AP Psychology
Unit 2
Biological Psychology
Unit 2 Objectives:
Biological Psychology Overview
Neuroscience is concerned with the functions of the brain, its component neural systems, and their genetic blueprints, which provide the basis for all human behavior. Under the direction of the brain, the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate a variety of voluntary and involuntary behaviors and serve as the body’s mechanisms for communication with the external environment.
The brain consists of the brainstem, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. Knowledge of the workings of the brain has increased with recent advances in neuroscientific methods. Studies of split-brain patients have also given researchers a great deal of information about the specialized functions of the brain’s right and left hemispheres.
The unit concludes with a discussion of how psychologists use evolutionary principles to answer universal questions about human behavior and specific questions about individual differences.
Many students find the technical material in this unit difficult to master. Not only are there many terms for you to remember, but you must also know the organization and function of the various divisions of the nervous system. Learning this material will require a great deal of rehearsal. Use your time and study habits wisely!
- Describe the structure and types of neurons and explain how neural impulses are generated.
- Describe how nerve cells communicate and discuss the impact of neurotransmitters and drugs on human behavior.
- Identify the major divisions of the nervous system.
- Identify the methods used to study the brain.
- Describe the overall organization of the brain.
- Describe the functions served by the various structures within the brainstem.
- Describe the structure and functions of the limbic systems and explain the relationship between the hypothalamus and the endocrine system.
- Describe the structure and functions of the cerebral cortex and discuss how damage to different cortical areas can impair language functioning.
- Discuss the capacity of the brain to reorganize following injury or illness.
- Describe research on the split brain and discuss what it reveals regarding normal brain functioning.
Biological Psychology Overview
Neuroscience is concerned with the functions of the brain, its component neural systems, and their genetic blueprints, which provide the basis for all human behavior. Under the direction of the brain, the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate a variety of voluntary and involuntary behaviors and serve as the body’s mechanisms for communication with the external environment.
The brain consists of the brainstem, the limbic system, and the cerebral cortex. Knowledge of the workings of the brain has increased with recent advances in neuroscientific methods. Studies of split-brain patients have also given researchers a great deal of information about the specialized functions of the brain’s right and left hemispheres.
The unit concludes with a discussion of how psychologists use evolutionary principles to answer universal questions about human behavior and specific questions about individual differences.
Many students find the technical material in this unit difficult to master. Not only are there many terms for you to remember, but you must also know the organization and function of the various divisions of the nervous system. Learning this material will require a great deal of rehearsal. Use your time and study habits wisely!
Unit 2 Powerpoint Notes
2.1 - The Neuron & Neurotrasmitters | |
File Size: | 8628 kb |
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2.2 - The Nervous & Endocrine Systems | |
File Size: | 773 kb |
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2.3 - The Hindbrain & Midbrain | |
File Size: | 349 kb |
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2.4 - The Forebrain | |
File Size: | 373 kb |
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2.5 - Lobes & Brain Research | |
File Size: | 5206 kb |
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Unit 2 Classwork
Unit 2 Assignments
Unit 2 Assignment | |
File Size: | 141 kb |
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Unit 2 Study Handout
Unit 2 Handout | |
File Size: | 589 kb |
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Unit 2 OpenStax Textbook
Chapter 3 - Biopsychology | |
File Size: | 5233 kb |
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Unit 2 Study Materials
APPsychology.com Multiple Choice Practice
Interactive Brain Models & Maps
(Click on "3D Brain" Link in top right corner)
Schallhorn AP Review Videos
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"Crash Course" Psychology Review Videos
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