Psychology 2014

[ealam2]

We've just done behaviours not dependent on learning and have started classical conditioning then going to other learning theories. Teacher will be absent for the whole 1st week of term 3 though. 

[Politics]

What kind of information are you guys putting for this dot point on the SD:
–the development of neural pathways including the role of axons, dendrites, synapses and neurotransmitters,
I'm a bit confused cause the information in our textbooks seems to elaborate really heavily on such a seemingly simple point,
Any help would be really appreciated

[AngelWings]

I can't help you with the most updated thing, but what students had to know last year was:

• what the neurons looked like
• how to label them
• what functions each have
• important definitions
• how it relates to learning (if you are up to it)  e.g. pruning, branching

I would double check this first though. Someone confirm this please?

[Michael Scofield]

What is the HPA axis?

[StupidProdigy]

What is the HPA axis?

Hi Michael,
 hpa axis-Hypothalamus activates which stimulates the Pituary gland, hence secreting the stress hormone Adrenalin (and noradrenalin). It is activated in response to the fight or flight system to help cope with stress from what I understand So h-hypothalamus, p-pituary gland, a-adrenalin

[Paulrus]

Hi Michael,
 hpa axis-Hypothalamus activates which stimulates the Pituary gland, hence secreting the stress hormone Adrenalin (and noradrenalin). It is activated in response to the fight or flight system to help cope with stress from what I understand So h-hypothalamus, p-pituary gland, a-adrenalin

this is basically really close, except i think you've missed a step. the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland, which releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (which you can just refer to as ACTH). that hormone then stimulates the adrenal glands (which sit right above the kidneys) to release adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. so the A in HPA actually refers to the adrenal glands.
you're right about fight or flight though - the three hormones released by the adrenal glands help prepare us to deal with a threat in a fight or flight scenario by basically boosting the activity of the sympathetic nervous system 
_{wow i kinda miss psych}

[Frozone]

this is basically really close, except i think you've missed a step. the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland, which releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (which you can just refer to as ACTH). that hormone then stimulates the adrenal glands (which sit right above the kidneys) to release adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. so the A in HPA actually refers to the adrenal glands.
you're right about fight or flight though - the three hormones released by the adrenal glands help prepare us to deal with a threat in a fight or flight scenario by basically boosting the activity of the sympathetic nervous system 
_{wow i kinda miss psych}

Oh wow, i didnt even know hpa was on the study design! 

[Frozone]

Does anybody have a simple definition of allostasis?

[Paulrus]

Does anybody have a simple definition of allostasis?

i used to use something along the lines of 'the process by which the body attempts to maintain a stable physiological environment by adapting in the face of stressors'. it's a bit wordy but it covers all the main points to make sure you get the marks, so it's a useful one to remember.

[#J.Procrastinator]

Does anybody have a simple definition of allostasis?

Allostasis is a process which seeks to achieve physiological and or psychological stability through behavioural changes. It helps the body adapt or adjust to internal or external demands/changes. This is so the human body can continue to function efficiently during variable states such as hot/cold or when your body is in a state of rest or exercise.

For example, if you were exercising and you begin to dehydrate your body will respond to this by excreting sweat from your body in order to reduce the level f heat contained in the body. Allostasis is quit similar to homeostasis in that they both aim to achieve or establish a stable environment.

Homeo* = stable
Allo* = variable
Stasis* = a state or equilibrium or inactivity

Hope this helps!

[Frozone]

Would anyone happen to have a more simplified example of allostasis? I'm really struggling with finding an easy example.

[StupidProdigy]

Would anyone happen to have a more simplified example of allostasis? I'm really struggling with finding an easy example.

I haven't actually gotten this far in the course yet, but, just looking at the book I have it basically says that allostasis is 'the process of acheiving stability (through physiological or behavioural change)'. So for example a persons heart rate over the course of a day, how it changes to control extreme or minor situations, like running or sitting in class. Sorry that might not be very helpful as I'm not completely sure what I'm talking about hahah

[Paulrus]

Would anyone happen to have a more simplified example of allostasis? I'm really struggling with finding an easy example.

i think our teacher told us to picture being trapped on an island with not much to eat. as a result of you eating less, your appetite will get smaller over time so that your hunger level is kind of stabilised and you don't feel as hungry.

[sparkatrine]

Hi everyone!
I just have a quick question for my folio learning SAC.
One of the activities is a video of a woman overcoming her fear of birds and feathers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMZ5o2uruXY
I was wondering whether this classifies as gradual exposure or flooding? My teacher can't tell me and all my friends have different answers!

Thanks in advance!

[Fayne]

I quickly looked up both gradual exposure and flooding to make sure and used the definitions as a reference. I would say gradual exposure because to me even though it seems full force, the feather gradually gets closer to her until she touches it and finally calms down.