unit 3: growing & developing- neuroscience

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Action, learning, memory

Enables muscle action, learning, and memory. Malfunction: ACh-producing neurons deteriorate in Alzheimer's disease.

Dopamine

Movement and motivation.

Influences movement, learning, attention, and emotion. Malfunction: Oversupply is linked to schizophrenia; undersupply is linked to tremors and decreased mobility in Parkinson's disease.

Serotonin

Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Malfunction: Undersupply is linked to depression. Some drugs that raise serotonin levels are used to treat depression.

Norepinephrine

alertness

Helps control alertness and arousal. Malfunction: Undersupply can depress mood.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Brakes (inhibits neural activity)

A major inhibitory neurotransmitter. Malfunction: Undersupply is linked to seizures, tremors, and insomnia.

Glutamate

Gas pedal (excites neural activity)

A major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in memory. Malfunction: Oversupply can overstimulate the brain, potentially contributing to migraines or seizures.

Endorphins

Pain relief and pleasure

Neurotransmitters that influence the perception of pain or pleasure. Malfunction: Excessive exposure to opiate drugs can suppress the body's natural endorphin supply.

What is preconventional morality, and what is its approximate age?

Before age 9; morality is based on self-interest.

What is the focus of preconventional morality?

Obey rules to avoid punishment or gain concrete rewards.

What is an example of preconventional moral reasoning?

“If you save your loved one, you’ll be a hero.”

What is conventional morality, and when does it typically occur?

Early adolescence; morality is based on social approval and maintaining social order.

What is the focus of conventional morality?

Uphold laws and rules to gain social approval or maintain social order.

What is an example of conventional moral reasoning?

“If you steal the medicine, everyone will think you’re a criminal.”

What is postconventional morality, and when does it typically occur?

Adolescence and beyond; morality is based on personal ethical principles.

What is the focus of postconventional morality?

Actions reflect belief in basic rights and self-defined ethical principles.

What is an example of postconventional moral reasoning?

“People have a right to live.”

What are the three levels of moral development shown in the chart?

Preconventional morality, conventional morality, and postconventional morality.

What distinguishes preconventional from conventional morality?

Preconventional morality focuses on punishment and rewards; conventional morality focuses on social approval and rules.

What distinguishes conventional from postconventional morality?

Conventional morality focuses on laws and social order; postconventional morality focuses on basic rights and self-defined ethical principles.