Unit 3 – Biological Bases of Behavior
Unit 3A – Neural Processing and the Endocrine System
Daily - Flash cards on key terms/concepts/people
Day 1 – pp 51-53
Day 2 – pp. 54-58 + Foldable of major neurotransmitters
Day 3 – pp. 59-61
Day 4 – pp. 62-63
Unit 3B – The Brain
Day 5 – pp. 66 – 79
Make a chart (foldable) – Compare and contrast the different imaging techniques used to study the
nervous system.
Day 6 – pp. 80-83
Day 7 – activity outside today…will need to be able to move around (check the weather forecast)
Day 8 – pp. 83-91
Unit 3C – Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology and Behavior
Day 9 – BRING TEXTBOOK TO CLASS!!
DAY 10 – UNIT 3 EXAM – Focus objective due
The following are the “simplified” AP Test Objectives. All of the objectives are due after spring break. The
objectives in BOLD (focus objectives) are due ___________ (before the exam on this chapter).
Biological Bases of Behavior (8–10%)
An effective introduction to the relationship between physiological processes and behavior—including the
influence of neural function, the nervous system and the brain, and genetic contributions to behavior—is an
important element in the AP course. AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
1. [DIAGRAM] Diagram the basic process (include the parts of the neuron) of transmission of a signal
between neurons.
2. [CHART] Make a chart that describes the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters that includes the
following columns: Neurotransmitter, Drugs that influence, Effect of drug on neurotransmitter.
3. [DIAGRAM] Draw and label the specific parts of the endocrine system. Include the function (effect
on behavior) of each.
4. [DIAGRAM] Draw and label the nervous system and its subdivisions (include functions):
a. central nervous system,
b. peripheral nervous system,
c. major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas,
5. Explain brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.
6. Explain split-brain research
7. [CHART] Describe, compare and contrast imaging techniques
a. MRI,
b. fMRI,
c. PET,
d. EEG,
e. CT
8. Describe how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.
9. Discuss how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.
10. [CHART] Make a chart to identify the major figures in biological bases of behavior using the
following columns (Who, What, When, Where and Why)
a. Paul Broca,
b. Charles Darwin,
c. Michael Gazzaniga,
d. Roger Sperry,
e. Carl Wernicke