MPTUO1a Unit 3: Biopsychology

  Homework

Biological Bases of Behavior

Structure and function of the nervous system in human and non-human animals

• • • 1.1 Identify the major divisions and subdivisions of the human nervous system.
    • 1.2 Identify the parts of the neuron and describe the basic process of neural transmission.
    • 1.3 Differentiate between the structures and functions of the various parts of the central nervous system.
    • 1.4 Describe lateralization of brain functions.
    • 1.5 Discuss the mechanisms of and the importance of the plasticity of the nervous system.

Structure and function of the endocrine system

• • • 2.1 Describe how the endocrine glands are linked to the nervous system.
    • 2.2 Describe the effects of hormones on behavior and mental processes.
    • 2.3 Describe hormone effects on the immune system.

The interaction between biological factors and experience

• • • 3.1 Describe concepts in genetic transmission.
    • 3.2 Describe the interactive effects of heredity and environment.
    • 3.3 Explain how evolved tendencies influence behavior.

Methods and issues related to biological advances

• • • 4.1 Identify tools used to study the nervous system.
    • 4.2 Describe advances made in neuroscience.
    • 4.3 Discuss issues related to scientific advances in neuroscience and genetics.

Consciousness

The relationship between conscious and unconscious processes

• • • 1.1 Identify states of consciousness.
    • 1.2 Distinguish between processing which is conscious (i.e., explicit) and other processing which happens without conscious awareness (i.e., implicit).

Characteristics of sleep and theories that explain why we sleep and dream

• • • 2.1 Describe the circadian rhythm and its relation to sleep.
    • 2.2 Describe the sleep cycle.
    • 2.3 Compare theories about the functions of sleep.
    • 2.4 Describe types of sleep disorders.
    • 2.5 Compare theories about the functions of dreams.

Categories of psychoactive drugs and their effects

• • • 3.1 Characterize the major categories of psychoactive drugs and their effects.
    • 3.2 Describe how psychoactive drugs act at the synaptic level.
    • 3.3 Evaluate the biological and psychological effects of psychoactive drugs.
    • 3.4 Explain how culture and expectations influence the use and experience of drugs.

Other states of consciousness

• • • 4.1 Describe meditation and relaxation and their effects.
    • 4.2 Describe hypnosis and controversies surrounding its nature and use.
    • 4.3 Describe flow states.

Sensation and Perception

The processes of sensation and perception

• • • 1.1 Discuss processes of sensation and perception and how they interact.
    • 1.2 Explain the concepts of threshold and adaptation.

The capabilities and limitations of sensory processes

• • • 2.1 List forms of physical energy for which humans and non-human animals do and do not have sensory receptors.
    • 2.2 Describe the visual sensory system.
    • 2.3 Describe the auditory sensory system.
    • 2.4 Describe other sensory systems, such as olfaction, gustation, and somesthesis (e.g., skin senses, kinesthesis, and vestibular sense).

Interaction of the person and the environment in determining perception

• • • 3.1 Explain Gestalt principles of perception.
    • 3.2 Describe binocular and monocular depth cues.
    • 3.3 Describe the importance of perceptual constancies.
    • 3.4 Describe perceptual illusions.
    • 3.5 Describe the nature of attention.
    • 3.6 Explain how experiences and expectations influence perception.