  Neurons and Communication As a result of changes in membrane, permeability produces a nerve impulse where dendrites receives information which travels towards the terminal buttons where synaptic vesicles release neurotransmitters; chemical messengers into the synaptic cleft.  Neurons and Communication Once neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft, their purpose is to bind with the corresponding receptors on the dendrite of an adjacent neuron. This attachment is specific similar to a key and lock analogy.  Neurons and Communication The neuron exists in a fluid environment. It is imperative to keep both fluids separate as it accounts for the electric signal that passes through. As a result of the sodium pump the fluid on the inside is negatively charged where as the outside is positive. Therefore, at resting potential; neuron membrane potential at readiness, has sodium at a higher concentration outside which is why it moves to a lower concentration inside. Similar, Potassium has a higher concertation inside and will move to the lower on the outside. This difference in charge across the membrane, called the membrane potential, provides energy for the signal.  Neurotransmitters and drugs Drugs achieve their affect by imitating or altering the release or uptake of neurotransmitters. It can affect how many are made, transported, released and their binding ability. The drug also has the ability to mimic neurotransmitters and bind to receptors.  Neurotransmitters and drugs Alcohol binds directly to the receptors for acetylcholine, blocking its function. As these drugs have the ability to mimic it can also bond to serotonin, GABA, and glutamate. It enhances the activity of GABA, which decreases efficiency of neural responses which slows coordination.  Nervous system The brain and spinal chord The peripheral nervous system- nerve cells that carry information to and from the central nervous system CNS  Nervous System Think of the brain as a central computer that controls all the body's functions. The rest of the nervous system is like a network that relays messages back and forth from the brain to different parts of the body. It does this via the spinal cord, which runs from the brain down through the back. The PNS has two major subdivisions: the somatic nervous system; voluntary, and the autonomic; involuntary. The autonomic nervous system can be further divided into The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system Stressed! sympathetic nervous system thesympathetic parasympathetic nervous nervous systemsystem  Brain and Spinal Chord The brain needs the spinal chord as it is the brains connection to the world. An example of how the brain works is of a school staff. There are many teachers each with their responsibility, however, their purpose is towards the effective running of the school. Similarly, the brain has different parts with specific functions geared at working together. The brain is divided into three(3) parts: the forebrain, the mid brain and the hind brain  Brain and Spinal Chord The forebrain is the largest consisting primarily of the cerebrum. Although the hemispheres mirror each other, each hemisphere is responsible for different functions. For example, the right hemisphere is responsible for non –verbal, creativity and abstract behaviour. Where as the left brain is analytic, linear and factual. If for example you damage the right side of the brain for something like having a stroke the effect would appear on the right side.  Brain and Spinal Chord The cerebral cortex is responsible for intelligence and personality , higher thinking such as reasoning and language. It is divided into four parts: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital. Communication between the cerebral cortex and cerebrum is through the nerves called corpus callosum. The mid brain is responsible for audio and visual processing. The hind brain is responsible for the information passing between the forebrain and the spinal chord. CORPUS CALLOSUM Conducts or sends messages from one side to the other Used to connect sides Helps to coordinates the sides of the brain CLOSURE Will the information shared today matter to you in one year? In three years? Five years?