Biological Psychology Flashcards

Question

what is spatial summation

Answer 1

multiple excitatory signals from multiple sources combine to reach neuron threshold

Answer 2

multiple signals from same source combine over time to reach neurons threshold

Answer 3

muscle contraction, motor control and movement ( excitatory) | needed for attention wakefulness and emotion

Answer 4

linked to emotions and mood control , sleep dreaming and learning excitatory

Answer 5

inhibitory stabilises mood, feelings of well being and happiness helps with sleeping eating and digestion

Answer 6

involved in emotion cognition and reinforcement , released when good things happen excitatory

Answer 7

processes emotion, emotion regulation and motivation assesses and responds to threats and challenges more aggressive people have more active amygdalas

Answer 8

coordinates responses to pain and threats

Answer 9

specific areas of the brain are involved in particular tasks for example amygdala-> threat perception

Answer 10

more serotonin, more self control , less impulse | vikkunen et al found serotonin is lower in the spinal fluid of violent impulsive offenders

Answer 11

to investigate whether brain areas of PFC, angular cyrus, amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus and corpus callosum where related to aggro behaviour

Answer 12

role in learning and memory

Answer 13

relays sensory and motor signals to and from brain

Answer 14

large c shaped nerve fibre bundle connecting right and left hempisphere

Answer 15

41 murders NGRI 41 controls matched by age gender ethnicity and mental health (6 w schizophrenia) these groups are the independent variables

Answer 16

amount of glucose metabolism in specific brain areas

Answer 17

ppt injected w radioactive radiotracer for pet scan to measure brain metabolism performed 32 minute continous performance task for 32 minutes pet scan took 10 images of brain at 10 mm intervals

Answer 18

M- less activity in prefrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, corpus callosum, parietal cortex More activity in right thalamus, right amygdala, right hippocampus

Answer 19

Murders pleading NgRi have dif brain structure to non violent offenders, suggests no single brain area is responsible for aggression but various areas interact together

Answer 20

High level of control (internal validity) 32min CPT tasks , drug tests, PET scans were consistent High levels of internal validity and confounding variable that could’ve affected brain activations were controlled for Counter- Other key elements were not controlled for 23 murders had suffered head injuries , which could’ve explained corpus callosum differences further situational factors could’ve affected brain researchers cannot be certain that other factors than brain structure could’ve lead to violent behaviour

Answer 21

Matched ppt matched on 3 potential confounding variables (age,sex,mental health) Researches could then make fair and direct comparison of brain activations of murders and controls and show differences

Answer 22

takes for enjoyment rather than medical reasons, affect levels of existing neurotransmitter in CNS

Answer 23

cocaine mimics structure of dopamine, then blocks receptors at terminal buttons leading to dopamine molecules staying in synapse leading to large buildup that binds to the postsynaptic neuron creating a high

Answer 24

overtime , dopamine receptors become down regulated - fewer receptors are active as they are damaged by cocaine, dopamine declines ( withdrawal) and craving of the drug and tolerance

Answer 25

uses opioid receptors in the brain to trick the body to release endorphins produced by the body to relieve stress and pain and hypothalamus is affected endorphins are natural painkillers that slow cns activity , overtime opioid receptors become t , quality of endorphins decline, and leads to pains after we body compensates for the large loads it releases during drug usage by reducing natural endorphin production

Answer 26

weinshenker and schroeder Animal research shows that cocaine works on the dopamine reward system, researches deliberate changes the reward system of mouse brains, meaning mice were unable to create dopamine associated w rewards. these mice were using cocaine given to them in lab , once the brain, once this change was made they no longer used cocaine and this behaviour did not occur when other parts of the brain were destroyed , suggesting cocaine effects are due to the reward system

Answer 27

oversimplified social aspect more complex human brain , dopamine also affects human serotonin and noradrenaline lack of validity and non generalisable

Answer 28

know the effects helps create treatment has helped develop naloxone , opioid receptor drug in addiction treatment reduces symptoms and withdrawal real life application.

