Mechanism
What is the "memory center" of the brain?
The Hippocampus
How does oxytocin function to increase fitness?
Mothers take great care of babies, who need care/supervision for the first few years of life.
What is one function of joy?
Signal of positive reinforcement of the environment
Aids in social relationships
Researchers believe that emotions evolved in response to….?
Ancestral conditions
What is one hormone/neurotransmitter that is released during a flight-or-flight response?
Cortisol, epinephrine
What is one aspect of modern life that is said to effect mental health?
Diet, pollution, decreased social connectedness, screen time
Inhibiting behaviors during goal pursuit when the goal is seen as a risk or unnecessary?
Depression, sadness, low mood
Why do researchers believe that psychopathy is adaptive?
Because selfishness could lead to personal benefits, particularly in a group that values cooperation.
What area of the brain is primarily associated with the fight-or-flight response?
The amgydala.
Name a function of emotion in the context of social groups.
Social bonding, cooperation, coordinating behaviors (to attain goals), mutual benefits.
What is a source of variation for emotional expression between different people?
Genes, environment, interaction between them
Why did the psyche not evolve into a Tabula Rasa "Blank Slate?"
There are no good mental problems for natural selection to respond to.