Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

AQA Psychology Paper 2 > Biopsychology > Flashcards

Biopsychology Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® Psychology flashcards Psychology 101 flashcards GRE® Psychology flashcards
1
Q

What is the localisation of function?

A

The theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different processes or activities. Discovered by Wernicke and Broca, before this many people valeud the holistic approach. If an area of the brain becomes injured then the function associated with it will deteriate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the hemispheres of the brain?

A

Two symmetrical halves of the brain. As a general rule our left side controls our right, and our right side controls our left

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the four lobes of the brain?

A

Frontal lobe
Pareital Lobe
Temporal Lobe
Occipital Lobe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the role of the frontal lobe?

A

Memory
Movement
Speech

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the role of the pareital lobe?

A

Language
Senses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the role of the occiptal lobe?

A

Vision
Colours
Letters
Left/Right

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the role of the temporal lobe?

A

Learning
Feelings
Fear

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the cortexes?

A

Motor cortex
Somatosensory Cortex
Visual Cortex
Auditory Cortex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the roles of the motor cortex?

A

Found in the frontal lobe and is responsible for regulating movement. Damage to this area may reduce control over fine movements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the somatosensory area?

A

Found in the pareital area. Where sensory information from the skin is processed . The amount of cells denote how sensitive it is for example our face has lots

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the visual cortex?

A

Found in the occipital lobe and is responsible for sight. Works in opposites, damage to the left hemisphere can produce blindness in the right visual field of both eyes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the auditory cortex?

A

Found in the temporal lobes. Analyses speech based information. Damage may effect hearing or understanding of language

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is Broca’s area?

A

An area of the frontal lobe in the left hemisphere with is responsible for speech production. Damage to this can cause Brocas aphasia, which can mean speech is slow and lacking in fluency for example ‘Tan’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe Wernicke’s area?

A

An area of the temporal lobe in the left hemisphere that is responsible for language understanding. People who have Wernickes aphasia will often produce neologisms when they speak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Evaluate the localisation of function

A

One strength is that damage to the brain can cause mental disorders. Neurosurgery is a last resort method for treating mental disorders, targeting specific areas of the brain. In a study of 44 people with OCD who has surgery, it was found that 30% produced a full response and 14% produced a half response. The sucess of these procedures show that it may be localised

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Evaluate localisation of function

A

Another strength is that it supports the idea that many everyday brain functions are localised. For example in a review of types of LTM it was revealed that semantic memories and episodic memories are in different parts of the prefrontal cortex. This therefore provides research that many brain functions are localised
Counterpoint: However is a study by Lashley in which he removed rats cortex, when doing a maze. No area proved to be more important that another in the learning of the maze. This suggets in high learning processes it is more beneficial to look at it in a holistic way

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Evaluate localisation of function in the brain

A

One limitation is that language may not be only localised to Brocas and Wernicks areas. Advances in fMRI scans mean the brain can be studied in a much more scientific way. It seems now that language production in the brain is distributed much more holistically than once thought. This therefore contradicts localisation theory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is hemispheric lateralisation?

A

The idea that the two halves of the brain are functionally different and that certain mental processes are controlled by one hemisphere in comparison to the other

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Give an example of hemispheric laterlisation in the brain

A

One example would be language. It is said that the left hemipshere controls language as it contains the brocas and wernickes area. This has led to the assumption that the left is the analyser and the right is the synthesiser

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is contralateral wiring and give an example

A

It means that the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. An example of this would be vision. Each eyes left visual field is collected by the RH and the right visual field is collected by the LH which can have an effect on depth perception for example

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Evaluate hemispheric lateralisation

A

One strength is that there is research support showing the differences between the two. For example in a study participants went through PET scans in whcih they were asked to look at pictures. When they were asked to look at the whole picture it was their RH that was engaged but when asked to look at finer details it was the LH. This suggests it is part of connected brains as well

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Evaluate the lateralisation of the brain

A

One limitation is that the ideas may be wrong. There may be differences in the brain but no one has a dominant side which affecsts their personality. In a study of 1000 people aged 7-29 it was found that while there is a difference in the two, no one had a dominant side. This suggests that the notion is wrong

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is split brain research?