Answer 29

cat scan fMRI PET scan

Answer 30

``` static image of the brain deals with structure of nervous system example computerised axial tomography CAT ```

Answer 31

produces images of what brain is doing and what areas are active during tasks example PET and FMRI glucose or metabolism oxygen usage

Answer 32

shows structure - like tumours and growth and development and damage of that area useful for cancer

Answer 33

It involved using X-rays that pass through the brain in multiple angles to get more information. As the brain is complex multiple angles are needed. From those multiple angles, a computer creates an image of the brain There are potential risks due to X-ray radiation. It can damage unborn babies for example. It is measures what areas of the brain are damaged or the positioning of tumours. It does not tell us about how the brain is functioning. Structural images -Very quick to conduct showing accurate details of brain structure. The quality of these images can show tumors or structural damage that could lead to better understanding the the area -It cannot tell you about how the brain is functioning, only providing structural information. This means it has limited use in researcher linking brain areas to specific behaviours

Answer 34

Patients are injected with FDG, a radioactive tracer substance that is absorbed into the bloodstream and binds to glucose molecules in the blood High concentrations of gamma rays can be found in areas of high activity (which consume the glucose)and images produced by PET scans will show these. Low risk, but it is unclear whether there will be long term effects Glucose usage in the brain, the more glucose is being used in one area means that the area is more active -PET scans indicate the specific areas of be the brain involved in an experience. They can provide evidence of localisation of function in the brain when ppts are doing tasks. For example, it can be used to see lower glucose activity in the frontal lobe in self control tasks in participants -As the FDG is radioactive, with the potential to damage cells and tissues in the body, this means the scans can only be one every six months with any individual. Limited the usage of these scans for research

Answer 35

A very powerful electromagnet is used, inside this magnet, hydrogen in water molecules in your brain will align with the magnet. Blood cells with oxygen will repel the magnetic field, whereas blood cells with no oxygen will follow the magnetic field. These changes to the magnetic field are measured by a computer, There are little risks, but people who have metal surgical implants and pacemakers cannot go through an MRI Areas of the brain that use more oxygen are more active, by looking at the oxygen levels of the blood in the brain, you can see which areas are being used in tasks. -MRI scans indicate the specific areas of be the brain involved in an experience. They can provide evidence of localisation of function in the brain when ppts are doing tasks. For example, it can be used to observe increased oxygen usage in the amygdala when the pots is being aggressive -The fMRI scan is only effective when the person being investigated stays perfectly still. Meaning this may be problematic for young children or people with motor disorders, limiting the usage of the fMRI in investigating aggressive children for example

Answer 36

the extent to which social and physical aggression can be explained by genetics and environmental influences whether the overlap between social and physical aggression is explained by the type of aggression affecting the other

Answer 37

-Researchers used a twin study to calculate correlations of the social and physical aggression demonstrated by MZ and DZ twins. -234 pairs of twins were selected from the longitudinal (long lasting) Quebec Newborn Twin Study (QNTS) -The study collected data on the twins regularly, starting from when they are 5 months old up until they are 6 years old. -The sample was 44 pairs of male MZ twins, 50 pairs of female MZ twins, 41 male DZ twins, 32 pairs of DZ twins. -Kindergarten teachers rated the social and physical aggression of the children on a 3 point scale, ranging from (never, sometimes and often) -Social aggression questions were "says mean things and spread rumours" -Physical aggression questions were "hits, bites and kicks others" -Levels of aggression were also recorded from the children's peers. -Each classmate was checked to see if they knew everyone in their class, then they were shown 3 photos of their classmates

Answer 38

Physical aggression mainly explained by genetic factors only 20-23% of SA explained by genetic factors SA explained by non shared environmental factors such as upbringing high PA leads to SA but SA does not lead to PAIN

Answer 39

