Unit 3
The Workings of Mind and Body
MatchingThe weakest amount of a stimulus that a person
can detect half the time – The gap that occurs between the axon terminals of
the sending neuron and the dendrites of the receiving neuron –
The sense that provides information about the position and movement of individual body parts –
Absolute threshold
synapse kinesthesis
Vestibular system
neurotransmitters
axon
biofeedback
hormones
hypnosis
meditation
Absolute threshold
synapse
kinesthesis
Difference threshold
Matching• The long, thin cells that constitute the structural and functional
unit of nerve tissue along which messages travel to and from the brain –
• A systematic narrowing of attention on an image, thought, bodily process, or external object with the goal of clearing one’s mind and producing relaxation –
• Three semicircle canals located in the inner ear that provide the sense of balance –
• The process of learning to control bodily states with the help of feedback from specialized machines –
biofeedback
Vestibular system
neuron
meditationmeditation
hormones
neurotransmitters
neuron
Meditation
Vestibular system
biofeedback
Matching
• The chemicals released by neurons, which determine the rate at which other neurons fire –
• An assumption or prediction about behavior or an educated guess about the relationship between two variables that is tested through scientific research-
• The smallest change in physical stimulus that can be detected between two stimuli –
• A single, threadlike structure within the neuron that extends from and carries signals away from the cell body to neighboring neurons, organs, or muscles –
• Chemical substances produced by the endocrine glands that carry messages through the body in blood and regulate specific body functions –
Neurotransmitters
hypothesis
hormones
axon
Difference threshold
synapse
Absolute threshold
Neurotransmitters
Hypothesis
Difference threshold
Axon
hormones
Completion • Controls the conscious thinking
processes –• The information-processing center
that controls the higher brain functions, such as reading and problem solving –
• Controls functions such as hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior –
• Visual receptor cells in the retina that are sensitive to light but not color –
• Visual receptors that are adapted for color vision, daytime vision, and detailed vision –
Cerebrum
Cerebral cortex
hypothalamus
rods
cones
Completion• Perceptions that misrepresent physical stimuli –
• The stimulation of sensory receptors and the transmission of sensory information to the brain –
• The ability to notice stimuli that affect only the unconscious mind –
• The ability to recognize distances and three dimensionality, develops in infancy –
illusions
sensation
Subliminal perception
Depth perception
Multiple Choice 1. What parts are part of the brain?
a. cerebellum b. medullac. pons d. all of the above
2. A sleep disorder characterized by recurring problems in falling asleep or staying asleep is…a. Sleep apnea b. Narcolepsy c. Insomnia d. nightmares
3. This disorder can be healed by having a “split brain” operation. a. nightmares b. hallucinationsc. insomnia e. epilepsy
Multiple Choice1. What is not a theory for why people sleep?
a. to allow people to restore their energy
b. because they are bored
c. to conserve energy
d. to clear our minds of useless information
2. Which one is not a cue for depth perception?
a. monocular b. illusions
c. motion parallax d. binocular
3. A potent psychedelic drug that produces distortions of perception and thought is…
a. LSD b. alcohol
c. opiates d. marijuana
Short Answers
1. Describe how the peripheral nervous system controls voluntary and involuntary activities. (p.156)
The peripheral system is broken down into Somatic and Autonomic Systems, the somatic system controls voluntary muscles, autonomic controls involuntary muscles. The autonomic is broken down into sympathetic which expends energy and the parasympathetic which conserves energy.
2. What are the Gestalt principles of perception? Describe each principle. (p.224)
Proximity-when we see a number of similar objects, we tend to perceive them as groups or sets
Similarity-when similar and similar objects are mingled, we see the similar objects as groups
Closure-when we see a familiar pattern or shape with some missing parts, we fill in the gaps
Continuity-we tend to see continuous patterns, not disrupted ones
Simplicity- we see the simplest shapes possible