Biological Bases of Social Behavior (8C) - Psych & Soc

What is negative feedback in endocrine regulation?

Rising hormone levels inhibit upstream release to restore set point. This mechanism maintains homeostasis by having end-product hormones signal back to reduce further secretion from the hypothalamus and pituitary.
What is the prefrontal cortex's key function in regulating social behavior?

Top-down control of impulses, emotion, and social decision-making. Executive control region that inhibits inappropriate social responses.
What is the mirror neuron system most associated with in social cognition?

Action understanding and imitation; supports empathy. Fire when observing and performing same actions.
What is dopamine generally associated with in social behavior?

Reward, motivation, and reinforcement of social behavior. Mediates pleasure from social interactions and drives social seeking.
What is the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) most associated with in social cognition?

Theory of mind and perspective-taking about others' beliefs. Critical for understanding others' mental states and intentions.
What is the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axis primarily responsible for?

Fast fight-or-flight via epinephrine/norepinephrine release. Rapid stress response through adrenal medulla catecholamines.
What is the primary social-behavior role of serotonin in the brain?

Mood regulation and inhibition of impulsive aggression. Low levels linked to increased impulsive aggression.
What is the "tend-and-befriend" response and which hormone is most associated with it?

Affiliative stress response; most associated with oxytocin. Social support seeking under stress, especially in females.
What hormone is the primary end product of the HPA axis during stress responses?

Cortisol. Glucocorticoid released from adrenal cortex during stress.
What is the amygdala's primary role in social behavior and emotion processing?

Threat/fear salience and emotional learning in social cues. Processes fear-relevant social stimuli and emotional associations.
Which option best matches the brain area to function: TPJ → ?

Theory of mind and perspective taking. TPJ processes others' beliefs and intentions.
What is the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) most associated with in social behavior?

Emotion-guided judgment and social decision-making. This region integrates emotional information with cognitive processes to guide moral and social choices, as evidenced by lesion studies.
What is oxytocin most commonly associated with in social behavior?

Bonding, trust, and affiliative behavior. Neuropeptide that promotes social attachment and prosocial behavior.
What does damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex most classically impair?

Emotion-guided decision making and social judgment. Integrates emotions with reasoning for social decisions.
What is the HPA axis pathway for the physiological stress response?

Hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex (cortisol release). Stress triggers cascade ending in cortisol release.
What is the key function of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) in social cognition?

Theory of mind and perspective taking. Integrates information to understand others' perspectives.
What is the HPA axis pathway for stress signaling (in order)?

Hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex. Stress activates CRH → ACTH → cortisol release.
What is theory of mind (mentalizing) in the context of social behavior?

Attributing beliefs, intentions, and emotions to others. Enables understanding others' mental states for social interaction.
What is the hypothalamus's key role in social behavior and motivation?

Regulates drives: sex, aggression, and endocrine control. Links limbic system to hormonal responses for basic drives.
What is cortisol's primary function in stress responses relevant to social behavior?

HPA-axis stress hormone that mobilizes energy and arousal. Released by adrenal cortex during stress.
What is the primary social-behavioral effect of testosterone?

Increases dominance-related behavior and competitive aggression. Linked to status-seeking and competitive behaviors.
What is the fusiform face area's key function in social perception?

Facial recognition and processing facial identity. Specialized for distinguishing individual faces.
What is the superior temporal sulcus (STS) commonly linked to in social perception?

Biological motion and gaze/intent inference from movement. Detects social cues from body movements and eye gaze direction.
What is dopamine's main role in social behavior and motivation?

Reward, reinforcement learning, and incentive salience. Mediates motivation for social rewards and learning.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with reward prediction and reinforcement learning?

Dopamine. In the mesolimbic pathway, it signals anticipated rewards, driving motivation and learning from social reinforcements like approval.
Identify the concept: helping behavior that increases the survival of genetic relatives.

Kin selection. Altruism toward relatives preserves shared genes.
What is the HPA axis (name the pathway) and what does it regulate?

Hypothalamus→pituitary→adrenal; regulates stress response (cortisol). This axis activates in response to stressors, leading to glucocorticoid release that mobilizes energy and modulates immune function.
What hormone is the primary glucocorticoid released by the adrenal cortex in humans?

Cortisol. As the main stress hormone in humans, it is secreted by the adrenal cortex to regulate metabolism and suppress inflammation during prolonged stress.
What is vasopressin most associated with in social behavior?

Pair bonding and social aggression/territoriality. Structurally similar to oxytocin with distinct social functions.
What is the fusiform face area (FFA) primarily responsible for?

Face perception and facial identity processing. Specialized region in fusiform gyrus for recognizing faces.
What is the most specific role of the ventromedial PFC in social cognition?

Value-based social decision-making and emotion regulation. Integrates emotional value with social choices.
What is testosterone's most test-relevant association in social behavior questions?

Dominance-related and competitive/aggressive behaviors (context-dependent). This androgen influences status-seeking and agonistic interactions, with effects varying based on social context and individual differences.
What is the primary role of serotonin in social behavior and aggression?

Inhibits impulsive aggression; modulates mood and social behavior. Low levels associated with increased impulsive aggression.
Which neurotransmitter system is most implicated when social behavior is reinforced by reward?

Dopaminergic (mesolimbic) pathways. Social rewards activate the same pathways as drugs and food.
What is the defining feature of a pheromone in social communication?

A chemical signal released by one individual that affects others. Triggers behavioral/physiological responses without conscious awareness.
What is oxytocin most commonly linked to in social behavior?

Bonding, trust, and affiliative behavior. Neuropeptide that promotes social attachment.
What is testosterone most commonly associated with in social behavior?

Dominance-related behavior and aggression. Androgen hormone that increases competitive and aggressive behaviors.
What is the main difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?

Sympathetic arouses; parasympathetic restores baseline. Opposing functions maintain homeostasis.
What is the main social function of the amygdala in human behavior?

Threat detection and emotional salience, especially fear and aggression. Processes emotional stimuli and triggers fear/aggression responses.
What is the insula commonly associated with in social and emotional processing?

Interoception and disgust; empathy for others' pain. Processes internal bodily sensations and emotional awareness.
What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex in social behavior?

Executive control and regulation of social/emotional responses. Top-down control inhibits inappropriate social behaviors.
What is the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) most associated with in social cognition?

Theory of mind and attributing others' mental states. Critical for understanding others' beliefs and intentions.
What is the primary role of the mirror neuron system in social behavior?

Linking observed actions to motor representations; supports imitation/empathy. Neurons fire both when performing and observing actions.
What is the amygdala's primary role in social-emotional processing?

Detects salience/threat; supports fear learning and emotion processing. As part of the limbic system, it evaluates emotional significance of stimuli, facilitating conditioned fear responses crucial for social survival.
Identify the concept: preferences that increase an organism's reproductive success become more common.

Natural selection. Traits enhancing survival and reproduction spread through populations.
What is testosterone most associated with in social behavior research?

Dominance-related behavior and aggression modulation. Higher levels correlate with competitive behaviors.
What is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) commonly associated with in social contexts?

Conflict monitoring and social pain (rejection-related distress). Detects conflicts and processes social exclusion as physical pain.
What is the superior temporal sulcus (STS) most associated with in social perception?

Biological motion and interpreting gaze/intentions. Detects social cues from body movement and eye direction.
What is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) commonly linked to in social behavior studies?

Social pain, conflict monitoring, and error detection. Activates when social rejection mimics physical pain.
What is vasopressin most commonly associated with in social behavior?

Pair bonding and social territorial aggression. Related to oxytocin but more linked to mate guarding and defense.
What is the key behavioral association of oxytocin in social contexts?

Bonding and affiliation; increases social approach/trust. "Love hormone" promotes prosocial behaviors.
What is the function of epinephrine in the stress response?

Rapid sympathetic arousal: increases heart rate, blood glucose. Released from the adrenal medulla, it triggers acute physiological changes to prepare the body for immediate action in threatening situations.
What is the fusiform face area (FFA) specialized for?

Facial recognition and face processing. Contains neurons that respond specifically to faces.
What is the primary social-behavior role of norepinephrine in the brain?

Arousal, vigilance, and attention to salient stimuli. Enhances focus on socially relevant information.
What is oxytocin most associated with in human social behavior?

Bonding, trust, and affiliation (context-dependent effects). Often called the "love hormone" but effects vary by context.
What is the primary function of the amygdala in social behavior?

Threat detection and emotional salience (especially fear/aggression). Processes emotional significance and triggers fear responses.
What is meant by the "fight-or-flight" response and which system mediates it?

Acute arousal response mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Prepares body for immediate threat response.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system supports "fight-or-flight" in social threat?

Sympathetic nervous system. Activates during perceived threats for rapid response.
What is testosterone typically associated with in social and affective behavior?

Dominance-related behavior and aggression (context-dependent). Effects depend on social context and individual differences.
What is dopamine generally associated with in social behavior?

Reward, reinforcement learning, and motivation. Released during rewarding social interactions.
What is the primary social-cognitive function of the fusiform face area (FFA)?

Facial recognition and processing of facial identity. Specialized for distinguishing individual faces.
What is the primary role of dopamine in social behavior?

Reinforcement learning and motivation for rewarding social stimuli. Signals reward prediction and motivates social approach.
What is the primary social effect of oxytocin in humans?

Facilitates bonding and trust; enhances affiliative behavior. Released during social bonding to promote prosocial behaviors.
What is the prefrontal cortex's main function in social behavior?

Executive control and regulation of social/emotional responses. Top-down control inhibits inappropriate social behaviors.
What is the amygdala's primary role in social behavior and emotion processing?

Threat detection and fear/aggression-related social cues. Processes emotional salience of faces and social threats.
What is the primary social-cognitive function of the superior temporal sulcus (STS)?

Perception of biological motion, gaze direction, and social intentions. Detects social cues from body language and eye movements.
What is the hypothalamus most directly responsible for in social behavior?

Homeostasis and drives; coordinates endocrine responses. Links nervous and endocrine systems for behavioral drives.
Which hormone is most directly tied to immediate fight-or-flight effects: cortisol or epinephrine?

Epinephrine. It acts quickly via the sympathetic nervous system to elevate physiological arousal for short-term survival threats.
What is the primary social-cognitive role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)?

Executive control of social behavior (planning, inhibition, judgment). Regulates impulses and complex social decision-making.
What is the primary social effect of vasopressin in humans?

Supports pair-bonding and social attachment; linked to aggression. Promotes monogamous bonding but can increase territorial aggression.
What neurotransmitter is most directly involved in arousal and vigilance relevant to social stress?

Norepinephrine. Activates sympathetic nervous system during social threats.
What is the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) most associated with in social cognition?

Theory of mind and perspective taking. Allows understanding others' mental states.
What is the key behavioral association of vasopressin in social contexts?

Social bonding and pair-bonding; can increase aggression. Promotes territoriality and mate-guarding behaviors.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with aggression and impulsivity modulation?

Serotonin. Low levels linked to increased aggression and poor impulse control.
What is the main effect of vasopressin on social behavior that is commonly tested on the MCAT?

Facilitates social bonding and pair-bonding; can increase aggression/territoriality. ADH analog that modulates social memory and mate guarding.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with arousal and vigilance in many MCAT passages?

Norepinephrine. It enhances alertness and attention to environmental cues, supporting adaptive responses in stressful or novel social situations.
What is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) most associated with in social behavior?

Cognitive control of impulses and norm-guided behavior. Executive control region that inhibits inappropriate social responses.
What is the correct sequence of the HPA axis from hypothalamus to adrenal output?

CRH ACTH cortisol. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cascade for stress response.
What is the primary role of serotonin in social behavior regulation?

Modulates mood and impulsive aggression. Low levels linked to increased reactive aggression.
What is the primary effect of cortisol on social behavior under stress?

Stress hormone that biases vigilance and can impair social cognition. Chronic elevation disrupts prefrontal regulation.
What hormone is most associated with pair bonding and parental behaviors in many mammals?

Vasopressin. Also known as antidiuretic hormone, it promotes monogamous bonding and protective parental responses in animal models.
What is the most specific role of the dorsolateral PFC in social behavior?

Cognitive control and regulation of impulses in social contexts. Maintains goal-directed behavior despite social distractions.
What hormone is most associated with pair bonding, trust, and affiliation behaviors?

Oxytocin. "Love hormone" promotes social bonding and prosocial behaviors.
What is the hypothalamus's key role in social behavior and motivation?

Drives basic motivated behaviors and endocrine control. Links nervous and endocrine systems for homeostasis.
What is the prefrontal cortex's key role in regulating social behavior?

Executive control: inhibits impulses and supports decision-making. It oversees higher-order functions like planning and self-regulation, modulating impulsive reactions in interpersonal settings.
Which endocrine gland releases cortisol: adrenal medulla or adrenal cortex?

Adrenal cortex. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, is produced in the outer layer of the adrenal gland as part of the sustained stress response.
Identify the concept: selection that favors traits increasing mating success, even if costly to survival.

Sexual selection. Evolution of traits that attract mates despite survival costs.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system supports "rest-and-digest" and calming?

Parasympathetic nervous system. Promotes social engagement and recovery from stress.
What is the main effect of oxytocin on social behavior that is commonly tested on the MCAT?

Promotes social bonding, trust, and attachment-related behaviors. Released during childbirth/nursing; enhances in-group favoritism.
What is cortisol's primary role in the stress response relevant to behavior?

Mobilizes energy and modulates arousal/attention. Increases glucose availability and heightens alertness.
What is the primary social-behavioral effect of cortisol release?

Mediates stress response; can increase vigilance and withdrawal. Chronic elevation impairs social cognition and increases anxiety.
What is the key distinction between kin selection and reciprocal altruism?

Kin selection: helps relatives; reciprocal altruism: helps nonkin with expected return. Kin share genes; reciprocal requires future benefit.
What is the hippocampus's primary function relevant to social behavior research?

Formation of declarative memories, including contextual information. It encodes episodic memories with spatial and temporal details, supporting recall of social experiences for adaptive behavior.
What is the definition of inclusive fitness in evolutionary explanations of social behavior?

Total genetic success via own offspring plus aiding relatives' reproduction. Maximizes gene copies through direct and indirect means.
What hormone is most associated with social dominance motivation and aggression-linked behaviors?

Testosterone. Androgen that increases competitive and status-seeking behaviors.
What is the primary social function of the insula?

Interoception and disgust/empathy-related affective processing. Processes bodily sensations linked to social emotions.
What is the key social function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)?

Conflict monitoring and social pain (rejection-related distress). Activates when detecting conflicts and experiencing social exclusion.
What is the mirror neuron system hypothesized to support in social behavior?

Imitation and understanding others' actions. Neurons fire both when performing and observing actions.
What is the primary social function of the amygdala in human behavior?

Processing emotional salience, especially fear and threat-related social cues. Rapidly detects threats to trigger fight-or-flight responses.
What neurotransmitter is most associated with mood regulation and impulse control?

Serotonin. It modulates neural circuits involved in emotional stability and behavioral inhibition, influencing aggression and social withdrawal.
Which brain region is most implicated if a patient shows poor theory of mind on social tasks?

Temporoparietal junction (TPJ). TPJ damage impairs ability to infer others' mental states.
What is the definition of a hormone in biopsychology?

A blood-borne chemical messenger released by endocrine glands. Hormones travel via circulation to distant target cells, modulating functions like reproduction, stress, and social interactions over extended periods.
Which brain structure is most critical for forming new explicit (declarative) memories?

Hippocampus. Damage causes anterograde amnesia.
What is the primary role of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in social behavior?

Value-based decision-making and emotion regulation in social contexts. Integrates emotional and value information for social choices.
What is the core claim of the "tend-and-befriend" model of stress responding?