A

A series of studies that began in the 1960s involving people with epilepsy who had experienced surgical seperation of their hemispheres. This was done by cutting the corpus cellosum and it alllows for scientists to look at lateralisation in isolation. Most famous example is Sperrys research

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Describe Sperry’s procedure

A

Eleven people were studies using a set up in which an image could be presented to a ppts RVF and the same or differenyt could be presented to the LVF. In an uncut brain the information is shared to create a whole picture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Describe the findings of Sperry’s research

A

When an image was shown to a ppts RVF they could describe it but not when it was projected to the LVF which is because the information could not be shared to the language centre. both hands were able to pick a matching object to the image that was presented in the LVF

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What did sperry conclude?

A

Some functions are lateral and the LH is verbal but the RH is emotional

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Evaluate split brain research

A

One strength is that there is support for more recent splut brain research. Gazzaniga showed that split brain ppts performed better on some tasks than normal controls. They were faster at identifying an odd one out. This supports that the left and right brain are different

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Evaluate split brain research

A

One limitation is that causal relationships are hard to establish. The behaviour of sperrys group was compared to a neurotypical control group however none of these had epilepsy which is a major CV. This means that some features may have been due to epilepsy rather than vulnerabilities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the plasticity of the brain?

A

The brains tendency to change and adapt as a result of experience and new learning. This generally involves the growth of new connections. During infancy this develops however as we get older we lose the connections we don’t use and we strengthen the connections that we do use (synaptic pruning)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Describe research into the plasticity of the brain

A

Maguire et al studies london cab drivers and found a high level of grey matter in the hippocampus than a matched control group. This is because it is to do with navigational skills. They found that the longer a cab driver had been working the more there was

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Evaluate brain plasticity

A

One limitation is that it may have negative behavioural consequences. Evidence shows that brain adapting to drug use are more likely to suffer from dementia. Also, 60-80% of amputees struggle with phantom limb syndrome which can be incredibly painful. This is due to new connections forming in the somatosensory cortex. This means brain plastcity may not always be beneficial.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Evaluate brain plasticity

A

One strength is that it may be a lifelong ability. Bezzola et al found that 40 hours of golf practice showed better neural representation in 40-60 year olds. They found reduced activity in the motor cortex. This shows it can continue throughout a lifespan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is functional recovery?

A

A form of plastcity. Following damage to the brain, it can redistrubute functions to a non-damaged area of the brain. Neural scientists suggests that this can occur incredibly quickly after trauma.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What happens in functional recovery?

A

New synaptic connections are formed close to the damaged area. Secondary neural pathways are activated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is axonal sprouting?

A

The growth of new nerve endings which connect with undamaged nerve cells to form new neural pathways

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is denervation supersensitivity?

A

This occurs when axons that do a simlar job become aroused to a higher level to compensate for those which are lost. This means it can have a negative consequence to things such as pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is the recruitement of homologous areas?

A

Moving functions to the opposite side of the brain so that specific tasks can still be performed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Evaluate functional recovery

A

One strength is its real world application. Understanding the processes has contributed to neurorehabilitation. It contributes to the growth of new therapies for example constraint induced movement therapy. This shows it is helpful as it helps medical professionals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Evaluate functional recovery

A

One limitation is that level of education may influence recovert rates. The more time people spent in education the greater their chance of becoming disability free. 40% of those who had DFR had over 16 years of education. This provides other variables

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Describe fMRI

A

Works by detecting changes of both blood oxygenation and flow as a result of neural activity. When a brain area is more active it consumes more oxygen so blood flow is directed to the area. Creates three D images to show which parts of the brain have a role in which function

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What are the strengths of fMRI?

A
  • Does not rely on radiation
  • Non-invasive
  • High spatial resolution meaning that we can see certain things we would be unable to see otherwise
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the limitations of fMRI?

A
  • Expensive
  • Poor temporal resolution 5 seconds - may not be true
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Describe EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A

Measures electrical activity in the brain through the use of electrodes attached to a skull cap. Scan records brainwave patterns. Its commonly used to identify changes in neural patterns

44
Q

What are the strengths of EEG?

A
  • Study of sleep
  • High temporal resolution -single millisecond
  • Real world usefulness
45
Q

What are the limitation of EEG?

