Weiten_Psychology_11e_PPT_Ch03 - Tagged
Chapter Overview
Title: The Biological Bases of Behavior
Edition: Weiten, Psychology: Themes & Variations, 11th Edition, 2022.
Icebreaker and Discussion Questions
Icebreaker Activity: Pair-share discussion in class
Questions:
What does it mean to say behavior originates in the brain?
What implications does this have for behavior modification?
Chapter Objectives
Objectives (1 of 4)
03.01: Identify parts of the neuron and functions of glial cells.
03.02: Describe the neural impulse and explain neuron communication at synapses.
03.03: Discuss functions of key neurotransmitters: acetylcholine, monoamines, GABA, and endorphins.
03.04: Distinguish between central and peripheral nervous systems.
Objectives (2 of 4)
03.05: Describe methods for investigating brain function (lesioning, electrical stimulation, imaging).
03.06: Know the principal functions of key brain structures.
03.07: Identify the four brain lobes and summarize the evidence of brain plasticity.
03.08: Explain how split-brain research changed understanding of hemispheric organization.
Objectives (3 of 4)
03.09: Describe cerebral specialization research findings.
03.10: Identify key elements of the endocrine system and how hormones regulate behavior.
03.11: Describe structures involved in genetic transmission and polygenic traits.
03.12: Compare methods investigating heredity and environment interaction.
Objectives (4 of 4)
03.13: Understand key insights of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
03.14: Describe refinements to evolutionary theory with examples of behavioral adaptations.
03.15: Identify three unifying themes from the chapter.
03.16: Evaluate beliefs regarding cerebral hemispheres specialization.
03.17: Explain misapplications of neuroscience research in education.
Nervous System Overview
Communication in the Nervous System (Unit 1)
Nervous Tissue: Basic Hardware
Neuron Components
Neurons: Cells that receive, integrate, and transmit information
Soma: Cell body housing the nucleus.
Dendrites: Branchlike structures specialized to receive information.
Axon: Long fiber transmitting signals away from the soma.
Myelin Sheath: Insulating material encasing some axons.
Terminal Buttons: Secrete neurotransmitters.
Synapse: Junction transmitting information between neurons.
Glia: Supportive cells that nourish neurons, remove waste, insulate axons, and may signal chemically.
Neural Impulse
Neural Impulse: Signal moving through neurons when stimulated.
Resting Potential: Stable negative charge in inactive neurons.
Action Potential: Brief shift in electric charge traveling along an axon.
Involves channels for sodium ions.
Absolute Refractory Period: After action potential, period during which another cannot occur.
Synaptic Transmission
Structure of the Synapse
Synaptic Cleft: Gap between neurons.
Presynaptic Neuron: Sends signal.
Postsynaptic Neuron: Receives signal.
Postsynaptic Potentials (PSPs)
PSPs: Changes in voltage at postsynaptic membranes; not all-or-nothing.
Excitatory PSP: Increases likelihood of action potential firing.
Inhibitory PSP: Decreases likelihood of action potential firing.
Signal Integration
Neurons integrate signals from thousands of others before firing, creating complex pathways and networks contributing to perceptions and actions.
Neurotransmitters and Behavior
Specific neurotransmitters and their functions:
Acetylcholine (ACh): Involved in motor control.
Monoamines: Includes dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin.
GABA: Main inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Endorphins: Opiate-like substances affecting pain and emotion.
Peripheral Nervous System
Comprises nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Somatic Nervous System: Connects to voluntary muscles and sensory receptors, facilitating two-way communication.
Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions; divided into sympathetic (emergency response) and parasympathetic (energy conservation) divisions.
Central Nervous System
Spinal Cord: Connects brain to the body.
Brain: Integrates information and various brain structures are responsible for specific functions.
Research Methods
Brain Research Techniques
Lesioning: Destruction of brain areas.
Electrical Stimulation (ESB): Activates brain structures.
Brain Imaging (CT, MRI, PET, fMRI): Assesses brain structure and function.
Brain Structures and Functions
Hindbrain
Includes the cerebellum, medulla, and pons, responsible for essential life functions.
Forebrain
Largest brain region, containing the thalamus and hypothalamus with the limbic system integrated into emotional regulation.
Cerebrum
The cerebral cortex (outer layer), responsible for complex mental activities and divided into hemispheres and lobes (occipital, parietal, temporal, frontal).
Brain Plasticity
Experience and damage can reshape brain structure; neurogenesis demonstrates the brain's ability to adapt.
Discussion Activities
Thoughts on neuroplasticity and its role in healing.
Endocrine System
Glands secreting hormones affecting bodily functions and behavior, influenced by the nervous system.
Genetics and Behavior
Chromosomes and Genes: Key units of heredity; polygenic traits influenced by multiple genes.
Epigenetics
Study of changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequences, affected by environmental factors.
Evolutionary Bases of Behavior
Darwin’s theory emphasizes adaptive characteristics passed through natural selection.
Adaptations
Inherited traits improving survival/reproductive success, reflecting ancient challenges rather than contemporary issues.
Conclusion
Heredity and environment jointly influence behavior; behavioral development is multifactorial.
Self-Assessment Questions
How do neurons function?
What is the effect of neurotransmitters on behavior?
How is the nervous system organized?
In what ways does the brain influence behavior?
Describe the role of the endocrine system.
How are genetics involved in behavior?