Biological Basis of Behavior
1. Describe a typical neuron. Distinguish between sensory, motor, and interneurons.
2. Describe the parts of the synapse and the role of neurotransmitters in the synapse.
3. Identify the parts of the brain and their function. Explain what is meant by "hemispheric specialization" and the functional differences between the two cerebral hemispheres.
4. Explain how the spinal cord works.
5. Identify the peripheral nervous system and contrast the functions of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
6. Explain the differences between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems.
7. In 100 words or more, describe and elaborate on what you found interesting about the biological basis of psychology. What did you learn?
Sensation and Perception
1. Explain the difference between absolute and difference thresholds and the effect of adaptation of sensory thresholds.
2. Describe the role of rods, cones, the optic nerve and feature detectors in the brain in causing a visual experience.
3. Explain the characteristics of sound waves and their effect on the sensation we call sound.
4. Describe how stimuli give rise to smells and tastes.
5. Distinguish between the kinesthetic and vestibular senses.
Memory
1. Describe the role of sensory memory and the length of time information remains there.
2. Define short term (STM), explain why it is called "working memory" and describe the way information is encoded in STM.
3. Define long term memory (LTM) including the capacity of LTM and the way information is encoded in LTM.
4. In 100 words or more, describe one of your most vivid memories and based on what you learned in the memory chapter, why you think it has lasted so long in your LTM?
Cognition
1. Compare and contrast the following cognitive processes and strategies - algorithm, intuition, heuristics, confirmation bias, and belief perseverance.
2. Compare and contrast the theories of intelligence put forth by Spearman, Gardner, and Sternberg.
3. Describe the similarities and differences between the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler intelligence scales.
4. In 100 words or more, summarize the criticisms of intelligence tests and the relationship between IQ test scores and job success. Include comments on reliability/validity and whether or not you think IQ tests should be used.