Download 3._Biological_Basis_of_Behavior_objectives

Biological Basis of Behavior
Learning Objectives
This list of objective is a good starting point when studying for the unit test. You should,
at a minimum, be able to provide thorough answers for the following objectives without looking
at any resources. Any additional material covered in your assigned reading and notes should also
be reviewed.
Study BEYOND RECOGNITION!
1. Be able to state the definition of biological psychology.
2. Identify various technology used to register brain activity and/or take images of the brain.
3. Define the nervous system.
4. Name and describe the functions of the neuronal parts that allow them to communicate.
5. Describe the main function of glial cells.
6. Compare and contrast neurons and glial cells.
7. Describe the electrical and chemical changes that lead to an action potential.
8. Define polarization and refractory period. Explain how they affect signal transduction in
the nervous system.
9. Define neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Describe their role in nervous system
activity.
10. Describe the role of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Describe their role
in the creation of an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
11. Define afferent and efferent neurons.
12. Identify and describe the basics functions of common neurotransmitters.
13. Discuss some of the functions of acetylcholine and the monoamine neurotransmitters.
14. Discuss how GABA and endorphins relate to behavior.
15. Explain the sensory and motor system in relation to the sensory and motor cortex.
Identify their roles in the two components of information processing: input and output.
16. Name the two major divisions of the nervous system.
17. Provide an overview of the peripheral nervous system.
18. Name the two components of the autonomic nervous system and describe their functions.
19. Name the types of neurons found in the spinal cord and describe their functions. Explain
the role of spinal cord neurons in a reflex action.
20. Name and define the structures of the hindbrain. Describe their functions.
21. Name and define the structures in the midbrain. Describe their functions.
22. Name and describe the structures in the forebrain. Describe their functions.
23. Define cerebral cortex. Name the four basic lobes that make up the cortex, their
functions and locations.
24. Name and locate the areas in the cortex involved in producing and comprehending
language.
25. Describe the lateralization of the cerebral hemispheres and the role of the corpus
callosum.
26. Describe the effects of lesioning the corpus callosum.
27. Explain how EEG, lesioning and ESB are used to investigate brain functioning.
28. Compare the CT scan, MRI, fMRI and PET scan.
29. Define synaptic plasticity and describe its limited role in brain damage recovery.
30. Define the endocrine system. Compare and contrast the communication processes of the
nervous system and the endocrine system.
31. Define the fight-or-flight syndrome.
32. Define the endocrine systems negative feedback system.
33. Describe some of the ways in which hormones regulate behavior.
34. Explain why scientists viewed the left hemisphere as the dominant hemisphere and how
split-brain research changed this view.
35. Describe the structures and [processes involved in genetic transmission.
36. Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype and the meaning of polygenic
inheritance.
37. Explain the special method used to investigate the influence of heredity on behavior.