Lecture Notes Class 02 (2)

Course Information

• Course Number: GNED 129 - Principles of Psychology

• Facilitator: John McManus (Contact: jmcma11@my.centennialcollege.ca)

• Text: Psychology in Everyday Life 5e by David G. Myers and C. Nathan DeWall

• ISBNs: 978-1-319-39412-7 (13) / 1-319-39412-4 (10)

Class Structure and Assessment

• Tests: 3 Tests (Test 1: 15%, Test 2: 25%, Test 3: 25%)

• Written Assignments: 25%

• In-class Work: 10%

• Total: 100%

• Passing Rate: Minimum 50% to pass.

Classroom Expectations

• Lecture Start: Prompt attendance is mandatory. A short break will occur mid-class.

• Q&A Session: There will be time dedicated for questions at the end of each class.

• Learning Focus: Objectives include durable knowledge, logical and critical thinking skills, and communication skills.

Learning Strategies

• Preparation: Review learning objectives before class. Attend live presentations, stay focused, and minimize distractions such as texting.

• Assignment Guidelines:

  • Must be original work; plagiarism will earn a fail.

  • Citations necessary only for quoted or paraphrased materials; encyclopedias and Wikipedia not permitted.

Biology and Psychology

• Interconnectedness: Psychology is influenced by biology (genetics, neuronal activity, hormones).

• Brain Functionality: Understanding psychology requires comprehension of brain physiology. The brain is always active, responsible for learning, thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Brain Structure and Functions

• Corpus Callosum: Neural fibers that connect brain hemispheres, essential for communication.

• Split Brain: Condition resulting from the severing of the corpus callosum, leading to independent hemisphere functioning.

Nervous System Overview

• Definition: A system of interconnected cells and organs that facilitate communication and reaction to the environment.

• Spinal Cord: Acts as a conduit for messages between the brain and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Brain Anatomy

• Neurons: 86 billion neurons cluster into networks for governing reflexes.

• Lobes of the Brain:

  • Frontal Lobe: Planning, problem-solving, controls voluntary muscle movements

  • Occipital Lobe: Processes visual information

  • Parietal Lobe: Receives body sensory messages

  • Temporal Lobe: Processes auditory information and language.

Higher Cognitive Functions and Brain Regions

• Prefrontal Region: The brain's 'executive center,' dealing with judgment, planning, and emotional control.

• Thalamus: Sensory control center handling incoming sensory data.

• Reticular Formation: A filtering system for relaying important information.

Nervous System Divisions

• Somatic Nervous System: Governs skeletal muscle movements.

• Autonomic Nervous System: Manages involuntary muscles and gland functions, divided into sympathetic (stimulates fight-or-flight response) and parasympathetic systems.

Emotion and Drives

• Key Structures:

  • Amygdala: Involved in aggression and fear responses.

  • Hippocampus: Focused on memory processing.

  • Hypothalamus: Governs emotion, reward, and regulates body maintenance.

Neuron Functionality

• Neurons: Communication via dendrites (receiving signals) and axons (sending signals), with synapses (gaps) for interaction.

• Glial Cells: Support neurons, form myelin, control nerve conduction speed.

Endocrine System

• Definition: The body's slow chemical communication system, which includes glands secreting hormones affecting various bodily functions.

• Hormonal Functions: Influences metabolism, growth, stress response, and reproductive cycles.

• Pituitary Gland: Known as the 'master gland,' regulated by the hypothalamus.

Genetic Influence on Behavior

• Chromosomes and Genes: DNA structures controlling hereditary traits and influencing behavior based on environmental factors.

• Twin Studies: Investigate genetic versus environmental influences on behavior, noting that identical twins raised apart may show significant differences despite genetic similarities.

• Environmental Impact: Individual experiences shape personal development significantly.

Modern Neuroscience**

• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to change through new experiences; mechanisms vary among individuals.

• Neurogenesis: Continuous formation of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus, influencing memory and spatial navigation through life.

Summary of Psychological Principles

• Psychological states are interconnected with biological underpinnings, and understanding both aspects is essential for studying human behavior and mental processes.