Unit 3 - Reading Guide:
Module 9: We will be reading parts of Module 9 in class, but you should make sure to include the following in your notes:
Module 10: Depending on your level of knowledge of and experience with biology, you can skim this module for definitions or read it in depth. Make sure to include the following in your notes:
Module 11: We will be covering many parts of this module in class. SKIM pp. 94-96 for definitions for the bold terms. Read pp. 96-101 IN DEPTH. You will also be allowed to use your Orange-brain Surgery classwork on the Reading Quiz for this module.
Module 12: We will be covering many parts of this module in class. You will also be allowed to use your Orange-brain Surgery classwork on the Reading Quiz for this module.
Module 13: Read this section IN DEPTH
Module 14: You will have a quiz on this Module, and it will also help with understanding the “Are You a Natural?” Case Study.
Module 15: SKIM this section for the following information. There is no reading quiz on this Module, but you are still responsible for the material – it is on the Cumulative Test. Therefore, you should still take notes.
Module 9: We will be reading parts of Module 9 in class, but you should make sure to include the following in your notes:
- Definition of biological psychology and an understanding of what they do.
- A labeled diagram of a neuron and an understanding of what each part does (dendrite, axon, myelin sheath). What does the following mean – dendrites listen; axons speak?
- An explanation of how neurons transmit messages and what happens in a refractory period.
- An explanation of what a threshold is and why a neuron’s reaction is an all-or-none response.
- An understanding of the function of the synapse.
- Definition of a neurotransmitter and the six neurotransmitters and their functions describes in Table 9.1 (p. 82).
- Make sure you understand the how neurons communicate, including the process of reuptake; review Figure 9.4 (p. 81) – You might want to draw and label representation of the figure in your notes.
- Define and know the significance of endorphins, agonist, and antagonist.
Module 10: Depending on your level of knowledge of and experience with biology, you can skim this module for definitions or read it in depth. Make sure to include the following in your notes:
- The functional divisions of the nervous system (peripheral, central, autonomic, somatic, sympathetic, parasympathetic). Figure 10.1 has a good chart that organizes this information – copy it into your notes.
- The different kinds of neurons and what each does (sensory neurons, motor neurons, interneurons).
- Look closely at the somewhat creepy illustration in Figure 10.2 (p. 88). Make sure to understand the dual functions of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic is arousing; parasympathetic is calming).
- What is a neural network, and what does the following mean – neurons that fire together, wire together.
- What is a reflex ,and why is it an automatic response?
- For the endocrine system, which brain region controls which gland, and what each gland effects (thyroid, pituitary, adrenal). The even creepier picture in Figure 10.5 (p. 90) is a good overview – you can copy it into your notes using a simple stick figure of a person.
Module 11: We will be covering many parts of this module in class. SKIM pp. 94-96 for definitions for the bold terms. Read pp. 96-101 IN DEPTH. You will also be allowed to use your Orange-brain Surgery classwork on the Reading Quiz for this module.
- For each of the following, know 1) where it is located (drawing a diagram of the brain might be helpful – see p. 101); 2) what it is responsible for; 3) how it works with other parts of the brain/body.
- brainstem
- medulla
- thalamus
- reticular formation
- cerebellum
- limbic system
- amygdala
- hypothalamus
Module 12: We will be covering many parts of this module in class. You will also be allowed to use your Orange-brain Surgery classwork on the Reading Quiz for this module.
- Structure of the cerebral cortex: Use the diagram of the brain in Figure 12.1 (p. 105) to label the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, occipital lobes, and temporal lobes. Also understand the function of glial cells.
- For each of the following, understand their functions and what happens if the area is damaged:
- motor cortex – See Figure 12.2 (p. 106)
- somatosensory cortex, visual cortex, auditory cortex
- association areas
- What happens when someone’s frontal lobe is damaged? Make sure to read the case study of Phineas Gage (pp. 109-110).
- Understand the brain’s plasticity and neurogenesis.
Module 13: Read this section IN DEPTH
- Know the location and significance of the corpus callosum and the concept of split brain and split brain surgery. Also, understand what happens when the corpus callosum is severed.
- Take notes on the Sperry and Gazzaniga study: What was the experiment? What were the results? Specifically, what did Gazzaniga conclude about the conscious left hemisphere?
- Understand the right-left differences in the intact brain and why psychologists never refer to your “left brain” or “right brain.” You might want to make a T-chart to show what functions each hemisphere performs.
- Define consciousness and how it acts in our long-term interest.
- Define and understand the cognitive neuroscience approach to studying the brain.
- Understand the concept of dual processing and how it relates to the idea of conscious and unconscious tracks.
- Understand why both unconscious parallel processing and conscious processing are both important.
Module 14: You will have a quiz on this Module, and it will also help with understanding the “Are You a Natural?” Case Study.
- How genetics play a role in the nature/nurture discussion.
- What role do genes play in our individual differences (make sure to define and understand genes, behavior geneticists, environment, chromosome, DNA, human genomes).
- Know the difference between identical and fraternal twins and what researchers can learn by studying them. Also know the difference between genetic relatives and environmental relatives.
- What can be leaned by studying molecular genetics?
- What is the importance of studying the heritability of a trait?
- Important to have in your notes: Understand how heredity and environment interact and how epigenetics studies this interaction. What does the following mean: nature via nurture?
Module 15: SKIM this section for the following information. There is no reading quiz on this Module, but you are still responsible for the material – it is on the Cumulative Test. Therefore, you should still take notes.
- Define evolutionary psychology, natural selection, mutations.
- How does evolutionary success help explain similarities, and how might an evolutionary psychologists explain differences – i.e. gender differences?
- Make sure to review and copy the chart in Figure 15.1 (p. 141) that looks at the biopsychosocial approach to development.
- Key point to remember from this Module: Mind and brain work together; everything psychological is simultaneously biological.