Section 1: Neurons: The Elements of Behavior

1. Experiments could be designed to measure variables that define perceptual, motor, and behavioral characteristics of humans and the effects that certain neurotransmitters have on these characteristics. One group could be given medication that to increase the amount of certain neurotransmitters in one's brain and the effects could be recorded. Done on several different subjects, patterns could develop that helped us understand the purpose and the activity of different neurotransmitters. Another way to look at the same issue would be to observe people who have a deficit of a certain neurotransmitter and record their behaviors. In Parkinson's disease, a great deal of data has now been collected on the effects of the lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Section 2: The Nervous System

4. Fight or Flight. Part of the sympathetic division that acts to prepare the body for action in the case of a stressful situation. It engages the organs resources to respond to a threat: heart races, palms sweat, etc. Reactions occur at the physiological level.

Section 3: The Brain

6. In studying the brains of people that have died we have only a limited opportunity to see the effects that parts of the brain have on certain behaviors. We can make assumptions from the damage that we observe about the cause of certain behaviors. This correlational study does not prove cause and effect. In studying subjects that are alive through the use of EEG, CAT, MRI, and PET scans, we have the advantage of actually looking at brain functions while the subject performs certain tasks. The assumption here would be that different tasks would produce effects on different areas of the brain.

7. If abnormalities in an association of the brain were linked to criminal behavior it would only be correlational data. It would not show causation. Experimental methods would be necessary to prove causation. There may be many factors in combination that cause criminal behavior. Research is not refined enough yet to make a direct cause and effect relationship. Even if a subject has the potential to be a criminal, we measure behavior, not the potential for criminal behavior or the possibility that a person might commit a crime. On the other hand, if a person knew this information about himself and chose to have the surgery, the issue may have to be studied from a different perspective. One could be as "Does an individual have the right to agree to surgery on his brain that will alter behavior?" I think since we already allow the use of medications to alter the behavior of individuals, surgical procedures would also be allowed.