Why Psychologists are Concerned with Human Biology

Students are required to answer only one of the following questions listed below. At the end of your cited response, you must also pose a question for other students to reply to (answer). This question is created by you, the student. Students must also document (in APA style) all sources used (textbook included). I prefer that students not copy directly from the textbook, but instead summarize the text (or other sources) in your own words and provide the author and year of publication: e.g., -->(Berk, 2010; Ainsworth, 1972 as cited in Berk, 2013). Students must also pose a question at the end of answering one of the questions listed below (6 points). Students must then reply to another student's question again citing proper sources (4 points). In other words, you cannot answer any question based merely on opinion. You must support all answers with current theory/research which you can find easily in your textbook. Please do not reply to a question you answered. Label your answered question by question number. [DO NOT COPY AND PASTE IN THE DISCUSSION BOARD - USE at least 12 Point Font as well. NEVER CITE a Website.] If all of the questions have been used by other students, then please create a new question relevant to the chapter material - list the question as developed by you.
Neural and Hormonal Systems
2-1. Explain why psychologists are concerned with human biology.
2-2. Describe neurons, and explain how they transmit information.
2-3. Describe how nerve cells communicate with other nerve cells.
2-4. Describe how neurotransmitters influence behavior, and explain how drugs and other chemicals affect neurotransmission.
2-5. Describe the functions of the nervous system’s main divisions, and identify the three main types of neurons.
2-6. Describe how the endocrine system transmits information and interacts with the nervous system.
Tools of Discovery and Older Brain Structures
2-7. Describe how neuroscientists study the brain’s connections to behavior and mind.
2-8. Identify the structures that make up the brainstem, and summarize the functions of the brainstem, thalamus, reticular formation, and cerebellum.
2-9. Describe the structures and functions of the limbic system.
The Cerebral Cortex and Our Divided Brain
2-10. Describe the functions of the various cerebral cortex regions.
2-11. Discuss the extent to which a damaged brain can reorganize itself, and define neurogenesis.
2-12. Describe what split brains reveal about the functions of our two brain hemispheres.
Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior
2-13. Define chromosomes, DNA, genes, and the human genome, and describe how behavior geneticists explain our individual differences.
2-14. Discuss how twin and adoption studies help us understand the effects and interactions of nature and nurture.
2-15. Describe how heredity and environment work together.
2-16. Describe how evolutionary psychologists use natural selection to explain behavior tendencies.