Midterm 1

Question 1

What is Synaptogenesis?

Answer 1

The formation of new synapses.

Question 2

What is Synaptic Pruning and when does it occur?

Answer 2

The elimination of weak or unnecessary synaptic connections. It is a long term process, beginning at the age six.

Question 3

What is Myelination?

Answer 3

The development of white fatty myelin around the axon.

Question 4

Draw and label a motor neuron.

Answer 4

Labels should include; cell body, axon, myelin sheath, axon terminal.

Question 5

Who is Rene Descartes?

Answer 5

A French Philosopher who created the theory ‘dualism’. The main idea of dualism was that the mind and bod are two separate things. Theory was later found to be incorrect.

Question 6

Who is Pierre Flourens?

Answer 6

A French Physiologist who introduced brain ablation experiments. This experiment was to remove brain tissue and observe the changes in behaviour.

Question 7

Define independent variable

Answer 7

The variable that is controlled.

Question 8

Define dependent variable

Answer 8

The variable that is measured.

Question 9

Define extraneous variable

Answer 9

The variable that is could also cause changes to the independent variable, this is variable is usually undesired.

Question 10

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 10

Predicts that the independent variable has no effect on the dependent variable.

Question 11

What is an alternate hypothesis?

Answer 11

Predicts that there will be a relationship between the independent and dependent variable. However it is not specific or detailed.

Question 12

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 12

A prediction of what is expected to happen with an independent and dependent variable in an experiment..

Question 13

Explain Nature Vs Nurture

Answer 13

The concept of nature vs nurture is whether particular aspects of an individual’s behaviour is either inherited or influenced/learned.

Question 14

What is Neural Plasticity?

Answer 14

The ability to modify neural circuitry to meet the demands of experiences. It is the moulding and changing of the brain.

Question 15

Explain sensitive periods and give an example.

Answer 15

Periods when synaptic connections are easily formed. Language development can be identified as a sensitive period, this period usually occurs up to the age of twelve.

Question 16

Explain critical periods and give an example.

Answer 16

Periods of special sensitivity to certain environmental factors that can shape the individual’s capacity for future development. For example, a critical period is the development of visual capabilities. Critical periods can be easily impacted by teratogens.

Question 17

List 5 things that enrich an environment.

Answer 17

Good education opportunities, safe and healthy living environment, nutritious and healthy diet, pregnancy free of teratogens and no head injuries.

Question 18

List 5 things the deprive an environment.

Answer 18

Extreme poverty, poor diet, limited education opportunities, inadequate diet or ingested teratogens during pregnancy and head injuries.

Question 19

Contrast Psychology, Psychiatry and Social Work.

Answer 19

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, whereas psychologists only have access to prescribing medication in certain states. However, social workers are not allowed to prescribe medication at all and do not require university to perform this role.

Question 20

What is Aphasia and what are the effects of it?

Answer 20

Aphasia is damage to the brain, resulting in the impairment of language.

Question 21

What is Broca’s Aphasia and what are the effects of it?

Answer 21

Damage to the Broca’s area, effects the ability of expressing messages in words and sentences.

Question 22

What is Wernicke’s Aphasia and what are the effects of it?

Answer 22

Damage to the Wernicke’s area, effects the ability to understand written and spoken languages.

Question 23

Describe brain development in relation to size and age.

Answer 23

Birth- brain has almost all neurons it will ever have- it is a 1/4 the size of an adult’s brain.
6 months- 1/2 the size of an adult’s brain
2 years- 3/4 the size of an adult’s brain
6 years- 90-95% of an adult’s brain
Mid 20s- Reached adult size

Question 24

Sequence the development norms: Walk, Crawl, Stand, Pull Self Up, Sit, Roll Over

Answer 24

Roll over, crawl, sit up, pull self up, stand, walk