AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

OLDER BRAIN STRUCTURES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Stimulation of the amygdala is most likely to have which of the following effects?
A
happiness
B
aggression
C
hunger
D
loss of balance
E
dreaming
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Stimulation of the amygdala causes intense emotion, such as aggression or fear.

Detailed explanation-2: -Aggression is controlled in large part by the area in the older part of the brain known as the amygdala (Figure 9.5, “Key Brain Structures Involved in Regulating and Inhibiting Aggression”). The amygdala is a brain region responsible for regulating our perceptions of, and reactions to, aggression and fear.

Detailed explanation-3: -A study by Reis and Gunne (1965) found that electrically stimulating the amygdala of cats caused sham rage, which resulted in a decrease in the presence of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Detailed explanation-4: -The amygdala can be stimulated when faced with a perceived threat. If in a threatening situation, the amygdala will send information to other parts of the brain to prepare the body to either face the situation, or to get away from it.

Detailed explanation-5: -The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for this reaction. When a person feels stressed or afraid, the amygdala releases stress hormones that prepare the body to fight the threat or flee from the danger. Common emotions that trigger this response include fear, anger, anxiety, and aggression.

There is 1 question to complete.