The Brain and Neuroplasticity
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and reorganize itself through experience
What is neurotransmission?
The process of communication between neurons using chemical messengers
How are hormones transported from the glands to the rest of the body?
They are released into the bloodstream.
What is the difference between Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins?
MZ twins are identical (100% shared DNA); DZ twins are fraternal (approx. 50% shared DNA).
From an evolutionary perspective, what is the ultimate goal of any behavior?
Survival and reproductive success (passing on one's genes).
What is the primary function of the frontal lobe?
It is responsible for executive functions like decision-making, emotions, and judgment.
Which neurotransmitter is most commonly linked to mood regulation and may affect jealousy levels?
Serotonin
What is a primary behavioral function of the hormone testosterone?
It is linked to the development of male characteristics, aggression, and dominance.
What are the two most common types of studies used to research genetic influence on behavior?
Twin studies and kinship (family) studies.
Why might jealousy exist from an evolutionary perspective?
To protect relationships and increase chances of reproductive success
Which part of the brain is associated with speech production, and what happens if it is damaged?
Broca’s area is responsible for speech production. Damage to this area can cause difficulty speaking, known as expressive aphasia.
What is an excitatory neurotransmitter?
It increases the likelihood that a post-synaptic neuron will fire an action potential.
What is a pheromone?
A chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal that affects the behavior or physiology of others of its species.
In genetic research, what does the "concordance rate" refer to?
The probability that if one person has a trait, their relative (like a twin) will also have that same trait.
What is one thing brain scans help scientists see?
Brain scans help scientists see which parts of the brain are active during certain tasks.
How might neuroplasticity relate to jealousy?
Repeated jealous thoughts can strengthen neural pathways, making jealousy more automatic
What is the role of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
It decreases the likelihood that a post-synaptic neuron will fire.
Which hormone is often called the "cuddle hormone" and is linked to social bonding and trust?
Oxytocin
How can genetics influence a complex behavior like jealousy?
Genes can influence underlying personality traits, like neuroticism or attachment styles, which then impact how a person experiences jealousy.
What does an fMRI measure in the brain?
It measures changes in blood flow (oxygen levels), which indicate brain activity in different areas.
In terms of neuroplasticity, what is the difference between "dendritic branching" and "neural pruning"?
Dendritic branching is the growth of new connections due to stimulating environments/learning, while neural pruning is the elimination of unused synapses to increase the efficiency of the brain.
In neurotransmission, what is an "agonist"?
A chemical that binds to a receptor site and mimics or amplifies the effect of a neurotransmitter.
What is the proposed role of pheromones in human behavior?
Pheromones are chemical signals that may influence social or reproductive behaviors, such as attraction, although evidence in humans is mixed.
What is the "Equal Environments Assumption" in twin research?
The assumption that MZ and DZ twins are raised in similar environments, so any higher similarity in MZ twins must be due to genes.
According to evolution, how might male and female jealousy differ?
Males may be more sensitive to sexual infidelity; females to emotional infidelity