Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of the behavioral neurosciences.
2. Define evolutionary psychology and describe its purpose, using a study on romantic relationships as an illustration.
3. Define behavioral genetics and describe its purpose.
4. Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype, including discussion on polygenic characteristics.
5. Explain how the concept of heritability helps our understanding of the relative contributions of heredity and environment to human development.
6. Explain the difference between family studies, adoption studies, and studies of identical twins raised apart, and their relevance to behavioral genetics.
7. Draw a diagram delineating the major divisions of the nervous system and their general functions.
8. Explain the functioning of the endocrine system, including the pituitary and adrenal glands, and the gonads. Include discussion of anabolic steroid use.
9. Distinguish between endocrine and exocrine glands.
10. Describe the functions of three types of neurons, describe their roles in reflexive behavior, and distinguish neurons from glial cells.
11. Draw a diagram of a neuron, labeling its parts and indicating the function of each part.
12. Describe the neuron at rest, mentioning the chemicals involved in resting potential, and then explain the changes involved in the action potential, mentioning the all-or-none law and myelin.
13. Describe the process of synaptic transmission and explain the role of the neurotransmitters in that process, emphasizing the effects of acetylcholine and six other neurotransmitters.
14. Summarize the classic study that resulted in the discovery of endorphins and offer an overview of subsequent research findings regarding endorphins.
15. Describe how clinical case studies and experimental manipulation can increase our understanding of brain functioning.
16. Explain the relevance of brain size, including discussion on phrenology, Einstein’s brain, and scientific research on brain size and intelligence.
17. Describe the function and mechanism of action of EEG, PET, CT, MRI, SPECT, and SQUID.
18. Draw a diagram of the brainstem, delineating its five structures and their functions.
19. Draw a diagram of the limbic system, delineating three of its structures and their functions.
20. Describe the location and function of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex.
21. Describe in detail the structure and functioning of the motor and sensory areas of the cerebral cortex, including the concept of the homunculi.
22. Describe the contributions of Wilder Penfield to our understanding of the distribution of functions in the cerebral cortex.
23. Describe the purpose of the association areas, including the relevance of Phineas Gage’s accident.
24. Describe the location and function of Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area.
25. Critically evaluate popular notions of "left-brained" and "right-brained" people, and then summarize the findings regarding the relationship between handedness and longevity.
26. Describe three techniques used to study hemispheric specialization, and explain how studies of individuals with cerebral damage have also contributed to our understanding of brain functioning.