Week 3 biological approach

Hippocampus

Vital for memory and learning; consolidates short-term memory into long-term (Note: It is NOT a video recorder).

Hypothalamus

Controls key bodily processes (hunger, temperature, stress) by secreting hormones and communicating with other brain areas.

Amygdala

Connects emotions to memory and action. It helps us learn what to fear and triggers the hypothalamus to release cortisol.

Neocortex / Frontal Lobe

The "uniquely human" part of the brain; responsible for higher-order thinking, planning, and judgment.

Left Frontal Lobe

Associated with Approach behavior, pleasant/positive emotions, and inhibiting responses to unpleasant stimuli.

Right Frontal Lobe

Associated with Withdrawal/Avoidance behavior and unpleasant/negative emotions.

Anterior Cingulate

A region of the cingulate important for error detection and controlling impulses (associated with emotional stability).

Phineas Gage Case

A famous case study showing that damage to the frontal lobes can radically change personality (becoming impulsive, emotional, and irreverent).

Lesion Studies

Studying the behavior of people who have suffered brain damage to see what functions are lost.

Brain Stimulation

Using electrodes or magnets (TMS) to activate or deactivate brain parts to see the effect on behavior.

EEG / MEG

Measures electrical activity or magnetic fields. Excellent for timing (when the brain is active) but poor at pinpointing exact location

PET Scan

Uses a radioactive tracer in the blood to see which brain areas are using the most energy (blood flow)

fMRI

Measures oxygen levels in the blood. Excellent for location (where the brain is active) but less precise for timing.

Dopamine

"The Reward Molecule"

Dopamine Role

Drives sociability, general activity level, and responsiveness to rewards.

Serotonin

"The Stability Molecule"

Serotonin Role

Helps inhibit behavioral impulses; keeps people from being too quick to anger or worry.

Epinephrine

"Fight or Flight" Also known as Adrenaline; released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

Cortisol

"The Stress Hormone" Released in response to physical or psychological stress; chronically high levels are linked to Neuroticism.

Oxytocin

The love hormone, promotes bonding, trust, and romantic attachment; it actually decreases fear and increases “approach'“ behavior

Testosterone

The Dominance Molecule, linked to agression, competitiveness, and libido. High levels are associated with decreased Agreeableness.

2 Meta Traits

Plasticity & Stability

Plasticity

Includes Extraversion & Openness. Primarily driven by Dopamine. Relates to discovery, exploration, and seeking rewards.

Stability

Includes Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, & Emotional Stability. Driven by Serotonin. Relates to regulating mood and inhibiting impulses

Openness

Linked to the Frontal Lobes. Supports "Intellect" (abstract thought/IQ) and how unbiased in art/life (interest in art/music).

Conscientiousness

Depends on the Prefrontal Cortex (goals/self-control) successfully tamping down the Insula (which generates distracting impulses).

Extraversion

Associated with the Left Frontal Lobe (the "Approach" system) and high levels of Dopamine.

Agreeableness

Linked to the Frontal Lobe capacity for Mentalizing (understanding others' thoughts) and Empathy. (Note: High testosterone decreases this).

Neuroticism

Driven by the Amygdala (fear/threat detection) and the Anterior Cingulate (error detection). Regulated by Serotonin.

Left Frontal Lobe

Approach / Positive Emotions (Extraversion).

Right Frontal Lobe

Withdrawal / Negative Emotions (Neuroticism).