AP Psych Unit 2 Quizlet: Ace Your Biological Bases of Behavior

Are you gearing up for your AP Psychology Unit 2 exam? If so, mastering the Biological Bases of Behavior is crucial. To help you excel, we’ve compiled a comprehensive AP Psych Unit 2 Quizlet that covers all the essential concepts.

Neurons: The Building Blocks of the Nervous System

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals throughout the body.

• Parts of a Neuron:

  • Dendrites
  • Cell body
  • Axon
  • Myelin sheath

• Types of Neurons:

  

  • Sensory neurons
  • Motor neurons
  • Interneurons

• Neurotransmitters:

  • Chemical messengers released by neurons to communicate with each other
  • Examples: dopamine, serotonin, GABA

The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It serves as the primary control center for the body’s functions.

• Brain Structures:

  • Cerebrum
  • Cerebellum
  • Brainstem
  • Limbic system

• Spinal Cord:

  

  • Transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body
  • Contains reflexes for quick responses

The Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the CNS to the rest of the body, relaying sensory and motor information.

• Divisions:

  • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements
  • Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion)

• Types of Nerves:

  • Sensory nerves
  • Motor nerves
  • Mixed nerves

Sensation and Perception

Sensation refers to the detection of physical stimuli, while perception is the interpretation and organization of those stimuli.

• Sensation:

  • Sensory receptors respond to different types of stimuli (e.g., light, sound, touch)
  • Different receptors are found in specific sensory organs

• Perception:

  • Influenced by our expectations, culture, and past experiences
  • Can be subject to illusions and distortions

States of Consciousness

Consciousness refers to our subjective experience of the world. It fluctuates between different states, including:

• Sleep:

  

  • Stages: wakefulness, light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep
  • Importance for memory consolidation and physical restoration

• Dreams:

  • Occur during REM sleep
  • Theories: wish fulfillment, problem solving

• Altered States of Consciousness:

  • Drug use
  • Meditation
  • Hypnosis

Biological Rhythms

Biological rhythms are recurring patterns of activity that are influenced by our biological processes.

• Circadian Rhythms:

  • 24-hour cycles of activity and rest
  • Regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain

• Ultradian Rhythms:

  • Shorter cycles (e.g., sleep-wake cycles during naps)

• Infradian Rhythms:

  • Longer cycles (e.g., menstrual cycle, seasonal changes)

Genetics and Behavior

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of behavioral traits.

• Heritability:
  • Proportion of variation in a trait that can be attributed to genetic factors
• Twin Studies:
  • Compare the similarities between identical and fraternal twins
• Behavioral Genetics:
  • Studies the relationship between genes and behavior

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology examines how evolutionary forces have influenced our behavior.

• Natural Selection:
  • Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce
• Adaptive Behavior:
  • Behavior that promotes survival and reproduction
• Kin Selection:
  • Helping behavior towards related individuals who share genes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing neurons, neurotransmitters, and hormones
• Oversimplifying the structure and function of the CNS
• Underestimating the role of the PNS in sensation and motor control
• Failing to distinguish between sensation and perception
• Ignoring the influence of culture and experience on perception
• Assuming that all biological rhythms operate on a 24-hour cycle
• Overestimating the impact of genetics on behavior
• Misinterpreting the theory of natural selection

Effective Strategies for Success

• Use active recall techniques, such as flashcards or practice questions
• Review material regularly to reinforce understanding
• Visualize complex processes, such as neurotransmission or brain structures
• Engage in group study sessions for peer support and different perspectives
• Seek clarification from your teacher or tutor on areas of difficulty

AP Psych Unit 2 Quizlet Table

Compare and Contrast: AP Psych Unit 2 Concepts

Creative Word: Neuronsynergy

This term embodies the collaborative nature of neurons and their influence on behavior. Neuronsynergy suggests that behavior is not a result of isolated neuron activity but rather a symphony of interconnected neurons working together.

Applications

• Neuroscience: Developing treatments for neurological disorders
• Education: Optimizing learning environments based on brain processes
• Workplace: Enhancing productivity by understanding the biological underpinnings of behavior
• Healthcare: Personalizing care based on genetic and behavioral factors
• Policy: Crafting policies that consider the biological influences on human behavior