Biological Approach Flashcards
To know the key concepts in this topic
Word
Definition
Antagonist
binds to the receptor site and then stops that neurotransmitter from binding and sending a signal
Agonist
This binds to the receptor site and mimics the actions of the neurotransmitter whose receptor sites its binding too.
Evolutionary explanation of behavior:
Explaining how a behaviour helps an individual to pass on their genes by helping them to survive, procreate and/or produce healthy offspring (children).
FMRI
a non-invasive technique for imaging the activation of brain areas by different types of physical sensation (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) or activity such as problem solving and/or movement.
Gene regulation and gene expression
Not all genes an individual possesses are expressed at all times. Genes can be switched on and off. This is gene regulation resulting in differential gene expression. Therefore, having a gene for a particular behaviour does not necessarily mean that an individual will exhibit that behaviour.
Genes
Genes are made up of DNA that provides the blueprint for the structure and function of the human body. This could include behaviour. An individual’s genome refers to all the genes that individual possesses. The link between genes and behaviour can be studied using one or more examples.
Genetic similarities
The use of people with similar genes in research, e.g. identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins.
Hormones
Chemicals released by specific glands in the body to regulate medium- and long-term changes in the body. Some hormones, for example, adrenaline, also act as neurotransmitters and can produce instantaneous effects on mood and attention. One or more examples can be used to study hormonal effects on behaviour.
Kinship study
comparing MZ and DZ twins but also include normal siblings, half siblings, step and adoptive siblings. (pedigree or family study)
Localization of function
The concept that specific parts of the cerebral cortex are relatively specialized for particular types of cognitive and behavioural processes.
MRI
scans image anatomical structure. (magnetic resonance imaging) provides a map of the brain – how it looks at a set moment in time.
Neural networks
Develop in the brain by the making and breaking of synaptic connections between neurons.
Neuroplasticity
The development of neural networks through repetition and neural pruning that is both genetic and subject to environmental influences. Neural networks can change developmentally, over time or after injury.
Neurotransmission
It is enough for students to know that nerve impulses travel along neurons until they reach a synapse. The details of how this is achieved are not required.