Download Ch 3

1
Oakdale High School
Advanced Placement Psychology
Mr. Simoncini
Chapter 3 Reading Response Questions
Part 1: pp. 61-70
1. Describe the size, appearance, and general composition of the brain.
2. Is it true the brain cells are the only cells in the human body that do not regenerate?
3. How do the authors define the term “natural selection?”
4. According to the authors, why is the concept of evolution important when applied to
psychology?
5. According to the authors, what is the heart of the controversy regarding the concept of
evolution, particular Darwin’s concept of evolution?
6. How are we different from either of our parents?
7. Distinguish between the terms “genotype” and “phenotype.” Why is the phenotype not
completely determined by heredity?
8. The text says (p. 66): “Every cell nucleus in the body carries a complete set of biological
instructions for building the organism.” Discuss how that process works. In your
discussion, be sure to include DNA, genes and chromosomes.
9. How many genes are in the “complete package” of human DNA and where do those
genes reside?
10. Discuss sex chromosomes.
11. According to the authors, what two factors determine our psychological destiny?
Part 2: pp. 71-83
12. Distinguish between sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneurons.
13. What are dendrites and what are their functions?
14. What is the soma and what is its primary function?
15. What is the axon and what type of message does it carry?
16. What is action potential and how does the all-or-none principle pertain to it?
17. What is the function of the synapse?
18. What is the function of the neurotransmitter? Why are neurotransmitters important in
psychological functioning?
19. What is plasticity and for what mental function does it play a particularly important role?
2
20. The textbook notes that “Because of its neural plasticity, the physical structure of the
brain can be changed by its interactions with the outside world.” What examples does
the textbook give to illustrate this point?
21. What are glial cells and what do they form around brain and spinal cord axons?
22. What are the two main building blocks of the nervous system?
23. What does it take to produce thoughts, sensations and feelings?
24. What is the central nervous system? In your response, discuss its components,
functions and what it does not govern.
25. What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system? What analogy do the
authors use to characterize the peripheral nervous system?
26. Differentiate between the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system?
27. What are the names and functions of the two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous
system?
28. What is the body’s master gland?
29. Study Table 3.2 on p. 81 and be sure that you know the names and regulatory functions
of the various glands of the Endocrine System.
Part 3: pp. 84-89
30. Be able to differentiate between CT scans, PET scans and MRIs.
31. Be able to identify and discuss the functions of the following portions of the brain stem:
the medulla, the pons, the reticular formation and the thalamus.
32. Be able to identify and discuss the functions of the cerebellum.
Part 4: pp. 89-102
33. Be able to identify and discuss the functions of the following portions of the limbic
system: hippocampus, the amygdale, and the hypothalamus. For fun, what might be the
linkage between the hippocampus and the movie 50 First Dates?
34. Discuss the various aspects of the cerebral cortex presented in the textbook.
35. Be able to discuss the location and functions, as well as associated cortexes, of the
following lobes of the brain: frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal.
36. What is aphasia?
37. What is cerebral dominance? According to the authors, what do many people not
understand about cerebral dominance?
3
38. What dominances do the authors attribute to each of the brain’s hemispheres? What
are the general differences between the processing styles of the left side and right side
of the brain?
39. According to the authors, what misleading fad have some pseudoscientists proclaimed
regarding brain hemispheres? Why do the authors say that that fad is misleading?
40. What is the corpus callosum and, in general, how does the brain operate with regard to
sight and general body function?