Neurobehavioural Science Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Neurobehavioural Science - Assignment Example The assignment "Neurobehavioural Science" analyzes the article which provides an overview of the study by UT Southwestern Medical Center in which the researchers tried to ascertain the link between hunger hormone ghrelin and increased intake of high calorie and high-fat foods in times of stress. This article helps to explain the cause of increased eating and subsequent obesity in those subjected to psychosocial stress. The study was performed on animal models, mice and the results of the study extended to human beings. Ghrelin is a hormone that is released from the gastrointestinal tract and the hormone sends hunger signals to the brain making the individual eat food. In the past, it has been shown that ghrelin levels elevate during chronic stress and elevation of the hormone levels lead to decreased anxiety and depression. In the mice models used in the study, it was found that raised ghrelin levels during stress led to increased body weight secondary to overeating. This clue helps in the prevention of obesity in those who are suffering from stress. The article elaborates as to how the study was conducted, how the mouse model was developed and also how they have subjected to stress. A mouse model was developed for the determination of hormones and also to ascertain the parts of the brain that may be playing a role in the control of eating behaviors that are more complex, especially those secondary to stress, which leads to eating of comfort foods that are rich in high calories and high fats.

Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Psychology - Essay Example There is an innate urge to acquire satisfaction at the physical and physiological levels. The physical needs of humans are to acquire adequate shelter, food, clothes, education, health, and prosperity. The psychological needs seek to acquire independence and autonomy through the development of various competencies and skills (Bridges, 2004). The humanistic approach argues that individuals strive to use their experiences and circumstances to develop particular beliefs and values. Self development occurs when the individual is able to have confidence in personal feelings and qualities. It is the natural desire of human beings to achieve contentment and realization so that objectives can be met. The formative years help children to develop behaviors and actions that are taken from parents, siblings, friends, and teachers (Bohart, 2001). The child desires to have recognition and appeal so that an inner satisfaction can be generated. Rogers argued that the gaps between the ideal and real conditions create psychological problems. These problems can hinder the mental and physical development of individuals. It creates obstacles that prevent the individual from achieving contentment and satisfaction in life. Implicit memory is a term used to describe the subconscious motivation that helps in the accomplishment of goals and objectives. The subconscious process is guided through individual experiences in a systematic and logical manner. Implicit memory seeks to understand the intrinsic and innate processes that help human beings to perform tasks in an efficient and effective manner (Roediger, 2003). It can be empirically analyzed and assessed by using a psychological technique called priming. This technique introduces test subjects to specific incentives and motivators. The stimulus can either be visual, auditory, or imaginary but it produces the desired result. An individual will be able to perform a task using subconscious processes. This strategy helps individuals in developing a number of skills and competencies. A number of tasks can utilize implicit memory that is beneficial for human beings. The process of reverse reading or completing jigsaw puzzles is examples of implicit memory (Chun, 2000). The individual uses subconscious experiences in order to accomplish such tasks. Other tasks could include processes that require the intricate analysis and assessment of new problems. Explicit memory requires the use of conscious in order to complete certain tasks. It requires high levels of awareness and perception in order to achieve the desired results. However implicit memory utilizes subconscious memories and processes to complete tasks. Reber argued that implicit memory can help individuals to gain satisfaction and contentment with the surrounding environment. It can play a crucial role in the acquisition of complex skills and competencies (Chun & Phelps, 2000). Change Blindness Change blindness refers to situations in which individuals cannot identify modifications and alterations in the visual environment. Barriers and obstacles retard the ability of the human eye to accurately monitor changes in the environment. Visual short term memory (VSTM) can induce change blindness in a number of ways. The human being might make a visual error by failing to accurately record the changes in the en