AP Psychology Unit 1 Summary: Biological Basis of Behavior

Introduction

• Review provides key concepts needed for understanding the biological basis of behavior.
• Nature vs. Nurture
  • Nature (heredity): Passing physical and mental traits through generations.
  • Nurture (environment): Influences like family, social groups, education.
  • Modern understanding: Both nature and nurture interact.

Psychological Perspectives

• Evolutionary Approach

  • Based on Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection.
  • Traits beneficial to survival are passed on.

• Epigenetics

  • Studies how environmental factors affect gene expression.
  • Explains differences in identical twins.

Nervous System Overview

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Connects CNS to body.
  • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions.
    • Sympathetic Division: Prepares body for action (fight or flight).
    • Parasympathetic Division: Calms body (rest and digest).

Neurons and Neural Communication

• Types of Neurons

  • Sensory (Afferent) Neurons: Carry signals to CNS.
  • Motor (Efferent) Neurons: Carry signals from CNS to PNS.
  • Interneurons: Connect neurons within CNS.

• Neural Firing Process

  • Involves action potential, depolarization, and repolarization.
  • Synapse: Gap between neurons for signal transfer.
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the synapse.

• Reflex Arc

  • Involves sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons.
  • Allows for quick response without conscious thought.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

• Different neurotransmitters influence various behaviors and mental processes.

  • Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins, etc.

• Endocrine System

  • Releases hormones like adrenaline, melatonin, oxytocin.
  • Regulates processes through slower, widespread effects.

Psychoactive Drugs

• Agonists and Antagonists

  • Agonists increase neurotransmitter effects.
  • Antagonists decrease neurotransmitter effects.

• Types of Psychoactive Drugs

  • Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Opioids

Brain Structures

• Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain

• Lobes of the Brain

  • Frontal Lobe: Higher-level functions, movement.
  • Parietal Lobe: Sensory information processing.
  • Temporal Lobe: Auditory processing, memory.
  • Occipital Lobe: Visual processing.

• Limbic System: Emotion, memory, and motivation.

  • Includes amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus.

Neuroimaging and Brain Function

• Use of EEG, fMRI to study brain activity.
• Neuroplasticity: Brain's ability to adapt and reorganize.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

• Stages of Sleep

  • Non-REM and REM stages.

• Sleep Disorders

  • Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Night Terrors

Sensation and Perception

• Thresholds and Adaptation

  • Absolute threshold, difference threshold, sensory adaptation.

• Visual System

  • Rods and Cones: Photoreceptors for light and color.
  • Color Theory: Trichromatic and opponent process theories.

• Auditory System

  • Sound Waves: Frequency and amplitude relate to pitch and loudness.
  • Hearing Loss: Conductive and sensorineural deafness.

• Chemical Senses

  • Gustation (Taste): Different tastes include sweet, sour, salty, bitter.
  • Olfaction (Smell): Olfactory receptors and pathways.

• Touch and Pain

  • Gate control theory of pain.

• Balance and Movement

  • Vestibular Sense: Balance and spatial orientation.
  • Kinesthesis: Awareness of body position and movement.

Conclusion

• Recap of unit 1 content for AP Psychology.
• Encouragement to use study guides and additional resources for review.