Biological Psychology

Question 0

What are the building blocks of the mind?

Answer 0

• Neurons (nerve cells) and how they communicate (neurotransmitters).
• Supporting player: the slower-communicating Endocrine system (hormones).
• More primitive and advanced brain structures.

Question 1

What do biological psychologists do?

Answer 1

They explore the associations between body, mind, and behavior.

Question 2

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 2

Chemicals used to send a signal across the synaptic gap.

Question 3

What is reuptake?

Answer 3

After the neurotransmitters stimulate the receptors on the receiving neuron, the chemicals are taken back up into the sending neuron to be used again.

Question 4

What are serotonin pathways?

What are dopamine pathways?

Answer 4

Serotonin: Networks of neurons that communicate with serotonin help regulate food.

Dopamine: Networks of neurons that communicate with dopamine are involved in focusing attention and controlling movement.

Question 5

What are (less complex) brain structures?

Answer 5

The Brainstem (Pons and Medulla), Thalamus, Reticular Formation, Cerebellum, Limbic System (Hippocampus, Amygdala, and Hypothalamus).

Question 6

What makes up the cerebral cortex in the brain?

Answer 6

The Frontal Lobe(s) (motor skills (motor cortex) and higher level cognition).

Parietal Lobe (processing tactile sensory information (sensory cortex)).

Occipital Lobe (interpreting visual stimuli (visual cortex)).

Temporal Lobe (interpreting sounds and language (auditory cortex)).

Question 7

What happens in the other regions of the brain (what are association areas)?

Answer 7

Association areas interpret, integrate, and act on sensory information and link it with stored information.

Ordinarily, we only use 10% of our brain.

Question 8

What is split visual field?

Answer 8

Each hemisphere perceives the half of the view in front of you that goes with the half of the body that is controlled by that hemisphere.

Question 9

What does the left hemisphere of the brain control?

What does the right hemisphere of the brain control?

Answer 9

Left: Thoughts and logic; language (words and definitions); pieces and details.

Right: Feelings and intuition; language (tone, inflection, context); wholes, including the self.