Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential concepts for neurons and the structure of the nervous system in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual knowledge you … Read More
Drugs and Neurotransmitters: Agonist or Antagonist?
In this video I discuss some ways that drugs can influence the functioning of neurotransmitters by binding to receptors on postsynaptic neurons. I explain the difference between agonist drugs which increase effects of a neurotransmitter and antagonist drugs which reduce … Read More
Introduction to Neurotransmitters
In this video I introduce several neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine. I also describe some of the functions of each of these neurotransmitters, with the caveat to avoid oversimplifying the role of neurotransmitters in explaining complex behaviors. … Read More
Alzheimer’s Simulation
This ABC news segment shows two people undergoing a simulation to represent the difficulties that Alzheimer’s sufferers face. While Alzheimer’s is often mentioned in intro psych classes and textbooks in the context of acetylcholine function in learning, concentration, and memory, … Read More