(Neurotransmitters, Hormones
Which one sends signals more quickly in the body: neurotransmitters or hormones?
Neurotransmitters.
What part of the brain is responsible for mentalizing (reflecting on others’ thoughts)?
Temporoparietal junction
Research shows that both genetics and environment influence empathy. What is the term for traits that develop through the interaction of genetic predispositions and life experiences?
Gene-environment interactions
Located in the hypothalamus, this brain region is considered a crucial control center for two fundamental, species-survival behaviors: parenting (like caring for young) and male sexual behavior.
Medial preoptic area (MPOA).
Which chemical acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone: norepinephrine or serotonin?
Norepinephrine
What two brain regions are involved in prosocial behavior?
Ventral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex
Some research links the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) to greater empathy and cooperation. However, not everyone with this gene variation behaves more kindly. What psychological factor might explain why genetic potential for empathy doesn’t always lead to helping behavior?
Situational and motivational factors, such as stress, social norms, or perceived risk, can override genetic tendencies and prevent empathetic behavior from translating into action.
What is affective empathy?
Affective empathy is the ability to share the emotional state of another person.
A patient has normal mood but can’t feel pleasure or motivation. Which neurotransmitter is more likely imbalanced?
Dopamine
If a person underwent an fMRI scan after donating money to charity, which brain network would most likely exhibit increased activity?
Fronto-mesolimbic network
Cross-cultural research on empathy, such as studies of Japanese genetic counselors, shows that empathy can look different across societies. What does this suggest about how empathy should be trained or assessed in professional settings?
Empathy training must account for cultural communication styles and values since expressions of empathy may vary by culture
What would most likely happen if a person’s MPOA were partially lesioned?
A. They would still understand when someone is distressed, but they would not feel the same instinctive concern or motivation to help.
B. They would completely lose the ability to recognize when others are upset.
C. Their ability to care for others would increase because other brain regions would overcompensate.
D. Nothing would change because empathy and caregiving are controlled only by the cortex.