Get Psyched with Tim Stemman - AP Psychology Unit 1 Review

Introduction

• Tim Stemman introduces the review of Unit 1 in AP Psychology.
• Focus on the biological basis of behavior and the interaction of heredity and environment.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Nature: Genetics inherited from parents, affecting physical and psychological traits.
• Nurture: Environmental influences shaping skills, personality, and behaviors.
• Interaction between nature and nurture shapes behaviors.

Evolutionary Psychology

• Darwin’s Theory of Evolution: Traits enhancing survival are passed on.
• Misuse of evolutionary psychology in the form of eugenics.
• Importance of ethical integrity in scientific application.

Research Strategies

• Twin Studies: Differences attributed to environment due to identical genetics.
• Adoption Studies: Separate influences of home environment from genetics.
• Family Studies: Identify genetic vs. environmental influences across generations.

Nervous System Overview

• Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
  • Brain as command center.
  • Spinal cord for neural message relay.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves extending throughout the body.
  • Somatic Nervous System: Voluntary movements and sensory info.
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Involuntary functions like heart rate.
    • Sympathetic: Fight or flight response.
    • Parasympathetic: Returns body to normal post-threat.

Neurons and Communication

• Neurons: Primary communication cells in the nervous system.
• Glial Cells: Support and nourish neurons.
• Anatomy of a Neuron:
  • Nucleus: Contains genetic information.
  • Cell body/Soma: Structural support.
  • Dendrites: Receive messages.
  • Axon: Sends information.
  • Myelin Sheath: Increases message travel speed.
• Three types of neurons: Sensory, motor, and interneurons.
• Reflex Arc: Demonstrates neuron cooperation in reflexive actions.

Neural Transmission

• Action Potential: Electrical charge for communication.
• All or Nothing Principle: Neurons either fully send a message or not at all.
• Refractory Period: Recharge phase post-message.
• Reuptake: Neurotransmitter reabsorption.

Neurotransmitters

• Dopamine: Related to pleasure and reward.
• Serotonin: Mood, appetite, and sleep.
• Norepinephrine: Alertness and arousal.
• Glutamate: Cognitive functions.
• GABA: Inhibitory functions, calming.
• Endorphins: Natural painkillers.
• Substance P: Pain regulation.
• Acetylcholine: Muscle contractions and memory.

Endocrine System and Hormones

• Controlled by Hypothalamus.
• Pituitary Gland: Master gland.
• Hormones:
  • Adrenaline: Fight or flight.
  • Leptin & Ghrelin: Hunger regulation.
  • Melatonin: Sleep regulation.
  • Oxytocin: Social bonding and stress reduction.

Psychoactive Drugs

• Influence on brain function: Agonists, antagonists, and reuptake inhibitors.
• Examples: Stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, opioids.
• Addiction and Withdrawal: Chronic condition and symptoms from stopping use.

Brain Structures and Functions

• Brain Stem: Automatic functions.
• Cerebellum: Motor control and coordination.
• Limbic System: Emotional center, reward systems.
• Thalamus: Sensory relay station.
• Hypothalamus: Vital life functions.
• Hippocampus: Memory creation.
• Amygdala: Emotional responses.
• Cerebral Cortex: Complex thoughts, divided into lobes (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal).
• Specialized Brain Areas: Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas.

Brain Plasticity

• Functional Plasticity: Shifting functions after injury.
• Structural Plasticity: Physical structure changes through learning.

Brain Imaging

• fMRI: Measures brain activity.
• EEG: Measures electrical activity.
• Lesioning Studies and Case Studies: Research methods before advanced imaging.

Consciousness and Sleep

• Circadian Rhythm: Biological clock.
• Sleep Stages: NREM and REM.
• Sleep Theories: Restorative and adaptive.
• Dream Theories: Activation-synthesis and memory consolidation.
• Sleep Disorders: Insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, sleepwalking.

Sensation and Perception

• Sensory Processes: Transduction and thresholds.
• Vision: Light processing, color theories.
• Hearing: Sound wave processing, pitch, and theories.
• Smell and Taste: Chemical senses, receptor cells.
• Body Senses: Touch and pain, kinesthetic and vestibular senses.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to ask questions for further clarification.
• Preview of upcoming content on cognition.