Biological Approach Flashcards
Describe the use of one technique used to study the brain in relation to behavior.
- Brain Imaging Techniques or Experimental Techniques
What is behavior? How can it be measured?
Behavior refers to an organism’s observable actions and reactions to stimuli. It can be measured by observing physiological activity, physical movements, and personal reports of feeling/emotion.
How do Brain Imaging Techniques study behavior? Which studies can be referred to prove that?
Brain scanning methods are used to examine brain structure and function.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) & Maguire et al. (2000) studying brain structure
- fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) & Sharot et al. (2007) studying brain activity
How do Experimental Techniques study behavior? Which studies can be referred to prove that?
It uses experiments to understand the role of biological factors (neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics) on behavior
Ex:
- Neurotransmitter Manipulation ( Acetylcholine & Memory): Rogers and Kesner (2003)
- Animal Research & Neuroplasticity: Rosenzweig & Bennett (1972)
What is neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new connections between neurons. It allows the brain to reorganize itself in response to learning, experience, or injury.
What are two studies that study neuroplasticity?
Maguire et al. (2000) - The brain changed in response to extensive navigation training, proving that learning and experience can reshape brain structure.
Rosenzweign & Bennett (1972) - Brain structure was directly influenced by external stimulation, showing that environment plays a key role in shaping the brain.
What are neural networks?
A neural network is a group of interconnected neurons that work together to process information and control behavior.
Ex: When learning a new skill (e.g., playing an instrument), neurons form stronger connections, making the skill easier over time.
What is neural pruning?
Neural pruning is the process where weaker or unused neural connections are eliminated to make the brain more efficient.
Ex: If you stop practicing a language, the neuronal connections for that skill weaken and disappear over time.
What are neurotransmitters, and how do they affect behavior?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that help neurons communicate. They send signals that control levels of memory, mood, focus, and stress, affecting how people think, feel, and act
What are two studies that illustrate how neurotransmitters affect behavior?
- Rogers & Kesner (2003) Acetylcholine & Memory: Concluded that acetylcholine plays a key role in learning and memory
- Crockett et al. (2010) Serotonin & Moral Decision-Making: Concluded that serotonin influences moral decision-making and prosocial behavior
What are excitatory neurotransmitters? (Mention studies briefly)
Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire, stimulating brain activity and enhancing functions like learning and memory. Ex. Acetylcholine (Rogers & Kesner, 2003) – Blocking acetylcholine in rats impaired memory, showing its role in learning.
What are agonists and how does it affect a neurotransmitter’s effect on behavior?
Agonists are chemicals that increase a neurotransmitter’s effect by mimicking or enhancing its activity. This influences behavior, like improving mood (serotonin agonists) or movement (dopamine agonists).
What are antagonists and how does it affect a neurotransmitter’s effect on behavior?
Antagonists are chemicals that block or reduce a neurotransmitter’s effect by preventing it from binding to receptors. This can influence behavior, like reducing pain (opioid antagonists) or slowing movement (dopamine antagonists)
What are inhibitory neurotransmitters? (Mention studies briefly)
Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire, helping regulate mood, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Ex. Serotonin (Crockett et al., 2010) – Increasing serotonin made participants less likely to harm others, showing its role in emotional control.
What are excititory neurotransmitters? (Mention studies briefly)
Excitatory neurons increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire, enhancing brain activity and stimulating behaviors like attention, learning, and movement. Ex. Glutamate – Essential for memory and learning, as seen in studies where increased glutamate activity improves cognitive function.
What is localization of function in the brain?
Localization is the idea that specific brain functions are linked to specific areas of the brain. Ex. Broca’s area (Tan’s case study) – Damage to this area impaired speech production, showing its role in language.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands that regulate bodily functions and influence behavior.
What are two examples of hormones and refer to studies that examine how they affect behavior
- Cortisol (stress response hormone) – Newcomer et al. (1999)
- Oxytocin (social bonding hormone) – Baumgartner et al. (2008)
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemicals released by the body that affect the behavior of others, often linked to attraction and communication.
What are two examples of phermones and refer to studies that examine how they affect behavior
- Signaling Pheromones: Wedekind et al. (1995) – Sweaty T-Shirt Study
- Primer Pheromones: Zhou et al. (2014) – Pheromones and Perception of Gender
What are primer pheromones?
Primer pheromones cause long-term physiological changes by affecting hormone levels or reproductive cycles. Their effects are gradual and influence biological processes.
What are signaling pheromones?
Signaling pheromones trigger immediate behavioral responces, such as attraction or social recognition. Their effects are more direct and short-term.
Hormones vs. Pheromones
Hormones are chemicals released within the body that regulate internal processes like stress, metabolism, and emotions (e.g., cortisol affecting memory). Pheromones, on the other hand, are chemicals released externally to influence the behavior of others, such as attraction or social bonding (e.g., androstadienone influencing gender perception).
What are genes?
Genes are segments of DNA that carry instructions for building and maintaining the body. They determine traits like eye color, height, and even some behaviors by influencing protein production. Genes are inherited from parents and interact with the environment to shape development.
What is one gene that can influence behavior? (Mention a study as well)
One gene that can influence behavior is the 5-HTT gene, which affects the regulation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and stress response.
