PSY 200 chapter 2
Introduction
The discussion begins with a positive acknowledgment of students' contributions and mentions attendance based on camera participation.
Transition to the main topic: the relationship between the brain and well-being.
The Nomological Net
Concept: Everything in psychology is interconnected, referred to as the nomological net.
Importance: Psychologists need to define and measure variables like well-being, health, and aggression distinctly in order for scientific inquiry to be valid and falsifiable.
Operational Definition: A clear description of a property in measurable terms.
Example: Measuring well-being through specific survey questions about happiness and life control.
Self-Determination Theory
Three basic psychological needs:
Autonomy
Competence
Relatedness
Importance: Autonomy is essential for well-being. Losing autonomy can negatively affect one's well-being.
Measurement of Happiness and Well-Being
Example Study: Conservative vs. Liberal Happiness (2015)
Methodology:
Self-report surveys on happiness with a 1 to 5 scale.
Data scraped from Twitter to analyze language while coding tweets for positivity.
Analysis of Duchenne smiling in photographs.
Findings: Democrats exhibited more positive language and Duchenne smiles, contrasting with Republicans’ self-reports of higher happiness levels.
Connection: The definition of happiness varies based on measurement methods, demonstrating the need for operational definitions in discussions of happiness.
Happiness and Income
Notable Study (2010) by Kahneman and Deaton:
Key Finding: Higher income correlates with increased happiness, plateauing at $75,000.
Method: Surveys assessing happiness and income levels.
Positive correlation established: more income often leads to more happiness.
Critique: Others argued evidence suggested continued happiness increases beyond the $75,000 threshold.
Killingsworth Study (2021)
Re-evaluation of income and happiness, finding income continues to correlate positively with happiness beyond $75,000.
Approach of questions in surveys matters significantly.
Experience Sampling Method
Description: Participants report their feelings at random times, likely leading to more nuanced results regarding happiness and well-being.
Findings: Those who reported higher happiness and enjoyment generally had higher incomes.
Critique: Some differences in expectations about money and happiness may influence survey results.
The Correlation vs. Causation Debate
Key principle: Correlation does not imply causation; happy people may earn more money due to various factors, including personality traits and upbringing.
Example: Historical correlations such as dancing trends and jet fuel usage exemplify this point.
Acetaminophen Study:
Research suggesting acetaminophen use does not increase autism spectrum risk.
Discussion of confounding variables, indicating the importance of establishing true causation through experimentation.
Experimentation and Random Assignment
Importance of random assignment in experiments to remove biases and control for historical factors.
Example: Ethical limitations in assigning participants to conditions by chance for various psychological variables.
Recent Research on Wealth
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2022 Study: Random assignment of cash grants to measure happiness impacts.
Methodology: Participants receive $10,000 and report changes in happiness.
Findings: Statistically significant improvements observed in happiness among the recipients.
Neuroscience Introduction
Overview: The brain's integral role in well-being and behavioral functions.
Discussion transitions to the brain's structures and their functions.
Neuron Structure and Function
Overview of Neurons:
Count: Approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain.
Functions: Control bodily functions, transmit information quickly.
Key Structures of Neurons:
Dendrites: Receive signals from other cells.
Soma (cell body): Processes information.
Axon: Transmits signals to other neurons.
Action Potentials vs. Synaptic Transmission
Action Potential: Electrical transmission within a neuron.
Significance: Neurons transmit signals rapidly, often exceeding 100 miles/hour.
Synaptic Transmission: Chemical transmission between neurons.
Mechanism: Neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and received by another, like keys fitting into locks.
Myelin Sheaths and Health Implications
Function: Insulate axon and ensure efficient signal transmission.
Example Condition: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), where myelin is degraded, leading to varied symptoms.
Importance of Accurate Measures in Psychological Research
EEG (Electroencephalogram): Used for measuring brain activity and potential issues with patients through electrical measurements.
Pharmacological Insights: Understanding neurotransmitters helps in developing drugs that balance or adjust these chemicals in the brain.
Examples of Neurotransmitter Manipulation:
Agonists: Drugs that increase neurotransmitter activity.
Antagonists: Drugs that decrease neurotransmitter activity (e.g., beta-blockers regulates heart rates).
Understanding the Brain's Structure
Divisions of the Brain:
Forebrain: Advanced cognitive functions (e.g., thought, emotion).
Midbrain: Orientation to the environment.
Hindbrain: Basic survival functions (e.g., heart rate).
Lobes of the Brain
Occipital Lobe: Vision processing.
Parietal Lobe: Movement and sensory processing.
Temporal Lobe: Hearing, understanding of time, and spatial awareness.
Frontal Lobe: Higher cognitive functions (planning, decision-making).
Discussion of a common myth that only 10% of the brain is used, reinforcing that all areas of the brain are regularly active.
Closing Discussion on Brain Health
Emphasis on care for the brain: injury affects functionality significantly.
Reminder of course updates including exam postponements and study guides.