A
  • Too generalised so cannot pinpoint
  • Cannot distinguish
46
Q

Describe ERPs

A

Used to isolate responses. In response to stimuli so all extrenuous activity is filtered out. Leaves ERP’s (waves). Used for cognitive processes such as perception and attention

47
Q

What are the strengths of ERP’s?

A
  • Much more specific
  • Temporal resolution
  • Maintenance of working memory
48
Q

What are the limitations of ERP’s?

A

Lack of standardisation which makes it hard to confirm findings
All other elements must be eliminated

49
Q

Describe post mortem examinations

A

Analysis of a brain following death. Study those who have a rare disorder.

50
Q

What are the strengths of post mortems?

A

Vital in providing an understanding of key functions in the brain - Brocas area, HM

51
Q

What are the limitations of post mortems?

A

Causation - may be linked to other trauma
Ethics - cannot give informed consent as they may have been struggling

52
Q

What are biological rhythyms?

A

Dinstinct patterns of changes in bodily activity that conform to cyclical time periods. These are controlled by either our internal bodily clocks (endogenous pacemakers) or our external body clocks (exogenous zeitegebers)

53
Q

What are circadian rhythyms?

A

Biological rhythym that is subject to a 24 hour cycle which regulate a number of body processes including the sleep wake cycle and the control of body temperature

54
Q

Describe the sleep wake cycle

A

Our sleep wake cycle is partly governed by EZ’s such as light levels but it is mainly governed by our suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). It lies just above the optic chiasm and it provides information about light.

55
Q

Describe Siffre et al’s research

A

He spent a couple of months underground to assess the effects on his own bodily rhythms. He was deprived of natural light and however he did have access to adequate food and drink. he resurfaced around mid september but he believed it to be August. His biological rhythym has reset itself to around a time of 25 hours although he did continue to wake and sleep on a regular basis

56
Q

Evaluate circadian rhythms

A

One strength is that it provides a deep understanding into what happens when the rhythms become desynchronised. For example night shift workers experienced a lapse of concentration at around 6 in the morning meaning accidents are more likely. It has also shown the link between this and poor health as shift workers are 3 times more likely to contract heart disease. This shows how research may have real world application.
Counterpoint: however these studies tend to use correlational methods. This means it is hard to draw a link as it may be a result of other methods. This suggests it may not be biological factors

57
Q

Evaluate circadian rhythms

A

Another strength is that it has been used to improve medical treatments. Circadian rhythms co-ordinate a number of the body’s procedures. these rise and fall which has led to the development of chronotherapeutics which is how medical treatment can be administered in a way that correlates to bodily rhythms. For example the knowledge that aspirin taken late at night can have an effect on heart disease. This shows how it can help to increase drug treatments.

58
Q

Evaluate circadian rhythms

A

One limitation is that gerneralisations are difficult to make. Studies are based on one small sample of people. Sleep cycles may vary widely from person to person as it can vary from 13hours to 65 hours. Age and whether you are a mornign or night person can also have an effect. This means that it is difficult to discuss anything more than averages

59
Q

What is an infradian rhythm?

A

A type of biological rhythm with a cycle less than 24 hours. They can happen weekly, monthly or yearly. Examples of this include menstrual cycle and seasonal affective disorder

60
Q

Describe the menstrual cycle

A

Regulated by monthly changes in hormone levels a typical cycle lasts 28 days. Rising levels of oestrogen cause the ovary to drop an egg (ovulation). The womb lining then thickens ready for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur then it comes away (bleeding)

61
Q

How does the menstrual cycle synchronise?

A

Stern and McClintock studied 29 women with irregular periods. Pheromones were collected at different stages of their menstrual cycle. These were then rubbed on the upper lip of other ppts. 68% of the women experienced changes that brought them closer to their odour donor

62
Q

Evaluate infradian rhythms

A

One strength is that the synchrony can be explained by natural selection. Thought to have evolutionary value. It may be an advantage for women close to each other to get pregnant at the same time as it allows for babies who had lost their mothers to have breast milk. Suggests it to be an adaptive strategy

63
Q

Evaluate infradian rhythms

A

One limitation is their methodological errors. There are many confounding variables that can change the menstrual cycle including stress. This means people may have failed to replicate the findings of the study.

