unit 1

 What were psychologists interested in during the revival of consciousness in the 1960s?

Mental Processes

Define genome

The complete instructions for making an organism.

What is DNA and where is it located?

Made of genes, and is located in the nucleus of a cell.

Nature or Nurture

A person’s politics are more influenced by the environment. A person’s personality is more influenced by genetics.  

Genes are _____ differently as a result of their reaction to different environmental conditions. 

Genes are expressed differently as a result of their reaction to different environmental conditions. 

How can the environment affect genes?

It can influence gene expression otherwise known as epigenetic. 

 Traits that have allowed our ancestors and us to survive are passed on through _____

natural selection

Which subdivision of the autonomic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response?

Sympathetic nervous system

Which subdivision of the autonomic nervous system activates the “rest and digest” response?

Parasympathetic nervous system

Describe the functions of the six (6) parts of a neuron. 

1. Cell Body (Soma): Maintains the cell’s functions and health 

2. Dendrites: Gather information and transmit it to the body

3. Axon: Transmits information over long distances in the body

4. Myelin Sheath: Speeds up the transmission of a neurotransmitter or axon

5. Nucleus: Ensures proper transmission of information

6. Axon terminal: Transmit messages to other nerve cells

What are clusters of neurons called? Where are they located?

Ganglia. PNS, also known as the Peripheral Nervous System. 

 Describe the relationship between the refractory period and neural transmission.

The refractory period is a process of neural transmission and during this period a neuron can’t fire another neural impulse until the last neuron has completed the process. So the refractory period maintains the process of neural transmission.

Describe the process of reuptake.

A neuron reabsorbs neurotransmitters that have already been used. 

Which neurotransmitter enables muscle action?

acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter dopamine has been linked to a______ system in animals and humans.

reward

16. What are endorphins and what do they do?

Group of neurotransmitters that aid in relief of pain, stress reduction, mood, pleasure, etc. 

Describe the effects and dangers/side effects of alcohol use.

Effects: slurred speech, relaxation, impaired judgment, reduced anxiety. 

Dangers: Heart disease, liver damage, jaundice, weak immune system, alcoholism/addiction, brain damage, etc.

18. Describe the effects and dangers/side effects of marijuana. 

Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, cotton mouth, red eyes, increased hunger, impairs cognitive functions. 

Dangers: Addiction, disease (lung and heart disease), withdrawal, mental health issues. 

 Why are opiates characterized as agonists?

They mimic the effects of endorphins and produce pain, euphoria, relief, and relaxing effects. 

How does cocaine affect neurotransmitter activity at the synaptic gap?

Blocks the functions of reuptake, which can lead to increased stimulation and stronger effects.  

Describe the difference between psychological and physical dependence.

Psychological means an emotional craving for a drug or substance to experience its effects, and physical dependency refers to wanting the drug, then leading to withdrawal, when you're without it. 

 Define the biopsychosocial approach.

An idea that uses biological, social, and psychological factors to learn about influences on behavior, health, and mental processes. 

Describe how an fMRI works.

Measures brain activity using detections of change in blood flow which can be seen on the produced images. 

Describe how an EEG works.

Records electrical activity in the brain and can be seen on a produced image.  

Describe how a PET works.

Detects gamma rays which then give an image of the brain. 

Describe the functions of the hypothalamus. What gland does it control?

Regulates functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep, and emotional processes. The pituitary gland.   

Describe the functions of the cerebellum. 

Coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture. 

28. Which ‘cortex’ controls movement?

Motor cortex.

What are cognitive neural prosthetics? 

A device that can be used to restore lost cognitive functions. 

 Describe the functions of the cerebral cortex.

Sensory perception, motor control, problem-solving, and language. 

Describe the function(s) of the frontal lobes.

Decision-making, problem-solving, emotional regulation, motor control, behavior. 

Describe the function(s) of the parietal lobes.

Sensory processes such as touch, pain, temperature, and awareness. 

Describe the function(s) of the occipital lobes.

visual processes such as color, shape, and motion.

Describe the function(s) of the temporal lobes.

Auditory functions, memory, and comprehension of language.

How is vision and visual recognition affected in split brain patients?

This can lead to the difficulty of visual recognition where one side can process while the other can’t, which they may need both sides to perform a function.  

How do changes in circadian rhythms caused by jet lag and time changes affect individuals?

Can disrupt sleep patterns, cause fatigue, difficult in concentration, and impair cognitive abilities. 

 Describe a typical sleep cycle and how it changes and progresses through the night.

  A sleep cycle roughly last about 90 minutes, with NREM and REM sleep stages occurring. NREM will start to become shorter throughout the night with REM increasing.

Describe what is happening during the following sleep stages - NREM-1, NREM-2, NREM-3, and REM. 

NREM1: Light sleep stage, muscle relaxation, slow movement, drifting in and out of sleep

NREM2: Decreased heart rate and body temperature, sleep spindles, deep relaxation

NREM3: Deepest stage of sleep, immune function, and memory reconsolidation. 

REM: Rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, vivid dreams

Describe the difference between narcolepsy and insomnia. 

Narcoloespy is sudden sleep attacks and insomnia is constant difficulty falling or staying sleep.

What is the manifest content of a dream? What is the latent content of a dream?

Manifest content: The image and storyline of a dream. 

Latent content: the meaning and symbolism of a dream. 

The image and storyline of a dream. 

the meaning and symbolism of a dream.