The Biological Basis of Behavior

Lecture 3 Notes: The Biological Basis of Behavior - PSYC 1010 Continued Research Methods in Biological Psychology ● Biological psychology, sometimes also known as biopsychology or neuropsychology, is an approach that significantly utilizes a tremendous amount of specialized research methodologies to inquiry about the interrelations between biology and behavior. ● This method supports research regarding brain structure and neural activity, which are, in turn the main influencing factors for behavior and brain activity. 1. Brain Imaging Techniques - Brain imaging makes in-vivo visualization of brain structure and function without causing anything to the brain, thus being essential in understanding how different sets of the brain contribute to behavior. - Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The technique uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to form images that clearly illustrate the brain's anatomical organization. MRI studies are fundamentally helpful in detecting structural disorders and evaluating brain development. - Functional MRI is a method that maps brain activity by detecting changes in associated blood flow. It is a technique to map brain activity by revealing which part of the brain is active in association with a specific task. Positron Emission Tomography (PET): An injection of radioisotope inside the body is used to track the metabolic activity in the brain. In other words, a PET explains the dynamics of brain functioning and neurotransmitter activity. Electroencephalography (EEG): A noninvasive recording of brain electrical activity placed on the scalp. It has the broad utility to study brain waves, sleep patterns, or responses of the brain to other types of stimuli. 2. Neu - Neuropsychological tests are standardized tests applied by clinicians to determine an individual's cognitive function, with the test possibly - aiding in diagnosing brain injury, neurological diseases, and other forms of cognitive impairment. Other human memory, attention, language, and executive function tests include the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Clinical Interviews and Observations: Information is collected from verbal exchanges and direct observations pertaining to behavior and cognitive/emotional functioning. 3. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body and is divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements and transmits sensory information to the CNS. Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions and is divided into the sympathetic (prepares the body for action) and parasympathetic (conserves energy and promotes relaxation) systems. Structure and Function of Neurons - They are the cells that transmit information across the body. Neurons: Anatomy of a Neuron Cell Body (Soma): this is where the cell's nucleus is located, keeping the cell alive. Dendrites: Branch processes by which neurons receive chemical messages from other neurons. Axon: The long, thread-like part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted. Myelin: The protective insulating coat that surrounds an axon, made of a fatty substance, permitting them to allow a much faster transmission of. Synapse: A gap that allows neurons to transmit signals to each other using neurotransmitters. How Neurons Communicate Action Potential: This is the electrical impulse carried down the axons, leading to the final effect of neurotransmitter release. Neurotransmitter: The chemical messenger that brings and spreads signals released at synapses; for example, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylch.