Exam 1: Introduction

Question 1

Behavioral Neuroscience

Answer 1

The study of the biological bases of psychological processes and behavior

Question 2

What does behavioral neuroscience do?

Answer 2

-Determines how the brain processes information
-Builds memories
-Makes decisions
-What makes us who we are

Question 3

Scientific Method

Answer 3

The process of objectively establishing facts through systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.

Question 4

Descartes + The Brain

Answer 4

-Explained control of behavior in terms of a machine
-Proposed the concept of spinal reflexes and their neural pathways
-Argued that free will and moral choice could not arise from a machine

Question 5

Aristotle + The Brain

Answer 5

-Believed brain functioned only to cool the heart
-The heart was the primary organ of sensation
-Believed heart was the seat of spiritual and mental functions

Question 6

Dualism

Answer 6

-Notion prompted by Descartes
-Belief that humans have a nonmaterial soul as well as a material body
-This soul governs behavior through a point of contact, such as the pineal gland

Question 7

Phrenology

Answer 7

The belief that bumps on the skull result from enlargements of brain regions responsible for certain behavioral faculties.

Question 8

Franz Gall

Answer 8

-Proposed Gall’s theory of mind & brain (organology)
-Proposed that mental functions are localized in specific parts of the brain, which he called organs

Question 9

Localization of Function

Answer 9

The concept is that different brain regions specialize in specific behaviors.

Question 10

Neuroplasticity

Answer 10

A physical change in response to experience or learning.
-Experience can alter the size of brain regions and interconnections between neurons