TCE Psychology Level 3: Biological Psychology — Flashcards & Quiz

Q1: Describe the structure and function of a neuron.

A neuron is a nerve cell that transmits electrical and chemical signals. Key structures: dendrites (receive signals from other neurons), cell body/soma (contains the nucleus and integrates incoming signals), axon (carries electrical impulses away from the cell body), myelin sheath (insulates the axon and speeds transmission via saltatory conduction) and axon terminals (release neurotransmitters at the synapse).

Q2: Explain the process of synaptic transmission.

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft (the gap between neurons). Neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, producing either excitatory (promoting firing) or inhibitory (suppressing firing) effects. Excess neurotransmitters are removed by reuptake, enzymatic degradation or diffusion.

Q3: Describe the roles of dopamine, serotonin, GABA and glutamate.

Dopamine: involved in reward, motivation, movement and pleasure; imbalances linked to Parkinson’s disease (too little) and schizophrenia (too much in mesolimbic pathway). Serotonin: regulates mood, sleep, appetite and digestion; low levels linked to depression. GABA: primary inhibitory neurotransmitter; reduces neural excitability; low GABA linked to anxiety disorders. Glutamate: primary excitatory neurotransmitter; essential for learning and memory; excess linked to excitotoxicity.

Q4: Describe the organisation of the human nervous system.

The nervous system divides into the central nervous system (CNS: brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS comprises the somatic nervous system (voluntary movement) and autonomic nervous system (ANS: involuntary functions). The ANS further divides into the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight activation) and parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest restoration).

Q5: Describe the major lobes of the cerebral cortex and their primary functions.

Frontal lobe: executive functions, planning, decision-making, personality, voluntary movement (primary motor cortex), speech production (Broca’s area). Parietal lobe: somatosensory processing (touch, temperature, pain), spatial awareness. Temporal lobe: auditory processing, language comprehension (Wernicke’s area), memory formation (hippocampus). Occipital lobe: visual processing (primary visual cortex).

Q6: What is cerebral lateralisation and how do the hemispheres differ?

Cerebral lateralisation refers to the tendency for certain cognitive functions to be predominantly controlled by one hemisphere. The left hemisphere is typically dominant for language (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas), logical reasoning and analytical processing. The right hemisphere is typically dominant for spatial processing, facial recognition, music and emotional expression. The corpus callosum connects the two hemispheres and enables communication between them.

Q7: How do genetics influence behaviour and psychological traits?

Behaviour genetics examines how genetic variation contributes to individual differences in behaviour and psychological traits. Twin studies compare concordance rates between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins. Adoption studies compare adopted children with biological and adoptive parents. Heritability estimates indicate the proportion of variation in a trait attributable to genetic factors within a population, not within an individual.

Q8: Compare EEG and fMRI as brain research methods.

EEG (electroencephalography) measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes on the scalp. It has excellent temporal resolution (milliseconds) but poor spatial resolution. fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) detects changes in blood oxygenation to identify active brain regions. It has excellent spatial resolution (millimetres) but poor temporal resolution (seconds). Both are non-invasive.

Q1: The axon of a neuron receives incoming signals from other neurons.

Answer: FALSE

Dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons. The axon carries electrical impulses away from the cell body toward the axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released.

Q2: Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft.

Answer: TRUE

When an action potential reaches the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron, neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft, where they travel to bind with receptors on the postsynaptic neuron.

Q3: Serotonin is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Answer: FALSE

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin is a modulatory neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and digestion. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression.

Q4: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Answer: FALSE

The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response, returning the body to a calm state after the threat has passed.

Q5: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Answer: TRUE

The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, contains the primary visual cortex and is the main region responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes.

Neurons and Synaptic Transmission

Understanding neuron structure and the process of synaptic transmission (action potential, neurotransmitter release, receptor binding, reuptake) is foundational knowledge for TASC assessments. Be prepared to draw labelled diagrams and explain how disruptions to synaptic transmission relate to mental health conditions.

Neurotransmitters and Their Functions

Knowing the roles of key neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate) and their links to behaviour and disorders is a frequently assessed skill. TASC exams may present a scenario describing symptoms and ask you to identify the neurotransmitter system involved.

Brain Structure and Lateralisation

The four cerebral lobes, key brain structures (hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex) and lateralisation are core knowledge. Being able to describe function, cite supporting evidence (case studies, split-brain research) and evaluate the localisation approach is essential.

Brain Research Methods

Comparing research methods (EEG, fMRI, PET, lesion studies) in terms of spatial resolution, temporal resolution, invasiveness and practical applications is a common TASC extended response question. Knowing the strengths and limitations of each method demonstrates scientific literacy.

What does TCE Psychology Level 3 cover on biological psychology?

This topic covers neurons and synaptic transmission, key neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate), the central and peripheral nervous systems, brain structure and function, cerebral lateralisation, the role of genetics in behaviour, and brain research methods (EEG, fMRI, lesion studies).

Are these flashcards aligned to the TASC curriculum?

Yes — every flashcard and quiz question is mapped to the Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification (TASC) Psychology Level 3 curriculum for the biological psychology topic.

How should I study brain structure and neurotransmitters for TCE exams?

Use labelled diagrams to memorise brain regions and their functions. Create flashcards linking each neurotransmitter to its role, location and associated disorders. Practise applying biological concepts to scenario-based questions, as TASC exams reward practical application.