Stress can promote affiliative caregiving and social support seeking. Alternative to fight-or-flight, especially in females.
What is the definition of the endocrine system in relation to behavior?

Hormone-secreting glands that regulate physiology and behavior. It comprises glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to influence metabolic processes, stress responses, and social behaviors.
What is the mirror neuron system proposed to support in social behavior?

Action understanding and imitation-based empathy. Neurons fire both when performing and observing actions.
What is the primary function of the amygdala in social behavior?

Emotional salience, especially fear/threat processing. Processes emotional significance and triggers fear responses.
What is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) commonly linked to in social neuroscience?

Conflict monitoring and affective component of pain (including social pain). It detects discrepancies in expected outcomes and processes emotional distress, including empathy for others' pain in social scenarios.
What is the sympathoadrenal (SAM) pathway's main hormonal output in acute stress?

Epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. Fight-or-flight response releases catecholamines rapidly.
Which hormone is most directly associated with uterine contractions and milk letdown?

Oxytocin. Produced by the posterior pituitary, it stimulates smooth muscle contractions essential for labor and lactation in reproductive physiology.
What is cortisol's primary role relevant to social behavior?

Physiologic stress response influencing social reactivity. Stress hormone that affects social approach/withdrawal behaviors.
What is the primary effect of testosterone on social behavior?

Increases dominance-related behavior and competitive/aggressive responding. Correlates with status-seeking and reduced empathy.
What is the key difference between endocrine signaling and synaptic neural signaling?

Endocrine: slower, longer-lasting; synaptic: faster, brief, local. Endocrine signals diffuse broadly via bloodstream for sustained effects, while synaptic transmission uses neurotransmitters for rapid, targeted neural communication.
What is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) most associated with in social behavior?

Conflict monitoring and social pain/distress processing. Detects conflicts and registers social rejection as pain.
What is the primary function of mirror neurons in social cognition?

Support action understanding via observation-execution matching. Fire both when performing and observing actions.
What is the primary social function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC)?

Executive control of social behavior (planning, inhibition, decision-making). Overrides automatic responses for appropriate social conduct.
Identify the endocrine pathway: Hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex → cortisol.

HPA axis. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis mediates stress response.
What is the primary social-behavior role of dopamine in the brain?

Reward, reinforcement learning, and motivation. Reinforces rewarding social interactions.
What is serotonin generally associated with in social behavior regulation?

Mood and impulse control; low levels linked to aggression. Deficiency associated with impulsivity and reactive aggression.
Identify the concept: increased aggression after observing a violent model due to learning.

Social learning (observational learning/modeling). Bandura's concept of learning through observation.
What is the hypothalamus most directly responsible for in social behavior biology?

Drives and endocrine control (e.g., sex, aggression, HPA axis). Links nervous and endocrine systems for behavioral regulation.
What is the fusiform face area (FFA) specialized for in social perception?

Facial recognition and face-specific visual processing. Contains neurons that respond specifically to faces.
Identify the correct sequence of the HPA axis after a stressor: hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal.

Hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex. Stress signals CRH from hypothalamus to anterior pituitary (ACTH), then to adrenal cortex for cortisol release in the HPA cascade.
What is the primary role of dopamine in social behavior and affiliation?

Reward learning and motivation for social interaction. Reinforces social interactions through reward pathways.
Which brain region is most directly implicated if a patient cannot recognize familiar faces?

Fusiform face area (fusiform gyrus). Prosopagnosia results from damage to this face-processing region.
Which brain region is most classically tied to face recognition important for social behavior?

Fusiform face area (fusiform gyrus). Specialized for processing facial features.
What is the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) most associated with in social behavior?

Emotion regulation and value-based social decision making. Integrates emotional and social information for decision-making.
Which brain region is most associated with reward processing that reinforces social bonding?

Ventral striatum (including nucleus accumbens). Part of reward circuit activated by social rewards.
What is theory of mind (ToM) in the context of social cognition?

Attributing mental states to self and others. Understanding others have different thoughts/beliefs.
Which hormone is most associated with social bonding and trust-related behaviors on the MCAT?

