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UMPI Psy100:CBE1-General Psychology > Biological Basis of Behavior > Flashcards

Biological Basis of Behavior Flashcards

1
Q

Explain:

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection

A

A theory proposed by Charles Darwin that states that organisms that are better suited for their environment will survive and reproduce, while those that are poorly suited for their environment will die off.

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2
Q

What does evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics have in common?

A

Both fields recognize that genes code for particular traits **and **contribute to certain patterns of cognition and behavior.

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3
Q

How does evolutionary psychology differ from behavioral genetics?

A

Evolutionary psychology focuses on universal patterns that evolved over millions of years while behavioral genetics studies how individual differences arise, in the present, through the interaction of genes and the environment.

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4
Q

Define

What is genetic variation?

A

The genetic difference between individuals.

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5
Q

Explain

What does genetic variation contribute to?

A

A species’ adaptation to its environment.

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6
Q

Define

Chromosomes

A

Long strings of genetic material known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Sequences of DNA make up genes that control or partially control a number of visible characteristics, known as traits, such as eye color, hair color, and so on.

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7
Q

Define

Allele

A

A specific version of a gene.

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8
Q

Define

Phenotype

A

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

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9
Q

Genotype

A

The genetic makeup, as distinguished from the physical appearance, of an organism or a group of organisms.

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10
Q

Explain

Evolution

A

A theory proposed by Charles Darwin that states that all species on Earth are descendants from ancestors that were different from themselves.

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11
Q

Define

Natural Selection

A

The selection process or mechanism for evolution.

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12
Q

Does natural selection work on phenotype or genotype?

A

Phenotype

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13
Q

Define

Homologous chromosomes

A

Chromosomes that contain the same genes.

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14
Q

What are 3 examples of genotype?

A

Three examples of genotype are:
1. Homozygous dominant
2. Heterozygous
3. Homozygous recessive

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15
Q

Define:

Homozygous dominant

A

An organism has two dominant alleles for a gene.

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16
Q

Define:

Heterozygous

A

An organism has two different alleles for a gene.

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17
Q

Define:

Homozygous recessive

A

An organism has two recessive alleles for a gene.

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18
Q

Define:

Polygenic

A

Controlled by more than one gene.

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19
Q

Define:

Mutation

A

A sudden, permanent change in a gene.

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20
Q

Explain:

Range of reaction
(a.k.a. reaction range)

A

A concept that asserts that the phenotype of an organism depends on both the genotype and the environment. And that our genes set the boundaries within which we can operate, and our environment interacts with the genes to determine where in that range we will fall.

  • Simply: according to range of reaction, genes set definite limits on potential & environment determines how much of that potential is achieved.

For example, if an individual’s genetic makeup predisposes them to high levels of intellectual potential and they are reared in a rich, stimulating environment, then they will be more likely to achieve full potential than if they were raised under conditions of significant deprivation.

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21
Q

What two cell types are found in the nervous system?

A
  1. glial cells
  2. neurons
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22
Q

Define:

Membrane potential

A

The difference in charge across the neuronal membrane that provides energy for the neuronal signal.

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23
Q

Define:

Resting potential

A

The neuron membrane’s potential when it is held in a state of readiness.

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24
Q

Define:

Threshold of excitation

A

The level that the internal charge of a cell must reach so that the neuron becomes active and action potential begins.

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25
Q

Define:

Action potential

A

The electrical signal that typically moves from the cell body down the axon to the axon terminals.

Action potential is an all-or-none phenomenon.

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26
Q

Define:

Reuptake

A

The process in which the excess neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft drift away and broken down into inactive fragments or reabsorbed once the electrical signal is delivered.

Reuptake involves the neurotransmitter being pumped back into the neuron that released it, in order to clear the synapse. Clearing the synapse serves both to provide a clear “on” and “off” state between signals and to regulate the production of neurotransmitter.

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27
Q

Explain:

What type of event is neuronal communication?

