Biological Bases

of Behavior

Biological Psychologists study the

links between biological activity and
psychological events.

Behavioral Neuroscientists, Neuro-Psychologists,

Behavior Geneticists, Physiological Psychologists,
Bio-Psychologists

The bodys information system (the

brain and the nervous system) is
based on/built from billions of
interconnected cells called neurons.

Cell body (soma)

Dendrites (receivers)
Axon
Axon Terminals (transmitters)

Neurons Communicate

Neural Communication:
Impulse Transmission
Across the Synapse
Play Video

Common
Neurotransmitters

1. Acetylcholine: Enables learning and memory.

Triggers muscle contraction.

2. Dopamine: Influences movement, learning,

attention and emotion.

3. Serotonin: Affects mood, hunger, sleep, and

arousal.

4. Norepinephrine: Helps control alertness and

arousal.

5. Endorphins: Natural opiates released in

response to pain or vigorous exercise.

Endorphins: The Brains Natural

Morphine Video Clip; The Mind,
Disc 1, #5

How Do Neuropsychologists
Study the Brain?

1. Clinical Observation

2. Manipulate Brain

3. Record Brain Activity: EEG

Neuroimaging
Techniques

4. Positron Emission Tomography

(PET Scans)

5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI)

6. Functional Magnetic Resonance

Imaging (fMRI)

NEUROIMAGING:
ASSESSING WHAT'S COOL
Play Video

The Structure of the

Brain

BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR:

PHINEAS GAGE REVISITED
Play Video

Severed Corpus Callosum;

Introductory Psychology, DVD 1, #7

Clicker Response Activity

What kind of brain damage would

you diagnose?

Damage to certain areas of the brain can cause

specific deficits in behavior. This activity links
specific brain areas with their functions.

What is a Lesion?

Lesion = tissue destruction.

Damage to a brain structure (or to

multiple structures) may affect a
persons behavior or abilities.

Damage may be deliberate

(experimental) or accidental (head
injury, stroke, etc.)

Case Study 1: Patient JP suffered a

minor stroke recently. Although he has
recovered most of his function, he still
is unable to speak clearly. He sounds
stilted, and almost Tarzan-like.
1.
2.
3.
4.

parietal lobe
hippocampus
cerebellum
frontal lobe

Case Study 2: Patient GN recently was

struck in the head with a crowbar.
Although her eyes were undamaged, she
is now unable to see.
1.
2.
3.
4.

occipital lobe
spinal cord
hippocampus
reticular formation

Case Study 3: Patient AF is suffering

from a brain tumor. As the tumor
grows, he is becoming increasingly
belligerent and aggressive. He also
seems to have no fear when
confronted with threats or danger.
1.
2.
3.
4.

temporal lobe
amygdala
medulla
cerebellum

Case Study 4: Patient BB, ironically

enough, has been shot in the head
with a BB gun. The BB is now lodged
in her brain, and she has lost feeling
in her left hand.
1.
2.
3.
4.

pituitary gland
spinal cord
parietal lobe
frontal lobe

Case Study 6: Patient FD has suffered a

minor stroke. Now, she is extremely
uncoordinated and seems to have
completely lost her sense of balance.
1.
2.
3.
4.

reticular formation
amygdala
temporal lobe
cerebellum

Handedness

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/12/
06/health-blog-video-the-pros-and-co
ns-of-left-handedness/

Plasticity

http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAzmyB
9PFt4
Neuroplasticity