Genetic and Environmental Influences and Our Behavior Kimberly
Genetic and Environmental Influences and Our Behavior Kimberly Zehler EDU 417: Cognitive Studies Capstone Instructor: Dr. Savarese October 16, 2016
Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, Serotonin, and, Acetylcholine. ▪ Dopamine has various different roles when it comes to brain function, however, according to Wolfe (2010), its two main roles are to “control conscious motor activity and to enhance pleasurable feelings in the brain’s reward system” (pg. 840, para 7). ▪ Serotonin is known as a mood enhancer, but unlike dopamine, serotonin affects mood in a calming manner, rather than by stimulating (Wolfe, 2010). ▪ Acetylcholine is “the only major neurotransmitter that is not derived directly from an amino acid” (Wolfe, 2010, pg, 876, para 4). Additionally, acetylcholine has both excitatory abilities, and it can also be an inhibitor. Use With Permission From Creative Commons.
Dopamine Its Role in Learning and Memory ▪ The key to dopamine is having the right amount of it! Not too much, and not too little. ▪ Dopamine fuels working memory. ▪ Working memory is “in the now”, and is used for many of the activities or processes we use in everyday life, such as math and decision making. Working memory is often going based off of past experiences as well. For example, depending on how a situation panned out in a previous instance, we learn from that and our working memory plays a role in how we approach a similar situation the next time. ▪ Dopamine levels are typically low early on in adolescent development. This is critical information, as dopamine is necessary for focusing attention, and when “a goal is not obvious, reflection (not impulse) is necessary to make a good decision” (Wolfe, 2010, pg. 1215, para 3). ▪ Low dopamine levels have been found to be a reason for depression.
Serotonin Its Role in Learning and Memory ▪ “Serotonin is the neurotransmitter associated with mood, memory, and attention. Those with little flexibility typically are lower in serotonin. Studies show that cognitive inflexibility is typical after prefrontal serotonin depletion” (Fischer, Immordino-Yang, & , 2008, pg. 399, para 2). ▪ Serotonin, along with an increase in dopamine, have been found to improve cognition, especially when it comes to “better processing speed and attention” (Fischer, Immordino. Yang, & , 2008, pg. 399, para 2). Use With Permission From Creative Commons.
Acetylcholine Its Role in Learning and Memory ▪ Acetylcholine plays an important role in sustaining attention. ▪ Known to have a significant effect on encoding new memories. ▪ According to a study published in 1993, acetylcholine plays “an important role in the cognitive functions of attention, discrimination and short-term memory” (Liu & Su, 1993, para 1). Use With Permission From Creative Commons.
Movement (Exercise) On Learning and Neuroplasticity ▪ Exercise increases oxygen flow to the bloodstream (Wolfe, 2010) ▪ “Triggers the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which, in turn stimulates neural growth and learning” (Cozolino, 2008 as cited in Wolfe, 2010, pg. 1321, para 3). ▪ Including movement exercises throughout the day provides “brain breaks” for students. These small activities increase oxygen flow to the brain and allow children to work off any excess energy. “Studies have shown that exercise enhances student learning and positively impacts students’ emotional and physical well-being” (Wolfe, 2010, pg. 1321).
Sleep On Learning and Neuroplasticity ▪ When we sleep, our neural connections are strengthened. During this time, the hippocampus and the neocortex are communicating with each other, resulting in a higher likelihood that information will be retained (Wolfe, 2010). ▪ REM sleep benefits the merging of skills and habits, while non-REM sleep seems to be more beneficial to the retention of facts and concepts (Wolfe, 2010). ▪ Lack of sleep in young children has been found to be associated with poor academic performance.
Nutrition On Learning and Neuroplasticity • Studies have shown that nutrition is directly correlated to brain development and function. • In 1989, a study was completed in an attempt to find link between nutrition and academic performance. Results of the study were: • Students who received adequate nutrition, beginning the day with a nutritious breakfast, scored significantly higher on standardized tests. Additionally, these students also showed academic improvement in math, reading, and vocabulary, compared to those students who did not have breakfast or those students whose breakfast was of little nutrition (Wolfe, 2010). • A subsequent study conducted a few years later, showed students who ate cereal that is rich in complex carbohydrates (in comparison to students who received no breakfast or a glucose drink), showed “improved attention, working memory, and episodic memory” (Wesnes, Pincock, Richardson, Helm, & Hails, 2003 as cited in Wolfe, 2010, pg. 1423, para 1).
Technology On Learning and Neuroplasticity The technology debate continues to have conflicting views on whether exposure tends to have positive or negative impacts on learning. Potential Positive Impacts ▪ Higher-level thinking can possibly be increased by the complexity of modern television shows. ▪ Studies have shown that video games that require cooperation can have a positive impact on everyday life when children use these skills in other situations. ▪ Educational games can help focus on critical skills. Potential Negative Impacts ▪ Prolonged television use has been linked to obesity. ▪ Violent content in video games has become a concern, as studies have shown that repeated exposure to this type of material results in “aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviors” (Anderson 2004; Gentile & Gentile, 2008 as cited in Wolfe, 2010, pg. 1458, para 6). Furthermore, emotional responses have been found to be suppressed.
References Fischer , K. W. , Immordino-Yang, M. H. , & , (2008). The Jossey-Bass reader on the brain and learning. (1 st ed. ). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Liu, J. L. , & Su, S. N. (1993). The role of acetylcholine in the cognitive function of frontal neurons in monkeys. Science in China. Series B, Chemistry, life sciences & earth sciences, 36(12), 1510. Mandal, A. (2016). Dopamine Functions. Retrieved on October 17, 2016 from http: //www. newsmedical. net/health/Dopamine-Functions. aspx Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom practice. (2 nd ed. ). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.
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