A

An electrochemical event.

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28
Q

Define:

Agonists

A

Chemicals that mimic a neurotransmitter at the receptor site.

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29
Q

Define:

Antagonists

A

Blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor.

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30
Q

Define:

Reuptake Inhibitors

A

Prevent unused neurotransmitters from being transported back to the neuron.

This allows neurotransmitters to remain active in the synaptic cleft for longer durations. *Reuptake inhibitors contrast to agonists and antagonists, which both operate by binding to receptor sites.

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31
Q

Define:

What are four oldest parts of the brain?

A

The four oldest parts of the brain are:
1. brain stem
2. thalamus
3. reticular formation
4. cerebellum

mnemonic: Bandura Totally Rough-housed Clowns

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32
Q

Explain:

What is the brain stem and what does it do?

A

It is the stem of your brain and it located at the top of the spinal cord where it enters your skull. It controls how fast your heart beats and how quickly you breathe.

mnemonic: Bandura Totally Rough-housed Clowns

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33
Q

Explain:

What is the thalamus and what does it do?

A

The thalamus sits on top of your brainstem. It receives information from your brainstem and then forwards that information on to other parts of your brain.

mnemonic: Bandura Totally Rough-housed Clowns

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34
Q

Explain:

What is reticular formation and what does it do?

A

Reticular formation is made up of nerve cells that run from your spinal cord through your brain stem and thalamus. It filters stimuli and passes on important signals.

It is functioning as you eat, sleep, and become aroused.

mnemonic: Bandura Totally Rough-housed Clowns

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35
Q

Explain:

What is the cerebellum and what does it do?

A

The cerebellum is behind the brain stem. It helps you walk and remember.

mnemonic: Bandura Totally Rough-housed Clowns

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36
Q

Explain:

What is the limbic system?

A

The part of your brain that controls motivations and emotions.

mnemonic: Hungry Hounds Ate Pavlov

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37
Q

Explain:

What are the four parts of the limbic system?

A

The four parts of the limbic system are:
1. hypothalamus
2. hippocampus
3. amygdala
4. pituitary

mnemonic: Hungry Hounds Ate Pavlov

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38
Q

Explain:

What does the hypothalamus do?

A

The hypothalamus:
1. helps regulate hunger
2. influences thirst
3. influences sex drive
4. helps regulate body temperature

mnemonic: Hungry Hounds Ate Pavlov

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39
Q

Explain:

What does the hippocampus do?

A

The hippocampus processes long-term memory.

mnemonic: Hungry Hounds Ate Pavlov

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40
Q

Explain:

What does the amygdala do?

A

The amygdala controls fear and anger.

mnemonic: Hungry Hounds Ate Pavlov

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41
Q

Explain:

What is the pituitary gland and what does it do?

A

The pituitary gland is a master gland and it regulates hormones.

mnemonic: hungry hounds ate Pavlov

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42
Q

Define:

What is the cerebral cortex (cerebral mantle)?

A

The cerebral cortex (mantle) is the outermost layer of neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain.

mnemonic: Freud Tears Pants Off

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43
Q

Explain:

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

A

The four lobes of the cerebral cortex are:
1. frontal
2. temporal
3. parietal
4. occipital

mnemonic: Freud Tears Pants Off

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44
Q

Explain:

What does the frontal lobe do?

A

The frontal lobe:
1. helps you speak
2. coordinate your movements
3. helps you plan

mnemonic: Freud Tears Pants Off

45
Q

Explain:

What does the temporal lobe do?

A

The temporal lobe processes information about what you hear.

mnemonic: Freud Tears Pants Off

46
Q

Explain:

What does the parietal lobe do?

A

The parietal lobe process information about what you touch.

mnemonic: Freud Tears Pants Off

47
Q

Explain:

What does the occipital lobe do?

A

The occipital lobe processes information about what you see.

48
Q

Define:

Neuroplasticity

A

The brain’s ability to adjust to damage or new experiences.

