AP Psychology

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZMLzP1VCANo" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]
Sperry’s case studies of patients who underwent the severing of their corpus callosum was ground breaking. New insights were gained into the extent to which the left and right hemispheres are specialized for different functions. This video shows how consciousness is split between the left and right hemispheres. In addition these patients showed that many complex cognitive processes take place below the level of awareness.

Study Plan

Objectives

Understand the relationship between biology and behavior

Gain an understanding of the nervous system and its interrelationship with the endocrine system

Identify the parts and functions of the brain.

Explain the various methods used to study the brain.

Evaluate theories concerning the nature/nurture debate

Topic
1. Introduction to the Biological Bases of Behavior

Lecture: An overview
Reading and discussion: ‘The boy without . . .’

A Tragic Update to the case of David Reimer

2. Neural Communication and The Nervous System (Chapter 2)

Bernstein PowerPoint Presentation

Lecture and demonstration:
Dominoes and Action Potential

More information can be found at this link.

Graphic Organizers and the Nervous System

3. The Brain

Mapping the brain through structure and function.

Graphic Organizer and the Brain

Complete the Psychsim demonstration called “Hemispheric Specialization” (Click the Table of Contents)

Video “The Behaving Brain”

Split Brain PowerPoint Presentation

Visit this outstanding website on the brain.

4. Genetics and Behavior (Chapter 3)

Lecture: Evolutionary Psychology
Reading: “Our Cheating Hearts”
Handout2.4

5. Seminar: The nature and nurture of behavior

Topic: That biology is destiny.

What is a Seminar Presentation ?

Rubric

Focus Questions

1. What is the relationship between genes and behavior?

2. In what ways do the ideas of Evolutionary Psychology support/reject the argument that biology is destiny?

• Review the article “Our Cheating Hearts”
• Article Cave Thinkers

3. Behavior Genetics has provided numerous insights into the nature/nurture debate. What contributions have been made to date?

4. How does the prenatal environment, early experiences, peer influences and culture effect behavior?

5. Is your sex/gender the most important thing about about you?

The New Sex Scorecard

6. Review

Bernstein Resources

Concepts and Exercises

Chapter Outline

Assessment

1. Chapter Test

2. Seminar