Biopsychology, Neuroscience and Human Nature - Slides | PSYC 201S, Study notes of Psychology

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Chapter 2

Biopsychology, Neuroscience, and

Human Nature

Genes and Behavior 

Innate abilities

 Abilities present at birth  Attributed to evolution 

Evolution - gradual process of biological

change that occurs in a species as it

adapts to it’s environment

Evolution 

Still controversial



May account for phobias

 What are people typically afraid of?

Evolution 

Circadian Rhythms = SLEEP!

Genetics 

Phenotype

 All of your physical characteristics  Looks  Internal  Behavior

Yay picture!

Still genetics 

Chromosome

 23 in each cell  Tightly coiled threadlike structure along which the genes are organized – consist primarily of DNA

More genetics 

Human DNA contains approximately

30,000 genes

 Sex chromosomes  X&Y  (^) XX = Female  (^) XY = Male

Genetics and Psychology 

Genes influence psychological

characteristics

 Account for certain mental disorders  Genes do not work in isolation

Genetics, Psychology, and Race 

Race is a socially defined term

 No physical differences between brains

Types of Neurons 

3 classes

 Sensory neurons  Motor neurons  Interneurons

Types of Neurons 

Sensory

 Carries information TOWARD the central nervous system from the sense receptors

Types of Neurons 

Interneurons

 Nerve cells that relay messages between the sensory and motor neurons