AP Psychology: Unit One Summary

Introduction to Unit One

• Focus: Biological Basis of Behavior
• Impact of biological systems on physical and mental actions
• Nature vs. Nurture: Now understood as Nature and Nurture
• Nature: Heredity, passing traits from one generation to another
• Nurture: Environmental factors (family, social groups, education)

Psychological Perspectives

• Evolutionary Approach
  • Based on Darwin's theory of evolution
  • Traits beneficial to species are passed on
• Epigenetics
  • How environment and behavior affect genes
  • Explains differences in identical twins
• Studies: Minnesota Twin Study, Colorado Adoption Project

Nervous System Overview

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves connecting CNS to body
• Types of Nerves: Afferent (Sensory) and Efferent (Motor)
• Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System
  • Somatic: Voluntary movements, five senses
  • Autonomic: Involuntary activities (heartbeat, digestion)
  • Sympathetic Division: "Fight or flight"
  • Parasympathetic Division: "Rest and digest"

Neurons and Neural Communication

• Types of Neural Cells: Glial cells and Neurons
• Reflex Arc: Sensory neurons, motor neurons, interneurons
• Neural Transmission Process
  • Action potential, depolarization, repolarization
  • Synapse: Space between neurons
• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers
• Neurological Disorders: Multiple sclerosis, Myasthenia gravis

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

• Neurotransmitters: Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins, etc.
• Hormones: Adrenaline, Leptin, Ghrelin, Melatonin, Oxytocin
• Endocrine System vs. Nervous System

Psychoactive Drugs

• Agonist vs. Antagonist Drugs
• Psychoactive Substances: Stimulants, Depressants, Hallucinogens, Opioids

Brain Structures

• Brain Regions: Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain
  • Hindbrain: Spinal cord, brain stem, medulla, pons, cerebellum
  • Forebrain: Cerebrum, cerebral cortex, corpus callosum
  • Lobes of the Brain: Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital
• Limbic System: Amygdala, Hippocampus, Thalamus, Hypothalamus

Brain Function and Imaging

• Brain Lateralization and Hemispheric Specialization
• Phineas Gage and Split Brain Research
• Neuroimaging Techniques: EEG, fMRI

Sleep and Consciousness

• Types of Consciousness: Wakefulness, Sleep
• Circadian Rhythms: Biological clock, jet lag
• Sleep Stages: NREM and REM sleep
• Sleep Theories: Activation Synthesis, Consolidation, Restoration
• Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Sensation and Perception

• Sensation vs. Perception
• Sensory Transduction: Absolute and Difference Thresholds
• Visual System: Eye structures, rods and cones, color vision theories
• Auditory System: Sound waves, pitch, and hearing loss
• Chemical Sensory System: Smell and taste
• Touch and Pain Sensory System: Skin senses, Gate Control Theory
• Balance and Movement: Vestibular sense, kinesthesis

Conclusion

• Check your answers with the study guide
• Practice quizzes available in the ultimate review packet
• Important for comprehensive understanding and exam preparation