1. Chapter 1:
Origins of Behavioral Neuroscience
Learning Objectives:
1.Describe the behavior of people with split brains and
explain what study of this phenomenon contributes to
our understanding of self-awareness
2.Describe the goals of scientific research
3.Describe the biological roots of behavioral neuroscience
4.Describe the role of natural selection in the evolution of
behavioral traits
5.Describe the evolution of the human species
6.Discuss the value of research on animals and ethical
issues concerning their care
2. The Brain
"If the brain were so simple we could understand
it, we would be so simple we couldn't.”
-- Lyall Watson
The Colbert Report, Febuary 8, 2007
◦ Stephen Colbert: “How does the brain work?
Five words or less.”
◦ Steven Pinker: “Brain cells fire in patterns.”
3. Behavioral Neuroscience
Understanding consciousness through
physiological processes
Consciousness
◦ Awareness of one’s own thoughts, perceptions,
memories and feelings
◦ Ability to communicate this awareness
Necessary?
4.
5. Split Brain
Corpus Callosum
◦ Large bundle of fibers
that connects contra-
lateral brain regions
Split brain operation
◦ Surgically severing the
corpus callosum
7. Nature of Behavioral Neuroscience
Combination of the experimental methods
of psychology and physiology used to
address questions of interest to all
psychologists.
9. Roots of Behavioral Neuroscience
Model
◦ Mathematical or physical analogy for a
physiological process
Descartes’ Theory: fluid movement
Luigi Galvani: electrical stimulation
Johannes Müller: experimental techniques
◦ Doctrine of specific nerve energies
10. Roots of Behavioral Neuroscience
Doctrine of specific nerve energies:
◦ Sensory information must be specified by the
particular nerve fibers that are active because all
nerve fibers carry and electrical impulse.
Experimental Ablation
◦ Function of a part of the brain is inferred by
observing changes and deficits in after that part
of the brain is damaged
11. Natural Selection and Evolution
Natural selection
◦ Not survival of the fittest
◦ Inherited traits provide a selective advantage
and therefore become more prevalent
Selective advantage: increase an organism’s likelihood
to live and reproduce
Mutation
◦ Change in genetic information which can be
passed on to offspring
◦ Results in genetic variability
12. Functionalism
Functionalism
◦ The principle that the best way to
understand a biological phenomenon (a
behavior or a physiological process) is to try
to understand its useful functions for the
organism.
Does this characteristic provide a
selective advantage?
13. Evolution of Large Brains
Neoteny: slowing of the process of
maturation, allowing more time for growth
Brain continues to grow after birth
◦ Full size not reached until late adolescence
14. Research with Animals
Using one species to benefit another
◦ Must be humane and worthwhile
Strictly regulated
◦ Review boards
◦ Ethical Standards
Treating research animals poorly, is bad
science
