1. BLO #6. Using one or more examples, explain the effects of neurotransmission on human behavior.

2. Preparing for an LO Identify all key terms in essay prompt
Consider other command term possibilities
Be prepared to answer a narrower prompt

3. Step One Explain the process of neurotransmission
Select two examples (neurotransmitters)
explain the effects they can have on behavior.
Cite a relevant research study for each neurotransmitter

4. Step Two
Be prepared for other command terms that may take the place of explain in the LO:
Define
Describe
Outline
State
Analyze
Apply
Distinguish

5. Be prepared to answer a narrower question
Step Three
Be prepared to answer a narrower question
Ex. Explain one example of the effect of neurotransmission on behavior.

6. Neurotransmitter #1:Serotonin
Serotonin is responsible for sleep, arousal, and emotion.

7. Effects on Behavior
Low serotonin levels can result in anxiety, depression, low impulse control, aggression, insomnia, and hunger

8. Meditation & Serotonin Research Study (Kasamatsu and Harai, 1999)

9. AIM of the study
To see how sensory deprivation affects the brain by measuring the serotonin levels in a group of Buddhist Monks during a pilgrimage

10. Procedures of the study
Researchers took blood samples of a group of Buddhist monks immediately before a 72-hour pilgrimage to a holy mountain in Japan.
During this time they did not eat, drink, speak or sleep. They were also exposed to the cold weather.
After about 48 hours they began hallucinating.
At this point, researchers again took blood samples for comparison.

11. Results of the study
Serotonin levels in the monks had significantly increased due to the sensory deprivation
These higher levels of serotonin, in turn, triggered hallucinations

12. The Buddhist Monks were able to change the way they experienced the world through a conscious choice to deprive their senses.

13. Neurotransmitter #2: Acetylcholine
Linked to memory and muscle contractions

14. Effects on Behavior
Low levels of acetylcholine may inhibit certain types of memory and contractions of large muscles including the heart

15. The Rat Maze Study
Martinez and Kesner (1991)

16. AIM
To determine the role of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, on memory

17. PROCEDURE
Rats were trained to go through a maze and get to the end, where they received food.
Once the rats were able to do this, they were injected with scopolamine which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites.
This decreased the availability of acetylcholine.
A second group of rats was then injected with physostigmine, which blocks the production of cholinesterase which soaks up the extra acetylcholine from the synapse.
The third group, the control group, were not given any injections.

18. RESULTS
The first group (lowest levels of acetylcholine) was the slowest.
The physostigmine group (highest level of acetylcholine)was the fastest
This indicated that acetylcholine played a role in creating a memory of the maze

19. More Acetylcholine Research
Another interesting fact is that research has shown that certain brain cells that produce acetylcholine are damaged in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
*The exact role of acetylcholine in Alzheimers is unknown.

20. Criticisms/Concerns These studies are reductionist
The process of neurotransmission is very complex
Much is still unknown about neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters can be measured in the blood, but not the living brain