IB Psychology Standard Level

The brain and behaviour

The Brain and Behaviour

Brain Structures and their Functions

• Cerebral cortex: The outermost layer of the brain involved in various higher cognitive processes like memory, attention, and consciousness.
• Corpus callosum: Connects the two hemispheres of the brain and allows them to communicate with each other.
• Hippocampus: Involved in the formation of new memories.
• Amygdala: Associated with experiences of fear and other emotions.

Brain Plasticity

• Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
• Synaptic pruning: A process whereby the brain eliminates extra synapses.
• Critical periods: Specific times during early development when the brain is particularly susceptible to environmental influences.

Neurotransmitters and Behaviour

• Serotonin: Influences mood, impulsiveness, and aggression. Low levels are associated with depression.
• Dopamine: Plays a critical role in the way our brain controls our movements and is implicated in diseases like Parkinson's. It's also connected to reward and pleasure systems.
• Acetylcholine: Involved in learning and memory. Diminished function is associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Hormones and Behaviour

• Adrenaline: Produced in response to stress and increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies.
• Cortisol: Released in response to stress and low-glucose concentration.
• Oxytocin: Promotes bonding and trust, released during social contact and intimacy.

Genetic Influences on Behaviour

• Genetic predisposition: An individual's inherited tendency to have certain behaviours, diseases or traits.
• Heritability: The proportion of variation among individuals that can be attributed to genes.
• Genes and behaviour: Multiple genes often work together to determine behaviour, a concept known as polygenic inheritance.

Brain Imaging Techniques

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A type of brain scan that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.
• fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Injects a radioactive substance into the blood and monitors its flow and usage in the brain.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Uses a series of X-ray images to create detailed pictures of the brain.

Remember, any of these points are potentially exam-worthy, so focus your revision carefully.