MOCKS: bio approach SAQ

localization of function, neuroplasticity, neurotransmission, brain imaging technologies, hormones, pheromones

1. brain imaging techniques - maguire

Technologies used in psychology to study brain structure, function, damage, and support prior findings. The results of BITs are usually correlational and Difficult to establish causation, but are Continually evolving.

1. Magnetic resonance imaging - maguire

shows density (grey matter) and size. uses a magnetic field and radio waves to map the activity of hydrogen molecules, which are present in different brain tissue to different degrees. Structure only. Can be a 2D slice of the brain or compiled into 3D pics

non invasive, has no radiation, can be repeated, however, it only shows the structure

The data from MRIs are measured using Voxel-based morphometry and pixel counting. VBM measures the difference in density of grey matter in the brain and Pixel counting counts the pixels in the MRI images to calculate the area of the parts of the brain.

2. what is localization of function - maguire

the idea that specific parts of our brain are linked to specific behavior

2. hippocampus

small structure located in the brain’s temporal lobe. It involves forming, organizing, and storing memories. It transfers information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

The hippocampus contains a high density of acetylcholine receptors, which plays a role in the consolidation of memory.

The anterior hippocampus is primarily involved in encoding and retrieving abstract or general memories, while the posterior hippocampus focuses on specific, detailed memories, especially spatial and contextual ones

it is a key part of the limbic system, which is associated with emotion and motivation.

6, one research method in one study of the brain and behavior - quasi experiment - maguire

a research design in which the iv is not manipulated by researchers and participants are not randomly assigned to experimental conditions. instead participants are grouped based on preexisting characteristics or natural events. because random allocation is not possible quasi experiments cannot establish direct causation but they can suggest a correlation between the iv and the dv. useful studying variables that cannot be ethically or practically manipulated

5. one ethical consideration in one study of the brain and behavior - informed consent - milner

Psychologists must obtain informed consent from participants before the research begins. Participants must be told about the nature of the study and agree to participate. They must also be told what rights they have, including the right to withdraw from the study at any time. Informed consent also means that the participant must understand what the research is about and any potential issues that may arise. In addition, people with mental or physical illness may not be able to really understand the implications of agreeing to take part in a study.

3. neuroplasticity and causes - draganski

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt the connections between neurons. it is caused by Both the environment and genetics, normal development, learning/experience/practice, and Damage or disease.

3.8.9. Dendritic branching and pruning - draganski

neuroplasticity involves long-term potentiation, which is the strengthening of synapses due to the repetition of a task. This leads to dendritic branching, which increases neural density. Conversely, A lack of potentiation may lead to neural pruning, where extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated

The brain has a lifelong ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and pruning old ones that are no longer required.

4.7.10.11. acetylcholine - rogers and kesner

One neutotrasmitter that has an effect on behavior is Acetylcholine (ACh), which plays a role in the consolidation of memory in the hippocampus.

scopolamine is an antagonist that blocks acetylcholine

4. neurons and neurotransmission - rogers and kenser

neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.

They communicate with each other across small gaps called synapses by releasing neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers. Neurons have three main parts: the dendrites (which receive signals), the cell body (which processes the information), and the axon (which sends signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands). This transferral of messages is known as neurotransmission. during neurotransmission, An action potential releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap between the neurons.

7.10.11. excitatory vs inhibitory, reuptake, agonist vs antagonist - rogers and kesner

Neurotransmitters can be excitatory (speeds up neurotransmission) or inhibitory (slows it down). Once the message is passed on, the neurotransmitters are either broken down or reabsorbed, a process called re-uptake.

Neurotransmission also involves agonists and antagonists. Agonists are chemicals that activate a receptor to produce a biological response. ACh is an excitatory agonist. antagonists are chemicals that decrease the effect of the neurotransmitter. In studying neurotransmission, Antagonists are often used to stop neurotransmitters to see the effect on behavior. Scopalamine is an antagonist

12. hormones - newcomer

Chemical messengers that start/stops behavior such as Growth, reproduction, mood, energy. they are produced and secreted by glands in the endocrine system.

