CH 3 PP4 Crim Behavior: Bio And Neurological Flashcards
Neurotransmitters
Biochemicals directly involved in the transmission of neural impulses and without which communication would not be possible.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter in the nervous system that usually prompts the activity of neurons.
Biopsychologists
Psychologists who study the biological aspects of behavior to determine which genetic and neurobiological variables play a part, and to what extent. They generally see human behavior as the result of a complex interaction between the individual’s neuropsychological makeup and the social environment.
Self-regulation
The ability to control one’s behavior in accordance with internal cognitive standards.
Executive function
Higher-order mental abilities involved in goal-directed behavior. They include organizing behavior, memory, inhibition processes, and planning strategies.
Neuroplasticity
The ability of the brain to change and develop new neural connections throughout life.
Behavior genetics
Examines the role genes play in the formation and development of behavior. Distinguishes genetic from environmental influences.
Molecular genetics
Studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level.
Fraternal twins
Twins who develop from two different fertilized eggs; also call dizygotic twins
Identical twins
Twins who develop from a single egg and share the same genes; also called monozygotic twins.
Shared environment
An important concept in twin studies, this refers to the prenatal and life experiences that are common to both twins, such as being raised by the same biological parents.
Nonshared environments
An important concept in twin studies, this refers to the living experiences that are different for each twin, such as being raised by different parents.
Twins: Concordance
—Degree to which twin pairs show to have the same trait
Ex: Both twins decide to nave the same hair style
The 2 twins like the same stuff
They have a higher level of crime rates together.
A term used in genetics to represent the degree to which related pairs of subjects both show a particular behavior or condition.
It is usually expressed in percentages.
Twins’ Early Development Study (TEDS)
Ongoing study of twins examining behavior and cognitions from early childhood through adolescence.
MAOA and MAOA-L gene
Gene that is believed to play an instrumental role in antisocial behavior, either preventing it or—in low form—contributing to such behavior.
Psychophysiology
The study of the dynamic interactions between behavior and the autonomic nervous system.
Amygdala
Part of brain that regulates fear and other emotional responses.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
Broad term for a continuum of conditions that result from alcohol exposure in utero.
Fraternal twins
Fraternal twins
Twins who develop from two different fertilized eggs; also call dizygotic twins.
Identical twins
Twins who develop from a single egg and share the same genes; also called monozygotic twins.
Molecules Genetics: MAOA and MAOA-L gene
The Warrior Gene
Gene that is believed to play an instrumental role in antisocial behavior,
either preventing it or
—in low form—contributing to such behavior.
Provocation!!
Serotonin is an activator in the brain
MAOA and MAOA-L gene
Gene that is believed to play an instrumental role in antisocial behavior, either preventing it or—in low form—contributing to such behavior.
Behavior genetics
Examines the role genes play in the formation and development of behavior. Distinguishes genetic from environmental influences.
Molecular genetics
Studies the structure and function of genes at the molecular level.
Psychophysiology
The study of the dynamic interactions between behavior and the autonomic nervous system.
Temperament
A natural mood disposition determined largely by genetic and biological influences.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Injury to the brain occurring either in utero, during birth, or at any time in a person’s life and having a significant effect on functioning. Sometimes used as an excusing or mitigating condition for violent behavior.
**What is Apoptosis (Pruning)?
IT MEANS PLANNED CECULAR DEATH!
Pruning (Apoptosis)= The removal of unused synapses. This makes the brain more efficient. It does not go on overdrive. We have as much as 1% “loss” each year
What does Plasticity need?
needs stimuli of the brain.
Ex: You learn how to play an instrument
What does Neuroplasticity mean?
it means to be changeable or moldable. It means for the ability for the brain to adapt
Virus that can get into the brain
MENGINGITUS
What is a Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)?
It is a tight capillary walls that keep small molecules out
What is the name of the sugar the brain needs? What does Glucose do?
Glucose!
-A 3rd of all the calories that go to your brain are devoted are just for maintaining the brain at a resting steady state
-Sugars can “shrivel” the endothelial cells allowing the larger molecules in
-25% of all calories consumed are devoted to the brain
What is an EEG good at & not good at?
EEG-Measures the activity of the brain but NOT where the activity is at
EEG-Is good at location vs resolution
What is PET ( Positron Emission Tomography) ?
**-they are ideal for localysing dysfunction,
measures where glucose is being metabolized
-Where in the brain things are working
-they are ideal for localysing dysfunction,
addiction,
glucose consumption,
And decreased glucose metabolism
What are MRI’s good for?
ARE GOOD FOR MEASUREMENTS!
Twin studies: Dizygotic twins
- Fraternal -
2 different eggs
-genetically as different as non twin siblings
Identical Twins: Monozygotic
-identical
-same egg
-share same genes
Twins: genetics = *Genotype!
Genes, chromosomes and shit
Twin: genetics: **Phenotype
Traits
Behaviors
Eye color
Twins: shared environment
Anything in the environment that is shared by both Twins
Not both twins will have the same perspective
It has the least amount by adulthood
Twins: non shared environment
Interests and activities even friendships
Influences often increase with age, especially when child leaves home
Adoption studies
Genes may not directly influence behavior but influence one’s
Self perception of the world
Genes: Aneuploidy: XYY Genotype (Super man)
Addition or detain of chromosomes
Thought to alter lambic and endocrine system functioning
Some studies and usual height, aggression episodes of violence
Ex: famous killers like John Wayne Gracie
Importance of the Lymbic System
: Our behavior and we cannot control it.
Ex: I must eat right now!