genetic factors can predispose children to be aggressive but environmental factors can also lead to specific forms of aggression to manifest by copying things from home this directionality of aggression suggests children may be predisposed to be physically aggressive but learn it’s not acceptable so adopt other methods such as being socially aggressive

Answer 40

Ratings of aggression from multiple sources were utilised in the study ``` that being the teacher and the peer ratings. This was one of the earliest studies to also utilise peer ratings. If there were a large difference between the two ratings, it would highlight potential biases the teachers/peers had against the child. ``` ``` As the two sets of rating were very similar, it provides reassurance to the researchers that the ratings used were a reliable method to measure the aggressive behaviour of the children being investigated. ```

Answer 41

Real life application show children go from PA to SA meaning interventions and public education may help child control PA and block them from using SA instead reducing both types However findings from this may not be able to generalise intervention for aggression as the age group is v specific ( 5m-6yr) and may not be able to applied to other age groups, researchers even state caution needs to be taken in trying to generalise results beyond assessed age, suggestion aggression of groups of older children are different and the study isn’t applicable

Answer 42

hunting off animals fighting off rivals scare off potential competitors or right for resources for survival guarding off spring

Answer 43

some mutations in genes are better suited for the environment we live in, those with useful mutations survive better and pass on their genes , nature chooses the best fit of creature to survive and produce

Answer 44

Evolution suggests change in human characteristics over time, according to Darwin's theory of natural selection those with the most desirable characteristics are more likely to survive and pass on their genes. This is known a survival of the fittest. Aggression is a useful trait in survival and would ensure the best resources, status and mates to pass on these genes to offspring. Aggression can be seen in today's society in order to assert social dominance and prevent infidelity in couples.

Answer 45

This explanation has evidence in terms of benefitting survival and social standing. Hill and Hurtado (1996) found that heightened aggression was linked to higher social status in tribal communities in South America. This is associated with more access to food, and benefits chances of reproducing with a mate. This supports the evolutionary theory as it shows that aggression promotes survival and the passes on of genes. Showing that aggressiveness may be passed on through genes

Answer 46

The evolutionary argument cannot explain differences between aggression levels between cultures. Wolfgang and Ferracuti (1967) found that the Kung San people (From Kalahari region in Africa) have very low levels of aggression, as that behaviour is discouraged from childhood. Whereas the Yanomami people of Venezuela and Brazil are much more aggressive, as aggressiveness was used to gain status in their society. These differences between the aggression levels of different cultures demonstrates that aggression levels are not universal and that innately determined aggression can be outweighed by cultural norms.

Answer 47

eros- life instinct - desire to preserve life and enjoy it thanos- death instinct a driver towards death and destruction (aggression comes from thanatos)

Answer 48

release of internal drive of aggression in the id | preventing catharsis can lead to inward outbursts or outward outbursts

Answer 49

Super ego: based on morality principle, represents moral standards a person was raised with punishes ego for wrongdoings

Answer 50

based on reality principle , meditates the id and superego to satisfy both, reducing conflict between to develops at age 2

Answer 51

based on pleasure principle, primitive part of brain, just wants pleasurable things instantly sexual desires, food

Answer 52

when an individual displaces emotions in a constructive way rather than destructive

Answer 53

Redirecting anger towards an object or person ,( an available substitute)

Answer 54

Research showing processing aggro is beneficial Graham et al found in their sample of 51, those who ranted and processed emotions had improved in control over pain and depressed mood after consistently ranting suggests expression of anger leads to health benefits, linking to freuds concept of catharsis Freud theory cannot be scientifically or empirically observed for example unconscious cannot be measured with brain scan and ego superego and id cannot be experimentally proven to exist, lack of scientific credibility

Answer 55

Bushman suggested freuds concept on catharsis heightens aggression rather than reducing it in his study he made 600 students angry by making confederate critique an essay the student wrote he found that students who were allowed to vent anger hit punching bag were more aggressive with confederate compared to control suggests opposite of freuds theory of aggression being cathartic

