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Biology the Brain and Behavior (8-10%)
Understanding the link between biology and behavior is another essential aspect of the study of psychology. You may wish to begin by investigating how researchers have studied the brain, including current brain imaging techniques. It is important to discuss the structures and functions of the different brain regions in addition to the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system. Using case studies of individuals who have suffered central or peripheral nervous system damage may help students personalize the material. In addition to understanding brain structures, students also need to be familiar with the structures and functions of the neuron. Describing how certain drugs act at the synapse or how specific physical conditions or mental disorders are linked to an abundance or deficit of specific neurotransmitters—such as the link between Parkinson’s disease and dopamine deficiency—may also increase student interest in this information.
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron and the process of transmission of a signal between neurons.
• Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters (e.g., reuptake mechanisms, agonists, antagonists).
• Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.
• Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions: — central and peripheral nervous systems; — major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas; — brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.
• Discuss the role of neuroplasticity in traumatic brain injury.
• Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research (e.g., case studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques).
• Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.
• Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.
• Identify key contributors (e.g., Paul Broca, Charles Darwin, Michael Gazzaniga, Roger Sperry, Carl Wernicke).
• Explain the process of neural communication.
• Explain how neurotransmitters work.
• Delineate the different steps of the neural chain.
• Analyze the difference between the neural and hormonal systems.
• Identify the parts of the brain and the functions of each.
• Describe the different types of brain scans.
• Determine the role of genetics in influencing human behavior.
Essential Questions:
How do biological processes relate to behavior?
How do the biological processes work to create and sustain behavior?
How does damage to a biological process or part affect behavior?
Tumor of Charles Whitman
Prezi The power point I use in class is unavailable for download. If you would rather see the presentation I use in class simply Google "AP Psychology powerpoint Myers section 3 Brain, Body and Behavior".
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