IB Psychology Biological Approach

________________________ is the theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours or cognitive processes.

• Localisation of function

• Neuroplasticity

• Neurotransmission

• Hormones

________________________ refers to the brain’s ability to rearrange the connections between its neurons - that is, the changes that occur in the structure of the brain as a result of learning or experience.

• Localisation of function

• Neuroplasticity

• Neurotransmission

• Hormones

The process by which messages through the nervous system are sent is called ________________________

• Localisation of function

• Neuroplasticity

• Neurotransmission

• Hormones

___________________ are a class of chemicals that affect behaviour, they are secreted by glands in the endocrine system.

• Localisation of function

• Neuroplasticity

• Neurotransmission

• Hormones

______________________ increase the likelihood of a neuron firing by depolarizing the neuron. An example of this type of neurotransmitter includes acetylcholine.

• Excitatory neurotransmitters

• Inhibitory neurotransmitters

• Metabotropic neurotransmitters

• Hormones

________________________ decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing by hyperpolarizing the neuron. Inhibitory neurotransmitters include GABA.

• Excitatory neurotransmitters

• Inhibitory neurotransmitters

• Metabotropic neurotransmitters

• Hormones

______________________________ only indirectly affect the neuron and are considered neither excitatory or inhibitory. These kind of neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

• Excitatory neurotransmitters

• Inhibitory neurotransmitters

• Metabotropic neurotransmitters

• Hormones

All of these statements are about Agonists - which one is NOT true?

• They excite receptor cells and encourage neurotransmitters to lock in.

• All neurotransmitters are agonists for receptor sites. They are referred to as endogenous agonists since they are biologically already part of our nervous system.

• Drugs can also be agonists. Since they are external to our system, they are referred to as exogenous agonists.

• Agonists work by blocking the receptor cells and preventing the neurotransmitter from binding.

All of these are statements about Antagonists - which one of these is NOT true.

• Antagonists are drugs that block the receptor site and do not allow the neurotransmitter to do its job.

• Scopolamine is an antagonist for acetylcholine (AcH).

• Antagonists are drugs that block the receptor site and do not allow the neurotransmitter to do its job, so no action potential is sent down the neuron

• All neurotransmitters are antagonists for receptor sites.

Rogers & Kesner (2003) studied neurotransmitters and memory. Which of the following was the aim of the study?

• To determine the role of acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memories.

• To determine the role of serotonin on emotional memory.

• To explore the role of dopamine and it's relevance to the hippocampus in forming memories,

• To determine if emotional memories are more or less impacted by damage to the hippocampus.