The nervous system, neurons & synaptic transmission

The following diagram of a sensory neuron is not complete.

Complete the diagram by drawing the missing part(s) within the circle.

Identify the parts labelled A and B and write your answers in the spaces provided.

Briefly explain the function of a sensory neuron.

Hebb’s theory of learning and neuronal growth suggests that repeating the same task allows us to develop stronger cell assemblies.

You have been asked to conduct an experiment to investigate Hebb’s theory. You need to do this without the use of brain-scanning techniques.

In your answer, outline the following information:

• a description of the task you will use

• an appropriate hypothesis for your experiment

• the sampling method you will use and a description of how you will carry this out.

Describe the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission.

Discuss whether or not neurotransmitters can be considered to be involved in causing depression.

Outline Hebb’s theory of learning and neuronal growth.

Read the following conversation.

Briefly outline the basic functions of the central division of the human nervous system.

Refer to the conversation to support your answer.

Describe and evaluate the James-Lange theory of emotion.

The psychologist Carol Dweck developed a theory about the way in which our mindset affects learning. Donald Hebb was a neuropsychologist who developed the theory of learning and neuronal growth.

Explain what Dweck means by ‘fixed mindset’ and ‘growth mindset’.

Briefly describe Hebb’s theory.

Discuss whether or not Hebb’s theory supports the idea that having a growth mindset is an advantage when learning.

Briefly describe the fight or flight response and Darwin’s theory of non-verbal communication as evolved and adaptive.

Discuss whether or not the fight or flight response can be used to support Darwin’s theory of non-verbal communication. Use your knowledge of both in your answer.

Which two of the following statements about the James-Lange theory of emotion are correct?

Shade two boxes.

Read the following information.

From the information, identify two examples of situations where sensory neurons would have been involved and identify two examples of situations where motor neurons would have been involved.

Write your answers in the correct boxes.

Complete the following sentence. Shade one box only.

Sensory neurons carry information...

Complete the following sentence. Shade one box only.

Relay neurons carry information…

Outline two differences between the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.

Imagine that one afternoon as you are walking along looking at your phone, you go to cross the road without looking and the driver of a car narrowly avoids you. As you step back onto the safety of the pavement, you realise that your mouth is very dry, you are sweating and your breathing and heart beat are both very fast.

Using your knowledge of the nervous system, explain why you are likely to be experiencing the described physical effects.

Explain how excitation and inhibition are involved in synaptic transmission.

Look at the diagram of the divisions of the human nervous system in Figure 2 and answer the question that follows.

In Figure 2, four divisions of the human nervous system are labelled with the letters A, B, C and D.

Identify each of the divisions by placing the correct letter in the appropriate box in Table 2.

Use each letter only once.

Evaluate the James-Lange theory of emotion.

Neurons are nerve cells that carry messages.

Explain the specific function of a sensory neuron.

Give one example of a situation that would cause the sensory neuron to send a message.

Read the following information.

Use your knowledge of Hebb's theory of learning and neuronal growth to explain Vijay’s behaviour.

Read the following information.

From the information, identify two examples of functions of the autonomic nervous system and two examples of functions of the somatic nervous system.

Write your answers in the correct boxes.

Read the following information.

Table 1: bpm recorded at each point of the roller coaster ride.

Calculate the mean for the participants’ bpm recordings taken 20 minutes before the ride. Show your workings.

What is the median for the participants’ bpm recordings taken when they were halfway through the ride?

Identify the mode for the participants’ bpm recordings taken when the ride had just finished.

Shade one box.

Look at the changes in the heart rates recorded in Table 1. Use your knowledge of the fight or flight response to explain these changes.

Describe and evaluate Hebb’s theory of learning and neuronal growth.