Oxytocin. It facilitates affiliative behaviors by enhancing empathy and reducing fear in social contexts, as shown in trust game experiments.
Which pattern best describes a typical sex difference in aggression type?

Males: more physical; females: more relational/indirect aggression. Testosterone influences physical aggression more in males.
What is the most test-relevant social behavior association of testosterone?

Dominance-related behavior and aggression propensity. Higher levels correlate with competitive behaviors.
What is reciprocal altruism in evolutionary explanations of social behavior?

Helping others with expectation of future return benefits. Evolved strategy where cooperation benefits both parties over time.
What is the primary function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in social behavior?

Conflict monitoring and affective processing, including social pain. Detects social conflicts and processes rejection distress.
What is the key distinction between hormones and neurotransmitters in signaling?

Hormones: blood/endocrine; neurotransmitters: synaptic/neuronal. Hormones travel through bloodstream; NTs cross synapses.
What is the primary social-cognitive role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)?

Mentalizing: inferring others' traits, intentions, and beliefs. Enables understanding of others' mental states and social reasoning.
Which sensory system detects pheromones in many mammals (even if reduced in humans)?

Vomeronasal organ (accessory olfactory system). Vestigial in humans but functional in other mammals.
What is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway's main role in social behavior?

Reward and reinforcement, including social reward/motivation. Dopamine pathway from VTA to nucleus accumbens drives social motivation.
What is the pituitary gland's core function in endocrine regulation?

Secretes trophic hormones that regulate other endocrine glands. Known as the master gland, it produces hormones that stimulate target glands like the adrenals and thyroid to maintain endocrine balance.
What is the insula most associated with in social behavior?

Interoception and disgust/empathy-related processing. Processes internal body states and visceral reactions.
What is the mirror neuron system proposed to support in social behavior?

Action understanding and imitation; a basis for empathy. Neurons fire both when performing and observing actions.
What is serotonin generally associated with regarding social behavior and aggression?

Lower serotonin is linked to increased impulsive aggression. Deficits in serotonin signaling reduce impulse control.
Which option best defines kin selection as a biological basis of social behavior?

Helping relatives to increase inclusive fitness via shared genes. Altruism toward relatives preserves shared genetic material.
Identify the hormone released by the posterior pituitary that is most tied to childbirth and lactation bonding.

Oxytocin. Also called the "love hormone" for its bonding effects.
What is the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responsible for?

Coordinating the endocrine stress response via cortisol release. Activates during stress to release cortisol from adrenal cortex.
What is the insula commonly associated with in social and emotional processing?

Interoception and disgust/empathy-related affective processing. Integrates bodily sensations with emotional and empathic responses.
What is cortisol's primary role in social behavior under stress?

Stress response; elevated levels can impair social cognition. Chronic elevation disrupts memory and social processing.
Which option best describes mirror neurons in the context of social behavior?

Neurons active during both performing and observing an action. Enable action understanding and imitation through motor resonance.
What is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) commonly associated with in social contexts?

Conflict monitoring and social pain (exclusion-related distress). Social rejection activates same regions as physical pain.
What is serotonin generally associated with regarding social behavior and mood?

Mood regulation and inhibition of impulsive aggression. Low levels linked to impulsivity and aggression.
Which concept explains altruism toward genetic relatives as increasing shared gene transmission?

Kin selection (inclusive fitness). Helping relatives increases copies of shared genes.
What is the hypothalamus's primary role in linking nervous and endocrine systems?

Controls pituitary hormone release and coordinates homeostasis. It integrates neural inputs to release hormones that stimulate the pituitary, maintaining bodily equilibrium and influencing stress-related behaviors.
What is the amygdala's primary role in social behavior and emotion processing?

Threat detection and fear-related emotional learning. Processes fear stimuli and forms emotional memories.
What is the primary social-cognitive function of the temporoparietal junction (TPJ)?

Theory of mind and perspective-taking. Enables understanding others' mental states and beliefs.

Study these flashcards