Answer 56

explains hot blooded and cold blooded aggression hot blooded aggression ( impulsive anger, no purpose than someone’s personal satisfaction- ID) where as cold blooded is when anger is deliberate and planned out serving a purpose ( ego controlling and guiding ID impulses) freuds explanation for unconscious seems t fit reality of aggressive behaviour

Answer 57

chemicals produced by body that send signals to organs via bloodstream

Answer 58

Testosterone- male sex hormone, secreted by adrenal glands and testes( ovaries in females) needed to produce male features supportive research: Edwards and roffi researchers had male rates castrated and found castrated rats showed little to no aggression, but when given testosterone injection they demonstrated aggressive behaviour, demonstrating simple cause and effect HOWEVER…age of rat matters as castrated new born rats do not demonstrate more aggression with testosterone injection. But 10 day year old castrated rats showed increased aggression showing cause and effect can only occur at certain age, not as simple as theory suggests

Answer 59

Dabbs et al- measured testosterone in saliva of 692 male adult prisoners, found higher levels in rapists and violent offenders compared to burglars and thieves, same affect found in women dabbs et al- testosterone in 84 female prisoners, higher cases in unprovoked violence and lower in defensive violence supporting testosterone is correlated with aggression increasing reliability and validity counter - criminals are not applicable to everyone

Answer 60

secreted to protect body against stress and regulated aggression from stress Cortisol inhibits aggression Virkkunen reported low levels of cortisol in violent offenders dual hormone hypothesis (supportive research) -popma et al found adolescent males high levels of testosterone only lead to aggressive behaviour when levels of cortisol were low, therefore combined activity of testerone and cortisol may be a better predictor of human aggression than either hormone alone

Answer 61

* If this nature viewpoint is correct and testosterone levels cause aggression than it might be possible to identify people with extreme aggression at an early age, by testing their testosterone levels. These individuals could be carefully monitored and perhaps from jobs where they present danger to public ( healthcare/schools) and put them into jobs that suit them (the Armed Forces). * There are applications to controlling behaviour in the real world. If aggression can be chemically controlled we might be able to create a drug that controls hormonal mechanisms and reduces aggressive behaviour, making society a safer place

Answer 62

• This can easily turns into eugenics, which is the belief that some people are biologically inferior and should be prevented from having children. This is an ethical debate that needs to be considered when using hormones to explain human behaviour. • Not everyone with high testosterone levels is a violent person, it is an interaction of factors which leads to aggressive behaviours therefore this hormone explanation is not entirely true and individuals could be treated unfairly as a result. • Possible side effects of drugs need to be considered!

Answer 63

• In some respects humans are similar to other species. For example we exhibit territoriality, courtship rituals, a "pecking order". We defend our young, are aggressive when threatened, engage in play and so on. There are many parallels which can be drawn between ourselves and especially other mammals with complex forms of social organisation. • Studying other species often avoids the complex ethical problems involved in studying humans. For example one could not look at the effects of maternal deprivation by removing infants from their mothers or conduct isolation experiment on humans in the way that has been done on other species. • Although in some respects we are like other species in others we are not. For example humans have a much more sophisticatedintelligence than other species and much more of our behaviour is the outcome of a conscious decision rather than the product of an instinct or drive

Answer 64

When an action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, it causes the vesicles to fuse with the presynaptic membrane and release their contents (neurotransmitters) into the synaptic cleft. neurotransmitter • Neurotransmitter molecules that remain in the synaptic cleft are either reabsorbed into the presynaptic neuron by an uptake pump, this is a process called reuptake and means the neurotransmitters can be used again. • Once the neurotransmitters are in the synaptic cleft they diffuse across and bind to the receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. The chemical signal is converted back into an electrical signal in the postsynaptic neuron, which may fire another AP.