Nervous System and Stress
What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, and what are their functions?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action (fight-flight-freeze response), while the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body and returns it to homeostasis after the threat has passed.
What is classical conditioning, and who is it most associated with?
Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response. It is most associated with Ivan Pavlov.
What is the difference between REM and NREM sleep?
REM sleep is a stage of sleep associated with rapid eye movement, dreaming, and brain activity similar to waking. NREM sleep has slower brain activity and is divided into stages 1-3, with deep sleep occurring in stages 3.
What is the biopsychosocial model of health?
The biopsychosocial model explains health as an interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors.
Name two neurochemicals involved in regulating mood and emotions.
Serotonin and dopamine are two key neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and emotional responses.
What is the fight-flight-freeze response, and which nervous system division activates it?
It is the body's automatic response to a perceived threat, preparing to either confront (fight), escape (flight), or remain still (freeze). It is activated by the sympathetic nervous system.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?
Explicit memory is the conscious recall of facts or events (e.g., names, dates), while implicit memory is unconscious and involves skills or conditioned responses (e.g., riding a bike).
How many sleep cycles does a typical adult go through in a night?
A typical adult goes through about 4-6 sleep cycles per night, with each cycle lasting around 90 minutes.
What is a phobia, and how does it differ from general anxiety?
A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation. Unlike general anxiety, which is broader, a phobia is triggered by a specific stimulus.
What is observational learning, and who is most associated with this theory?
Observational learning is learning by watching others and imitating their behaviour. It is most associated with Albert Bandura.
Name and describe the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) model.
The three stages are:
What role does the hippocampus play in memory?
The hippocampus is critical for the encoding and storage of explicit memories, such as facts and events. It helps consolidate short-term memories into long-term memories.
What is sleep deprivation, and how does it affect cognitive functioning?
Sleep deprivation occurs when an individual does not get enough sleep, and it negatively affects cognitive functioning by impairing attention, memory, and decision-making.
What are two biological factors involved in the development of a mental disorder?
Two biological factors include genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin in depression).
How does the amygdala contribute to the fight-flight-freeze response?
The amygdala triggers the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to perceived threats, initiating the fight-flight-freeze response.
What is the role of cortisol in the stress response, and what happens if cortisol levels remain elevated for too long?
Cortisol helps the body maintain energy by increasing glucose availability during stress. Prolonged elevated cortisol levels can weaken the immune system, leading to health issues like hypertension or impaired cognitive function.
What is operant conditioning, and who developed this theory?
Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which behavior is shaped by its consequences (reinforcements or punishments). It was developed by B.F. Skinner.
What are circadian rhythms, and how do they influence sleep?
Circadian rhythms are 24-hour biological cycles that regulate processes like the sleep-wake cycle. Light is a key factor that influences circadian rhythms and helps regulate melatonin production for sleep.
Name and briefly explain one psychological intervention for phobias.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention that involves challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce anxiety and manage phobias.
What is the difference between primary and secondary appraisal in the transactional model of stress?
Primary appraisal involves evaluating whether a situation is a threat, while secondary appraisal involves assessing whether you have the resources to cope with the stressor.
Explain the difference between eustress and distress. Provide an example of each.
Eustress is positive stress that motivates and enhances performance (e.g., excitement before a big game), while distress is negative stress that hinders performance and well-being (e.g., overwhelming pressure from too many responsibilities).
How are the hippocampus and amygdala involved in emotional memory formation?
The hippocampus encodes explicit memories, while the amygdala processes and stores the emotional significance of these memories, particularly fear and other emotional responses.
How does melatonin regulate sleep, and what external factor affects its production?
Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleepiness. Its production is regulated by exposure to light, especially blue light, which can suppress melatonin and delay sleep.
What is the role of GABA in anxiety disorders?
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system. Low levels of GABA are linked to increased anxiety.
What is the role of glutamate in learning?
Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that plays a key role in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory formation.