12. glands that secrete hormones - newcomer

The HPA Axis directs The Adrenal Gland where the hormone is released.

12. how hormones work - newcomer

The brain gets a stimuli, sends a message to the pituitary gland, which sends a message to another gland to release a hormone. Hormone is released in bloodstream and only binds with specific cell receptors (lock and key).

Because they are carried by cells in the bloodstream they are slower but linger longer

When the brain sends a signal to stop, hormone secretion stops

12. Cortisol (stress hormone) - newcomer

• Helps the body respond to stress. Increases the metabolism of sugar in the bloodstream to provide energy and curbs non-essential functions.

• Released from adrenal glands.

• Lots of cells with cortisol receptors

• Too much cortisol for prolonged periods is linked with impaired memory 

13. pheromones - saxton

Chemical substance produced by animals that stimulates others of the same species. They are secreted through glands to act outside the body.

In humans, there is some evidence of primer pheromones which cause slow, long-term physiological changes. however, there is substantial research disproving their effects.

13. potential pheromones - saxton

Androstadienone (AND) found in male semen and sweat, associated with masculinity. Estratetraenol (EST), which is found in female urine, associated with femininity. both influence the perceptions of gender and can enhance attraction to others.

14. one research method in one study of hormones or pheromones - newcomer et al

true experiment

15. one ethical consideration in one study of hormones or pheromones - undue stress or harm - newcomer et al

ensures participants are not exposed to excessive physical or psychological distress beyond what they would normally experience in their daily lives. Researchers must take steps to minimize harm and provide support if participants experience distress. To avoid undue stress or harm, researchers should ensure participants can withdraw at any time, Provide support such as counseling, and Debrief participants and check on their well-being after the study.

16. 5-HTT gene - caspi

One gene that influences behavior is the 5-HTT gene. Also known as the serotonin transporter gene, plays a key role in the regulation of serotonin levels in the brain by coding for a protein that is involved in the reuptake of serotonin.

Alleles are variants of genes. 1 allele from each parent is inherited. Mutations of genes can occur, which is a change in DNA sequence.

It has two main alleles: a short allele and a long allele. The short allele is a mutation that results in reduced efficiency of serotonin reuptake. This lower serotonin activity has been associated with higher risks of depression.

16. diathesis stress model - caspi

Diathesis-Stress Model says that the risk for depression increases for everyone as the number of stressful life events increases. However, depending on which 5HTT gene you inherit, your risk may become greater than other people experiencing the same number of stressful events. 

19. ethics in genes and behavior - caspi

undue stress or harm

20. research method in genes and behavior - caspi - quasi-experiment

a research design in which the iv is not manipulated by the researcher, and participants are not randomly assigned to experimental conditions. Instead, they are grouped based on pre-existing characteristics or natural events. Because random allocation is not possible, quasi-experiments do not establish direct causation, but they can suggest a correlation between the IV and dv. Quasi-experiments are useful for studying variables that cannot be ethically or practically manipulated

17. genetic similarities - weissman et al

Genetic similarities help psychologists study the role of genes in behavior by allowing them to compare how often a behavior occurs among people with different degrees of biological relatedness. The logic is that if a behavior has a genetic component, individuals who share more genes should show higher similarity (concordance) in that behavior.

21. kinship studies - weissman et al

Kinship studies (also called family or pedigree studies) are used to investigate whether a behavior or psychological disorder is inherited by examining how frequently it occurs across and within generations of biologically related individuals. The underlying assumption is that if a behavior has a genetic component, it should appear more often among family members who share genes than in the general population.

16. genes inheretence - weissman et al

the process by which genes (segments of DNA) are passed from parent to offspring. genes can be responsible for the development of some behavioral and physical characteristics.

18. evolutionary explanation of behavior - raleigh

One evolutionary explanation of behavior is Price’s Social Competition Hypothesis, which explains depression as an adaptive response shaped by natural selection. According to this explanation, depressive behaviors evolved because they helped individuals avoid conflicts they were unlikely to win. By yielding in “no-win” social situations, individuals reduced the risk of injury or exclusion from the group, increasing their chances of survival and inclusive fitness.