Domain 2
Biopyschology: Biological Bases of Behavior
What students should be able to do
#1 Structure and function of the neuron
A. Identify the neuron as the basis for neural communication
Using diagrams, models, and/or computer programs to identify the structure and function of different parts of a neuron
Discussing how internal and external stimuli initiate the communication process in the neuron
Describing the electro-chemical process that propagates the neural impulse
B. Describe how information is transmitted and integrated in the nervous system
Describing the process of synaptic transmission
Contrasting excitatory and inhibitory transmission
C. Analyze how the process of neuro-transmission can be modified by heredity and environment.
Comparing the effects of certain drugs or toxins with the effects of neurotransmitters in relation to synaptic transmission
Discussing the role of neurotransmitters in Parkinson's disease, hyperactivity, and/or multiple sclerosis
Describing how learning affects neural transmission (e.g., Eric Kandel's work)
#2 Organization of the nervous system
A. Classify the major divisions and subdivisions of the nervous system.
Describing how views of the nervous system have evolved
Identifying the central nervous system and its component parts
Identifying the peripheral nervous system and its subdivisions
B. Differentiate the functions of the various subdivisions of the nervous system
Comparing the functions of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems
Explaining the function of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems on heart rate or other physiological responses in an emotional situation
#3 Hierarchical organization of the structure and function of the brain
A. Identify the structure and function of the major regions of the brain.
Identifying the regions of the brain by using diagrams and/or computer-generated diagrams
Summarizing the functions of the major brain regions
B. Recognize that specific functions are centered in specific lobes of the cerebral cortex.
Describing the functions controlled by the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex
Relating examples of research on cortical functioning
C. Describe lateralization of brain functions.
Identifying the role of the corpus callosum in hemispheric communication
Identifying how vision, motor, language, and other functions are regulated by the hemispheres
Explaining the purpose and findings of split-brain research
Analyzing critically popular conceptions of hemispheric specialization
#4 Technologies and clinical methods for studying the brain
A. Explain how research and technology have provided methods to analyze brain behavior and disease.
Describing how lesions and electrical stimulation in animal research provide information about brain functions
Discussing how the use of the CT scan, PET scan, MRI, fMRI, and EEG provides information about the brain
#5 Structure and function of the endocrine system
A. Describe how the endocrine glands are linked to the nervous system
Discussing the effect of the hypothalamus on the endocrine system
Identifying the influence of fetal hormones on sexual differentiation of the central nervous system
Giving examples of how hormones are linked to behavior and behavioral problems
#6 How heredity interacts with environment to influence behavior
A. Assess the effects of heredity and environment on behavior.
Identifying the relationships among DNA, genes, and chromosomes
Differentiating between genotype and phenotype
Explaining how chromosomal abnormalities can cause Down and/or Turner's syndrome
Using twin and adoption studies to assess the influence of heredity and environment on behavior
Comparing results from inbred and outbred strains of rats and mice
#7 How psychological mechanisms are explained by evolution
A. Explain how evolved tendencies interact with the present environment and culture to determine behavior.
Describing how the environment selects traits and behaviors that increase the survival rate of organisms
Comparing and contrasting sleeping behavior in animals and humans