Lesson 2: Biopsychology Attention Many consider the brain to be the most complex object in the universe! "The chief function of the body is to carry the brain around" ----Thomas Edison "If the brain were so simple that we could understand it we would be simple we couldn't" ----Emerson Pugh "The brain is the most complicated kilo of matter in the universe" ----Anonymous in Memory (1999) "The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office" ----Robert Frost Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
Teaching
This video describes the basic ways in which our brains operate
Cranial Nerves Handout (optional) Although the use of this resource is often frowned upon, this particular presentation is very good
Here is a link to the journal titled "Neuron". There are lots of free articles to learn much more about the cutting edge of neuron research! Here is a podcast on Brain Science that you can subscribe to! (Recent topics include interviews with top neuroscientists!) Click HERE to check out the Genes to Cognition Online website developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. BRAIN FACTS
This video describes the process of how action potentials bring about the release of neurotranmitters between one neuron and the next. Assessment Lesson 2 Quiz Use the above listed resources to answer each of the following questions.
Lesson 2 Discussion In all of Psychology we hear of the "debate" between Nature (that our traits arise mainly from our genetics) and Nurture (that our traits arise mainly from our environment) The truth is, Psychology has adopted the "Interactionist Perspective" in that both the Nature and Nurture aspects of our selves interact with one another. In this discussion I would like you to identify skills that you have. To what degree do you think that these are a function of your biology (inheritance of "good brain") and to what degree do you think these are a function of environment (creating a "good brain" with education, training, or experience) and to what degree do you think that these two forces have interacted to create the unique skill that YOU have.
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