Difficult Topics:

AP College Board Objectives:  Biological Bases of Behavior (8–10%) 

2.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment

2.A Discuss psychology's abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work  together to shape behavior.

2.B Identify key research contributions of scientists in the area of heredity and environment.  Examples: Charles Darwin, a key scientist in the area of heredity and environment.

2.C Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.

2.2- The Endocrine System

2.D Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior. 

2.3- Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron

2.E Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions.:  Central and Peripheral  nervous systems.  Examples:  Central & Peripheral nervous system

2.F Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron.

2.4- Neural Firing

2.G Identify the basic process of transmission of a signal between neurons.

2.5- Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing

2.H Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters. Examples: Reuptake mechanisms, Agonists, Antagonists

2.3- The Brain

2.I Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions in the brain. Examples: Major brain regions, Lobes:  frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, temporal lobe, Cortical areas prefrontal cortex, auditory cortex, somatosensory cortex, Brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization: left, right, Broca’s, Wernicke’s

2.J Identify the contributions of key researchers to the study of the brain.  Examples:  Contributions of Paul Broca & Carl Wernicke

2.7- Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function

2.K Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research. Examples: case studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques, lesioning, autopsy

2.L Identify the contributions of key researchers to the development of tools for examining the brain. Examples:  Roger Sperry

2.8- The Adaptable Brain

2.M Discuss the role of neuroplasticity in traumatic brain injury.

2.N Identify the contributions of key researchers to the study of neuroplasticity. Examples:  Michael Gazzaniga

2.O Describe various states of consciousness and their impact on behavior.

2.P Identify the  major psychoactive drug categories and classify specific drugs, including their psychological and physiological effects.  Examples:  Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens

2Q Discuss drug dependence, addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal.

2R Identify the contributions of major figures in consciousness research.  Examples of Contributions of William James:Consciousness as flow &  Sigmund Freud, Consciousness as layered

2.9- Sleeping and Dreaming

2.S Discuss aspects of sleep and dreaming.Examples:  Neural and behavioral characteristics of the stages of the sleep cycle.  Theories of sleep and dreaming,  Symptoms and treatments of sleep disorders.