AP Psychology
Unit Outline #2
Fall Semester 2014
Bacile
Unit II: The Biological Bases of Behavior
Corresponding Chapter(s): Chapter 2/Chapter 3
Topic: Biological Bases of Behavior (8-10%)
UNIT II OUTLINE: The Biological Bases of Behavior
OVERVIEW
Biological Psychology
Neuroscience deals with the functions of the brain, its component neural systems, and their genetic blueprints, which provide the basis for
all human behavior. Under the direction of the brain, the nervous system and endocrine system coordinate a variety of voluntary and
involuntary behaviors and serve as the body’s mechanism for communication with the external environment.
The brain consists of the brainstem, the limbic system and the cerebral cortex. Knowledge of the brain has increased with recent advances
in neuroscientific methods. Studies of split-brain patients have also given researchers a great deal of information about the specialized
functions of the brain’s right and left hemispheres.
The chapter concludes with a discussion of how psychologists use evolutionary principles to answer universal questions about human
behavior and specific questions about individual differences.
Many students find the technical material in this chapter difficult to master. Not only are there many terms for you to remember, but you
must also know the organization and function of the various divisions of the nervous system. Learning this material will require a great deal
of rehearsal. Working the chapter review several times, drawing and labeling brain diagrams, and mentally reciting terms are all useful
techniques for rehearsing this type of material.
OBJECTIVES
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Describe the structure of a neuron and explain neural impulses
Describe neural communication and discuss the impact of neurotransmitters
Classify and explain major divisions of the nervous system
Identify and describe the functions of brain structures (i.e., thalamus, cerebellum, limbic system
Describe the four lobes of the cerebral cortex and their functions
Discuss the association areas
Explain split-brain studies
Describe the endocrine system
Explain the significance of behavioral genetics
Explain the significance of evolutionary psychology
VOCABULARY
Note: It is EXTREMELY important that you know and understand ALL relevant vocabulary prior to the end
of each unit. It is highly recommended that you use some method of “vocabulary learning.” Please note that
there will be frequent vocabulary quizzes, as your success on the AP Psychology Exam is dependent on
your knowledge of psychological terminology.
39.
40.
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52.
Biological psychology
Neuron
Dendrite
Axon
Myelin sheath
Action potential
Threshold
Synapse
Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine
Endorphins
Nervous system
Central nervous system (CNS)
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
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Nerves
Sensory neurons
Motor neurons
Interneuron
Somatic nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Reflex
Neural network
Endocrine system
Hormones
Adrenal glands
Pituitary gland
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Lesion
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
PET scan
MRI
fMRI (functional MRI)
Brainstem
Medulla
Reticular formation
Thalamus
Cerebellum
Limbic system
Amygdala
Hypothalamus
Cerebral cortex
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Glial cells
Frontal lobes
Parietal lobes
Occipital lobes
Temporal lobes
Motor cortex
Sensory cortex
Association areas
Aphasia
Broca’s area
Wernicke’s area
92. Plasticity
93. Corpus callosum
94. Split brain
95. Environment
96. Behavior Genetics
97. Chromosomes
98. DNA
99. Genes
100. Genome
101. Identical twins
102. Fraternal twins
103. Temperament
104. Heritability
105. Interaction
106. Molecular genetics
107. Evolutionary psychology
108. Natural selection
109. Mutation
110. Natural selection
111. Gender
IMPORTANT FIGURES
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Joseph Bogen & Philip Vogel
Alan Hodgkin & Andrew Huxley
READING OUTLINE
Directions: In AP Psychology it is ESSENTIAL that you keep up with the reading schedule (please see Unit II: Biological Bases of Psychology
Calendar). Please keep in mind that there will be frequent reading quizzes.
Chapter TWO (p. 53-93)
I.
II.
NEURAL COMMUNICATION (p. 53-61)
a. Neurons
b. How Neurons Communicate
c. How Neurotransmitters Influence Us
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM (p. 61-65)
a. The Peripheral Nervous System
b. The Central Nervous System
III.
THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM (p. 65-67)
IV.
THE BRAIN (p. 67-93)
a. The Tools of Discovery
b. Older Brain Structures
c. The Cerebral Cortex: Our Divided Brain
Chapter THREE (p. 95-113)
I.
II.
BEHAVIOR GENETICS: PREDICTING INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES (p. 95-107)
a. Genes: Our Code for Life
b. Twin Studies
c. Adoption Studies
d. Temperament Studies
e. Heritability
f. Gene-Environment Interaction
g. The New Frontier: Molecular Genetics
EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING HUMAN NATURE (p. 107-113)
a. Natural Selection
b. An Evolutionary Explanation of Human Sexuality
c. Critiquing the Evolutionary Perspective