Unit 3-Biological Basis of Behavior

APA Standards:

• Use these standards as a checklist to make sure you've mastered this unit.

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.

College Board Standards:

• 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).
• 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.
• 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).