64
Q

What is an ultradian rhythm?

A

A type of rhythm with a frequency of more than one rhythm in 24 hours. For example the stages of sleep

65
Q

Describe the stages of sleep

A

Cycle that can last up to 90 mins and this can occur up to 5 times in one night

66
Q

Describe stage 1 and 2 of sleep

A

This is light sleep where someone may be easily woken. These are known as alpha waves. In stage 2 these change to theta waves

67
Q

Describe stage 3 and 4

A

Deep sleep

68
Q

Describe stage 5

A

REM sleep. The body is paralysed but the brain resembles someone who is awake. This can cause dreaming

69
Q

Evaluate ultradian rhythms

A

One strength is that it has improved the understanding of how age is related to sleep. Reduces with age. This may explain various sleep issues that can occur in old age such as alertness. Suggests it has practical value

70
Q

Evaluate ultradian rhythms

A

One limitation is that it may be individual differences. Tucker et al found large differences between people. These may be biologically determined. This makes it hard to describe normal sleep

71
Q

What is an endogenous pacemaker?

A

Internal body clocks that regulate many of our rhythms

72
Q

Describe the role of the SCN

A

Influential in maintaining circadian rhythms. Nerve fibres are connected to the left and right hemisphere. Recieves information about light directly into this structure

73
Q

Describe an animal study linked to EPs

A

A study destroyed the SCN of 30 chipmunks and returned them to their natural habitat for 80 days. Their cycle disappeared and many of them were killed

74
Q

Describe the role of the pineal gland/melatonin

A

During the night the pineal gland increases the production of melatonin, a chemical that induces sleep

75
Q

Evaluate EP’s

A

One limitation is the SCN may obscure other body clocks.Research has revealed that there are many circadian rhythms which are influenced by the SCN but can act independetly. This suggests there are more complex influences on the sleep wake cycle

76
Q

Evaluate EP’s

A

Another limitation is they cannot be studied in isolation. Studies like siffre are extremely rare. he also had artificial light which may have reset his body clock. in everyday life EP’s and EZ’s interact. This lowers the validity of the researcg

77
Q

What is an exogenous zeiegebers?

A

External factors that entrain our biological rhythms

78
Q

Describe light as a EZ

A

It can reset the SCN. Has an indirect influence on hormone secretion and blood circulation. Light may also be recepted on skin receptor pad on the back of the knees

79
Q

Describe social cues as an EZ

A

babies sleep/wake cycles have been developed by around 16 weeks as they have routines and schedueles imposed. Research on jet lag suggests that an effective way of entertaining EZ’s is by eating and sleeping times

80
Q

Evaluate EZs

A

One limitation is that they do not have the same effect in all environments. For example those who live in the darkness may have similar sleep patterns all year round despite living in the dark. Suggests it is pimarily controlled by EP’s

81
Q

Evaluate EZs

A

Another limitation is evidence challenges the role of EZ’s. A study of a blind man who had a circadian rhythm of 24.9 hours and due to social cues this could not be changed. This suggests social cues are effective in resetting biological rhythms

82
Q

Describe the nervous system

A

The nervous system consists of the CNS and PNS. It communicates using electric signals. It has two main functions: To collect, process and respond to info in the environment and to co-ordinate working of different cells in the body.

83
Q

Describe the Central Nervous System

A

Made up of brain and spinal cord. Is the origin of all complex demands and decisions. Brain is the centre of all concsiouc awareness and is divided into two hemispheres. The spinal cord is an extension. It passes messages to an from the brain and connevcts nerves to the PNS

84
Q

Describe the peripheral nervous system

A

Sends info to the CNS from the outside world via millions of neurons. Made up of the ANS and the SNS

85
Q

Describe the Autonomic Nervous System

A

Transmits info to and from internal bodily organs. It operates involuntarily. It has to main divisions the sympathetic and parasympethetic system

86
Q

Describe the Somatic nervous system

A

Transmits info from receptor cells in sense organs to the CNS. It receives info and directs muscles to act

87
Q

What is the endocrine system?

