Neuroscience of Biopsychology Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the shape and texture of the human brain?
Squishy, wrinkled, and walnut-shaped hunk of tissue.
How heavy does the average human brain weigh?
1.3kg / 2.9lbs
What’s are neurons?
Cells that receive and transmit electrochemical signals.
Roughly, how many neurons, connections between them, and paths that neural signals can follow, are in the human brain?
Neurons = 100 billion (Azvedo et al., 2009).
Connections = estimated 100 trillion.
Paths for neural signals = almost infinite number. (Zimmer, 2011).
Define neuroscience
The scientific study of the nervous system.
How many related disciplines does neuroscience comprise of?
Seven.
Is the brain a static network of neurons wired together?
No. Research over the last two decades demonstrates the the adult brain is a plastic (changeable) organ that continuously grows and changes in response to genes and experiences. This is called neuroplasticity.
Is neuroplasticity arguably the most influential discovery in modern neuroscience?
Yes.
Define biopsychology
The scientific study of the biology of behaviour (Dewsbury, 1991). It is one of the many disciplines that contribute to neuroscience.
What is biopsychology also known as?
Psychobiology, behavioural biology, or behavioural neuroscience.
Define psychology
The scientific study of behaviour - the scientific study of all overt activities of the organism, as well as all the internal processes that are presumed to underlie them (e.g., learning, memory, motivation, perception, and emotion).
When did biopsychology develop into a major neuroscientific discipline?
It’s not possible to specify the exact data, but the publication of ‘The Organisation of Behaviour’ (D. O. Hebb, 1949) played a key role in it’s emergence. Biopsychology is an infant compared to biology, physics and chemistry.
What did ‘The Organisation of Behaviour’ (D. O. Hebb, 1949) develope?
The first comprehensive theory of how complex psychological phenomena, such as perceptions, emotions, thoughts and memories, might be produced by brain activity. It discredited the view that psychological functioning was too complex to be created by brain activity. Hebb’s theory was based on research on both humans and laboratory animals, clinical case studies, and logical arguments from his own insightful observations of daily life.
What do biopsychologists bring to neuroscience?
They bring to their research a knowledge of behaviour and of the methods of behavioural research. It’s their behavioural orientation and expertise that make their contribution unique (Cacioppo & Decety, 2009).
Name six disciplines of neuroscience that are particularly relevant to biopsychology?
Neuroanatomy Neurochemistry Neuroendocrinology Neuropathology Neuropharmacology Neurophysiology
Define Neuroanatomy?
The study of the structure of the nervous system.
Define Neurochemistry?
The study of the chemical bases of neural activity.
Define Neuroendocrinology?
The study of interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.
Define Neuropathology?
The study of nervous system disorders
Define Neuropharmacology?
The study of the effects of drugs on neural activity.
Define Neurophysiology?
The study of the functions and activities of the nervous system.
Does biopsychological research focus on human or non-human animals?
Both.
Of the non-human subjects in biopsychology, which animals are the most commonly used?
Mice and rats are the most common, however cats, dogs and nonhuman primates are also commonly studied.
Which are better subjects to study in biopsychology, human or non-human animals?
Humans. They can follow instructions, report their subjective experiences, and the cost of care and upkeep is less (e.g. cages etc). Most importantly, they have human brains.
