Biological Processes of Behavior in Psychology
An effective introduction to the relationship between physiological processes and behavior—including the influence of neural function, the nervous system and the brain, and genetic contributions to behavior—is an important element in the AP course.
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron and the process of transmission of a signal between neurons.
• Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters (e.g., reuptake mechanisms).
• Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.
• Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions:
— central and peripheral nervous systems;
— major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas;
— brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.
• Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research (e.g., case studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques).
• Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.
• Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.
• Identify key contributors (e.g., Paul Broca, Charles Darwin, Michael Gazzaniga, Roger Sperry, Carl Wernicke).
AP students in psychology should be able to do the following:
• Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron and the process of transmission of a signal between neurons.
• Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters (e.g., reuptake mechanisms).
• Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.
• Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions:
— central and peripheral nervous systems;
— major brain regions, lobes, and cortical areas;
— brain lateralization and hemispheric specialization.
• Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research (e.g., case studies, split-brain research, imaging techniques).
• Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.
• Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.
• Identify key contributors (e.g., Paul Broca, Charles Darwin, Michael Gazzaniga, Roger Sperry, Carl Wernicke).
Unit Resources
Powerpoint for Parts of the Brain and Nervous Systems
Powerpoint for The Nature V Nurture aspect of Biology Neuroscience Practice MC Questions for preparation for the Exam Parts of the Brain Practice MC Questions for preparation for the Exam "Trippy Text" This online book is written by another AP psychology teacher. Article Review Assignment Sheet- This assignment is due bu Midnight October 6th on Turnitin.com Please see me if you have any issues with your account. |
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Unit Activities
22 September: Today we will score the MC portion of your previous exam and discuss the questions.
23 September: Introduce the concept of Biological Processes and the need for us to examine them. Students will then have class time to begin reading the unit and work on their flashcards for the unit that are due next Monday. We will recap the article review assignment as well to ensure there are no questions on it.
24/25 September: (Module 9) We will examine the basic building block of the nervous system, neurotransmitters.
This picture of a neuron was drawn by a former student to compile the various diagrams of neurons found in the book. Some students have found it helpful. You may want to try creating your own as a way to help ensure your understanding.
23 September: Introduce the concept of Biological Processes and the need for us to examine them. Students will then have class time to begin reading the unit and work on their flashcards for the unit that are due next Monday. We will recap the article review assignment as well to ensure there are no questions on it.
24/25 September: (Module 9) We will examine the basic building block of the nervous system, neurotransmitters.
This picture of a neuron was drawn by a former student to compile the various diagrams of neurons found in the book. Some students have found it helpful. You may want to try creating your own as a way to help ensure your understanding.
26 September: (Modules 9/10) We will recap neurons and neurotransmitters and discuss how the nervous system communicates with the rest of the body via the endocrine system.
29 September: Your flashcards for the unit are due today! (Module 10/11). We will wrap up discussion on the endocrine system and examine the ways we study the brain, including imaging techniques.
30 September: (Module 12). We will examine the cerebral cortex and all of its complexity.
29 September: Your flashcards for the unit are due today! (Module 10/11). We will wrap up discussion on the endocrine system and examine the ways we study the brain, including imaging techniques.
30 September: (Module 12). We will examine the cerebral cortex and all of its complexity.
1/2 October: (Module 12/13). Recap cerebral cortex and examine the brains hemisphere organization. If time permits we will move onto the concept of behavior genetics (module 14)
3 October: Vocabulary Quiz will be today in class. (Module 14). We will examine the role that genetics plays in our behavior and how well it can predict our behavior.
6 October: Your Article review will be due by midnight Oct 6. (Module 15). We will look at evolutionary psychology helps us to understand the basics of human nature.
7 October: Your notes for the unit will be due by midnight on Turnitin.com We will cover any lingering questions anyone will have and then review for the examination.
8/9 October: Unit exam for Biological Processes
10 October: Today in class you will score the MC portion of the exam from the previous day and will discuss the free response section.
Have a nice break!
3 October: Vocabulary Quiz will be today in class. (Module 14). We will examine the role that genetics plays in our behavior and how well it can predict our behavior.
6 October: Your Article review will be due by midnight Oct 6. (Module 15). We will look at evolutionary psychology helps us to understand the basics of human nature.
7 October: Your notes for the unit will be due by midnight on Turnitin.com We will cover any lingering questions anyone will have and then review for the examination.
8/9 October: Unit exam for Biological Processes
10 October: Today in class you will score the MC portion of the exam from the previous day and will discuss the free response section.
Have a nice break!