49
Q

Is it possible to grow the brain’s temporal lobe?

A

Yes. It can be grown by playing a musical instrument every day.

50
Q

Is it possible to make the parietal lobe denser?

A

Yes. It can be done by learning a second language.

51
Q

Define:

What is the endocrine system?

A

The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and release hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

52
Q

Explain:

Why is the pituitary gland called the master gland?

A

Because it secretes hormones that trigger your other glands.

53
Q

Explain:

What does the pituitary gland do?

A

The pituitary gland:
1. regulates the amount of hormones released by your thyroid
2. regulates the amount of hormones released by your adrenal glands
3. regulates the amount of hormones released by your sex glands
4. controls your body’s growth
5. signals your body’s ovaries or testes to make estrogen or testosterone.

54
Q

Explain:

What are the major hormone-secreting glands of the endocrine system?

A

The major hormone-secreting glands are:
1. the pituitary gland
2. the thyroid gland
3. the pineal gland
4. the adrenal glands
5. the pancreas
6. the reproductive glands - testes
7. the reproductive glands - ovaries

55
Q

Explain:

Where in the body is the pituitary gland located?

A

In the brain

56
Q

Explain:

Where in the body is the thyroid located?

A

In the neck

57
Q

Explain:

Where in the body are the adrenal glands and pancreas located?

A

In the stomach

58
Q

Explain:

What does the thyroid regulate?

A

The thyroid regulates:
1. metabolism
2. appetite

59
Q

Explain:

What does the pineal gland regulate?

A

The pineal gland regulates some biological rhythms such as sleep cycles.

60
Q

Explain:

What does the adrenal gland regulate?

A

The adrenal gland regulates:
1. Stress response
2. metabolic activities

61
Q

Explain:

What does the pancreas regulate?

A

The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels.

62
Q

Explain:

What do the ovaries regulate?

A

The ovaries:
1. mediate sexual motivation and behavior
2. regulates reproduction

63
Q

Explain:

What do the testes regulate?

A

The testes:
1. mediate sexual motivation and behavior
2. regulates reproduction

64
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the pituitary gland?

A

Growth hormone

65
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the thyroid?

A
  1. Thyroxine
  2. Triiodothyronine
66
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the pineal gland?

A

Melatonin

67
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the adrenal glands?

A
  1. Epinephrine
  2. Norepinephrine
68
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the pancreas?

A
  1. Insulin
  2. Glucagon
69
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the ovaries?

A
  1. Estrogen
  2. Progesterone
70
Q

Explain:

What hormones are associated with the testes?

A

Androgens (such as testosterone)

71
Q

Define:

Sensation

A

When sensory information is detected by a sensory receptor.

72
Q

Define:

Transduction

A

When sensory stimulus energy converts to action potential.

73
Q

What is the technical term for hearing?

A

Audition

74
Q

What is the technical term for smell?

A

Olfaction

75
Q

What is the technical term for taste?

A

Gustation

76
Q

What is the technical term for touch?

A

Somatosensation

77
Q

What information does the vestibular sense provide?

A

Information about balance

78
Q

Define:

What is propioception?

A

Also known as the static position sense; the perception of the position and posture of the body; also, more broadly, including the motion of the body as well.

79
Q

Define:

What is kinesthesia?

A

The sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints.

80
Q

Define:

What is nociception?

A

The perception of pain, resulting from neural processing of pain stimuli.

81
Q

Define:

What is thermoception?

A

The sense of heat and cold: the ability of people, and many other organisms, to perceive temperature.

82
Q

Define:

What is neuroception?

A

Neuroception is an automatic neural process of evaluating risk in the environment and adjusting our physiological response to deal with potential risks subconsciously. This mechanism scans the environment for safety and danger continuously without us noticing.

*Coined by Dr. Porges (Polyvagal Theory)

83
Q

Define:

Absolute threshold

A

The minimum amount of stimulus energy that must be present for the stimulus to be detected 50% of the time.

A stimulus reaches a physiological threshold when it is strong enough to excite sensory receptors and send nerve impulses to the brain.

84
Q

Define:

Subliminal messages

A

Messages that are presented below the threshold for conscious awareness.

Research evidence shows that in laboratory settings, people can process and respond to information outside of awareness. But this does not mean that we obey these messages like zombies; in fact, hidden messages have little effect on behavior outside the laboratory.

85
Q

Define:

Difference threshold (JND - just noticeable difference)

A

The smallest change in stimulation that a person can detect.

The minimum level of stimulation that a person can detect 50% of the time.

86
Q

How is JND (difference threshold) different from absolute threshold?

A

JND (difference threshold) changes depending on the stimulus intensity whereas absolute threshold does not.

Known as Weber’s law: proposed by Ernest Weber in the 1830s.

The difference threshold is a constant fraction of the original stimulus.

87
Q

Define:

Perception

A

The way sensory information is organized, interpreted, and consciously experienced.

88
Q

Explain:

What are the two ways that perception functions?

A

Perception functions by:
1. Top-down processing
2. Bottom-up processing

89
Q

Define:

Top-down processing

A

Knowledge and expectancy driving a process. When previous experience and expectations are first used to recognize a stimuli.

90
Q

Bottom-up processing

A

Sensory information from a stimulus in the environment driving a process. When we sense basic features of stimuli and integrate them.

91
Q

Define:

Sensory adaptation

A

The way our senses adjust and adapt to different stimuli after a prolonged exposure.

92
Q

What plays a signficant role in both sensation and perception?

A

Attention

93
Q

Define:

Inattentional blindness

A

The failure to notice something that is completely visible because the person was actively attending to something else and did not pay attention to other things.

94
Q

Besides attention, what else can affect perception?

A

Motivation

95
Q

Define:

Signal detection theory

A

The ability to identify a stimulus when it is embedded in a distracting background.

96
Q

What seven factors affect perception?

A

Six factors that affect perception are:
1. motivations
2. beliefs
3. values
4. prejiduces
5. expectations
6. life experiences
7. cultures

97
Q

Define:

Gestalt

A

Form or pattern

98
Q

Define:

Figure-ground relationship

A

A Gestalt principle that asserts that humans tend to segment their visual world into figure and ground. Figure is the object or person that is the focus of the visual field while the ground is the background.

99
Q

Define:

Proximity

A

A Gestalt principle that asserts that that things that are close to one another tend to be grouped together.

100
Q

Define:

Similarity

A

A Gestalt principle that asserts that that things that are alike tend to be grouped together.

101
Q

Define:

Law of continuity (good continuation)

A

A Gestalt principle that asserts that humans are more likely to perceive continuous, smooth flowing lines rather than jagged, broken lines.

102
Q

Define:

Principle of closure

A

A Gestalt principle that asserts that humans organize our perceptions into complete objects rather than as a series of parts.

103
Q

Define:

Multi-stability

A

An occurrence (based on figure-ground relationship) where images are unstable because both the figure and the background can change depending on what the observer chooses to focus on.

104
Q

Define:

Pattern perception

A

The ability to discriminate among different figures and shapes.

105
Q

Define:

Perceptual hypotheses

A

Are educated guesses that we make while interpreting sensory information. These hypotheses are informed by a number of factors, including our personalities, experiences, and expectations.

106
Q

Explain:

Emotion processing speeds

A

Different emotions take different pathways through the brain and the body.

107
Q

Explain:

What emotions go through the limbic system?

A
  1. Fear
  2. Anger

The fastest processing

108
Q

Explain:

What emotions go through the frontal lobe?

A
  1. Resentment

The second-fastest processing

This involves the thinking portion of feelings; when you are thinking or reflecting on experiences.

109
Q

Define:

What is epigenetics?

A

The study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work.

UMPI Psy100:CBE1-General Psychology (3 decks)

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