A

One of the bodies major systems that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These are carried towards target organs in the body ans they communicate via chemicals. It works slower than the nervous system

88
Q

What is a gland?

A

A gland is an organ in the body that synthesis subtances such as hormones. Main examples include: Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Thyroid, Parathyroid, Adrenals, Pancreas, Ovaries, Testes. The main gland is the pituitary as it controls the release of all the other glands

89
Q

What is a hormone?

A

A hormone is a chemical substance that circulates in the bloodstream and affects target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly.

90
Q

How to the endocrine and ANS work together?

A

They work in parallel to each other in stressul events. For example when a stressor is perceived the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland and this triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS

91
Q

What is adrenaline?

A

Released from your adrenal gland which is part of the bodies immediate stress response. Has a strong effect on the cardiovascular system i.e. increasing heart rate or dilating air passages. It creates the fight or flight response

92
Q

What is parasympathetic action?

A

The body is returned to its resting state. It works in opposition to the sympathetic nervouse system and its actions are antagonistic to each other. It reduces the activity of the body

93
Q

What occurs in the sympathetic state?

A

Increased heart rate and breath rate, Dilated pupils, Inhibits digestion, Inhibits saliva, Contracts rectum

94
Q

What occurs in the parasympathetic state?

A

Decreases heart rate and breath rate, Constricts pupils, Stimulates digestion, Stimulates saliva, Relaxes rectum

95
Q

What is a neuron?

A

A neuron is the basic building block of of the nervous system. neurons are nerve cells that transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals

96
Q

Describe a sensory neuron

A

They carry messages to the CNS from the PNS.
They have long dendrites and short axons
They are found in receptor cells

97
Q

Describe a motor neuron

A

They connect the CNS to the effectors such as muscles and glands
They have short dendrites and long axons
They are found in the CNS

98
Q

Describe a relay neuron

A

They connect sensory neurons to motor and other relay neurons
They have short dendrites and short axons
They are found in the brain and spinal cord

99
Q

Describe the structure of a neuron

A

The cell body contains a nucleus that has genetic material for the cell. Dendrites protrude from the cell body and carry nerve impulses from neighbouring neurons to the cell body. The axon carries impulses away from the cell body and is covered in a fatty layer named the myelin sheath which protects the axon and speeds up transmission. The sheath is segmented by gaps named the Nodes of Ranvier which help to speed up transmission. Finally at the end there are terminal buttons which communicate with the next neuron across the synapse

100
Q

Where are neurons located?

A

The cell bodies of motor neurons may be in the CNS but they have long axons which go into the PNS. Sensory neurons are located in the PNS in ganglia. Relay neurons are found in the brain and the visual system

101
Q

Describe electrical transmission

A

When a neuron is in resting state the inside of the neuron is negatively charged. When activated by a stimulus the inside becomes positively charged for a split second which triggers action potential. This creates an electrical impulse which travels across the neurons

102
Q

What is synaptic transmission?

A

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the gap that seperates them

103
Q

Describe chemical transmission?

A

Neurons communicate in groups known as neural networks. Each neuron is seperated by a tiny synapse. Signals are transmitted electrically. However signals between neurons are transmitted chemically across the synapse. When the impulse reaches the end of the presynaptic terminal it triggers are release of a neurotrtansmotter from a tiny sac called vesicles

104
Q

Describe neurotransmitters?

A

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another. Once they cross the gap they it is taken up by a post-synaptic receptor site on the dendrited of the next neuron. The chemical message can be converted to an electrical impulse. Can be broadly divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibitory function. They can only travel in one-way. Each neurotransmitter fits into a receptor site (lock and key)

105
Q

What is excitation?

A

When a neurotransmitter such as adrenaline increases the positive charge of a post-synaptic neuron. This increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will pass on the electrical impulse

106
Q

What is inhibation?

A

When a neurotransmitter such as serotonin increases the negative charge of a post-synaptic neuron. This decreases the likelihood that the post synaptic neuron will pass on the electrical impulse

107
Q

What is summation?

A

Whether a P-S neuron fires is due to the process of summation. The influences are summed. If the net effect is inhibitory or excitatiry then those processes occur

AQA Psychology Paper 2 (3 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions