Here’s a knowledge organizer I’ve created of the most essential terms for areas of the brain and concepts of genetics and evolution in an introductory psychology course. These knowledge organizers are designed to help you identify the most important factual … Read More
Neurons & The Nervous System Knowledge Organizer
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
Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)
In this video I explain the concept of long-term potentiation, which refers to the strengthening of neural connections due to repeated synchronous firing. Repeated firing leads to changes in chemical signaling between the two neurons, influencing neurotransmitter and receptor activity. … Read More
Biology of Memory: The Hippocampus
In this video I introduce the biology of memory and the role of the hippocampus on long-term memory formation. I discuss several cases of severe memory loss including patients H.M. and E.P., who suffered anterograde amnesia and cannot form new … Read More
Pain Perception
In this video I go into more detail on pain perception. First I discuss the importance of pain as a signal of danger or harm to the body. Next I explain the two types of nerve fibers which carry different … Read More
Chromosomal Abnormalities and Molecular Genetics
In this video I introduce examples of molecular genetics and how specific genes or chromosomes can influence traits, behaviors, or illnesses. The difference between genetic and inherited is defined and several chromosomal abnormalities are explained including Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, … Read More
What is Heritability?
In this video I provide a basic introduction to twin studies and heritability scores. I explain how a heritability score tells us about the role of genes in explaining variance in a trait. I also discuss some common errors and … Read More
Introduction to Genetics and Shared Genes
In this video I provide a basic introduction to genetics and explain genes, genomes, DNA, chromosomes, and genetic relatedness of parents, offspring, siblings, and identical and fraternal twins. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have … Read More
Split Brains: What Happens When You Sever the Corpus Callosum?
In this video I cover research by Roger Sperry and Michael Gazzaniga on split brain patients who have had the corpus callosum severed. I explain some hemispheric specializations such as speech production and facial recognition as well as how visual … Read More
Parts of the Brain: Forebrain – Cerebral Cortex
In this video I continue explaining parts of the brain and focus on the cerebral cortex. The cortex is the thin, wrinkled, outer covering of the brain and the wrinkles and folds create gyri, sulci, and fissures. The cortex is … Read More