the biological approach

• What organ is referred to as the brain?

  The brain
• What approach do psychologists take when attributing behavior to brain function?

  Biological approach
• What do psychologists identify within the brain?

  Different areas and large structures
• How do brain structures communicate with each other?

  By sending and receiving information
• What influences the brain's functioning?

  Chemical signals called hormones
• What are neurotransmitters responsible for?

  Controlling neural communication
• How can drugs alter behavior according to the biological approach?

  By altering neurotransmitters
• What role do genes play in the biological approach?

  They influence the formation of the brain
• Why is evolution important in understanding the human brain?

  It explains the development of brain features
• What are the three features of the Psych Boost app?

  Flashcards, quizzes, key term definitions
• What is the biological approach's assumption about humans?

  Humans are biological beings
• What are the aspects of biology that influence human behavior?

  Biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, evolution
• What is the focus of the biopsychology unit?

  Biological psychology
• Why is it important to understand biopsychology early?

  It helps in understanding core ideas
• Which disorder is particularly relevant to the biological approach in this context?

  OCD
• What are the largest biological structures influencing behavior?

  • Endocrine system
  • Glands releasing hormones
• What is the role of the adrenal gland in the fight or flight response?

  Releases adrenaline when activated
• What are the effects of adrenaline on the body?

  Increases blood flow to brain and muscles
• What long-term effects do sex hormones have?

  Influence body features and aggression
• What is the most important biological structure for psychologists?

  The brain
• What connects the brain to the body?

  The brain stem
• What are the two hemispheres of the brain connected by?

  The corpus callosum
• What is the function of the brain stem?

  Controls core abilities like heart rate
• What does the cerebellum coordinate?

  Muscle movements and balance
• What is the role of the occipital lobe?

  Visual perception
• What does the temporal lobe process?

  Auditory information
• What does the parietal lobe receive?

  Sensations from across the body
• What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

  Rational decision-making
• What is the limbic system known for?

  The emotional center of the brain
• What is localization of function?

  Certain brain areas are responsible for functions
• What case study is mentioned regarding speech production?

  Tan's case study
• What area of the brain was damaged in Tan's case?

  Broca's area
• What do brain activation studies confirm about Broca's area?

  It is active during language production
• How do nerve cells communicate?

  Through electrical signals and neurotransmitters
• What is the gap between two nerve cells called?

  The synapse
• What happens when an action potential reaches the axon terminal?

  Neurotransmitters are released
• What are the two types of neurotransmitter influences?

  Excitatory and inhibitory
• What neurotransmitter is linked to well-being?

  Serotonin
• What is dopamine responsible for?

  Intense pleasure and reward
• What do SSRIs do?

  Stop the reuptake of serotonin