« home / courses / general studies / intro to psychology / syllabus / unit 3 study guide

 MPTUO1a: Unit 3 Study Guide
Weeks  3, 4 and 5 / Unit 3

Review this study guide for Weeks 3, 4 and 5 / Unit 3 of the Introduction to Psychology course.

Unit 3 Study Guide

The following outline includes topics based on APA National Standards for the study of biological psychology. Use these standards as a checklist to make sure you’ve mastered this unit.

  Biological Bases of Behavior Study Guide

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 Study Guide

• 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 Study Guide

• 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.

« Return to Syllabus | MPTUO1a | General Studies | All Courses