Questions & Answers 2024/25
Alzheimer's - ANSWERSdegenerative brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive
functioning
Cause
build-up of beta amyloid plaques and tangles of tau protein. They combine to disintegrate the brain
structure, by blocking nerve signalling and communications between cells and also by triggering immune
system reactions, which destroy disabled nerve cells.
Form in the hippocampus (temporal lobe)= short term memory loss
Ethics - ANSWERSmoral principals and codes of behaviour that apply to psychologists
Beneficence - ANSWERSbenefits outweigh the risks
Do No Harm
Hawthorn Effect - ANSWERSacting differently when you know you are being observed
use deception
Generalisability - ANSWERSthe level of application to different samples
Role of the Researcher - ANSWERSInformed consent - written doc signed prior to task (purpose, risk,
benefits + procedure)
Confidentiality - access, storage, disposal + disclosure of results
,Voluntary participation and withdrawal rights - no neg consequences from withdrawing
Deception and debriefing - all deception must be explained in debrief immediately after task
Animal research - ANSWERSad - natural and unbiased behaviour
dis - unable to generalise findings
Central Nervous System - ANSWERSBrain and Spinal Cord
sensory division
receptors send nerve impulses to brain
Peripheral Nervous System - ANSWERSSomatic - motor messages from CNS to voluntary skeletal muscles
Autonomic - motor messages from CNS to internal organs and glands (involuntary action)
Includes sympathetic (prepares body for increased activity durning arousal) and parasympathetic (calms
after arousal)
motor division
Sections of the Brain - ANSWERSForebrain (cerebrum)
Midbrain (ventricles and hypothalamus)
Hindbrain (cerebellum, pons, medulla, pituitary gland)
Convolutions - ANSWERSfolds on the brain
,Gyri - ridges (shallow)
Sulci - grooves (deep)
Brain Lobes - ANSWERSFrontal = control of voluntary movement, planning + problem solving
Parietal = processing bodily sensations
Occipital = visual
Temporal = comprehension of speech, accessing vocab + processing auditory info
Broca's Area - ANSWERSProduction of articulate speech
Wernicke's Area - ANSWERSComprehension of speech
Left side (95% of people)
Localised - ANSWERSdifferent brain areas control different functions
Cross-lateralised - ANSWERSright side of brain controls left side of body
functions of each hemisphere being concentrated to one side of the brain
Lateralised - ANSWERSconnected to one side of the brain
Corpus Collosum - ANSWERSThick band of nerve fibres in the middle of the brain that connects right and
left hemispheres, transferring nerve impulses between hemispheres
, Hemispheres - ANSWERSleft side- controls right side of the body
logic, science, maths.
right hemisphere -controls left side
creativity and the arts.
Motor Neuron - ANSWERScarries nerve impulses away from brain and spinal cord to muscle fibres and
glands
Myelin Sheath - ANSWERSproduced by glacial cells
speeds up nerve transmissions
protection and insulation
gaps = nodes of ranvier
Neurilemmal - ANSWERSouter edge of the myelin sheath (repairs damaged neurons)
Neurotransmitter - ANSWERSchemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a
synapse (communication between two neurons)
eg. Endorphins - pain relief and mood elevation
Drugs - ANSWERSDepressant -> reduce CNS activity
Stimulant -> increase CNS activity
Hallucinogens -> target parietal lobe
Alcohol Short / Long Term Effects - ANSWERSPsy short = blackouts / slurred speech Psy long = depression
Phy short = vomiting Phy long = liver damage