Role and structure of brain functioning

• What is the primary function of the brain?

  Source of conscious awareness and decision-making
• How is the brain divided structurally?

  Into two near-symmetrical hemispheres
• What connects the two hemispheres of the brain?

  The corpus callosum
• What does the left hemisphere control?

  Activity of the right side of the body
• What is the outer layer of the brain called?

  The cerebral cortex
• How thick is the cerebral cortex in humans?

  About 3mm thick
• What does the occipital lobe contain?

  The brain's visual cortex
• How is visual information processed in the occipital lobe?

  Left visual field processed by left cortex
• What is the function of the thalamus?

  Relays sensory information to the cortex
• What does the hypothalamus maintain?

  Homeostasis of the body
• What is the role of the cerebellum?

  Coordinates posture and movement
• What are the key areas of the cerebral cortex related to language?

  • Broca's area: Speech production
  • Wernicke's area: Understanding language
• What happens if Broca's area is damaged?

  Causes Broca's aphasia with slow speech
• What is the effect of damage to Wernicke's area?

  Difficulty understanding language and producing speech
• What brain structure regulates aggression?

  The prefrontal cortex
• What does the hypothalamus control?

  Maintains homeostasis and regulates functions
• What is the function of the amygdala?

  Center for emotions and emotional behavior
• What happens when the amygdala is stimulated?

  Displays aggressive behavior in animals
• What is the effect of removing the amygdala?

  Animal becomes passive and unresponsive
• What role do serotonin and dopamine play in aggression?

  Linked to aggression and impulse control
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using brain structure to explain aggression?

  Strengths:

  • Provides biological basis for aggression
  • Supported by animal studies

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ethical concerns with animal research
  • Difficulty generalizing findings to humans
• What happens when the amygdala is lesioned in animals?

  Produces aggressive behavior
• What is the effect of stimulating the amygdala with electric current?

  Animal displays aggression
• How does the theory of aggression relate to serotonin levels?

  Low serotonin linked to increased aggression
• What are the limitations of using case studies in aggression research?

  • Difficult to generalize findings
  • Potential for researcher bias
  • Limited sample size
• What is the role of dopamine in aggression?

  Associated with reward and motivation
• How does the theory of aggression explain behavior?

  Links brain structure and function to aggression
• What is the impact of aggression on society?

  Can lead to violence and social issues
• What are alternative explanations for aggression?

  • Social learning theory
  • Environmental factors
  • Psychological influences