AP Psychology Lesson: Neurons in Action: Neural Firing and Psychoactive Substances

Unit: Biological Bases of Behavior | Lesson: 3 of 6 | Topic: Neurons in Action: Neural Firing and Psychoactive Substances
AP Exam Weighting: 15–25%
Instructions: Complete this lesson during class by filling in the blanks and answering questions. All information needed is provided or will be researched in class. This lesson prepares you for the AP Psychology exam by exploring how neurons communicate and how psychoactive substances alter behavior, a key concept for understanding the biological basis of psychology. Use the provided spaces to write your answers clearly, focusing on applying concepts critically.

Warm-Up

Purpose: Get you thinking about how brain signals affect behavior.
Questions:

  1. Why might drinking coffee make you feel more alert?

  2. How do you think your brain sends signals to help you react quickly in a game?
    Your Answers: Write a short response (1–2 sentences) for each question.

  3.  
  4.  

Key Concepts

Instructions: Read the information below and answer the questions to learn core AP concepts. For definitions, write them in your own words based on the content or look up a different definition if directed by your teacher (e.g., via apa.org or Google Scholar).
Content: Neurons are specialized cells that transmit signals in the nervous system, enabling behaviors like movement and thinking. Neural communication occurs through action potentials (electrical impulses traveling along the neuron’s axon) and neurotransmitters (chemicals released at the synapse to send signals to other neurons). Key neurotransmitters include dopamine (involved in reward and motivation, e.g., pleasure from food) and serotonin (regulates mood, e.g., low levels linked to depression). Psychoactive substances alter neural firing: agonists enhance a neurotransmitter’s effect (e.g., nicotine mimics acetylcholine to increase alertness), while antagonists block it (e.g., some antidepressants block serotonin reuptake to boost mood). Example: Caffeine, an agonist, increases alertness by enhancing certain neural signals, but overuse may disrupt sleep. The synaptic plasticity allows synapses to strengthen or weaken, affecting learning and behavior. Dysfunction in neural firing (e.g., dopamine imbalances) can lead to disorders like Parkinson’s or addiction. Psychoactive substances can have therapeutic (e.g., antidepressants) or harmful (e.g., cocaine) effects on behavior.

  1. Define neuron in your own words: _______________________________

  2. Define action potential in your own words: _______________________________

  3. Define neurotransmitter in your own words: _______________________________

  4. Explain how dopamine influences a behavior, using a specific example:

  5. Explain how serotonin influences a behavior, using a different example:

  6. How do agonists differ from antagonists in their effect on neural firing?

  7. Why might synaptic plasticity be important for learning a new skill?

  8. How could a dysfunction in neural firing lead to a psychological disorder?

Guided Activity

Instructions: Work in pairs to complete the two tasks below. Write your answers and be prepared to share one key point from each task with the class.
Task 1: Scenario Analysis: Scenario: A student drinks an energy drink before a test and feels more focused but later crashes and feels anxious. Analyze how neural firing and psychoactive substances (e.g., caffeine as an agonist) contribute to these behaviors. For example, consider which neurotransmitters are affected and how they alter focus or anxiety.
Your Response for Task 1: Explain the role of neural firing and psychoactive substances in these behaviors.

Class Share for Task 1: Note one point you’ll share.

Task 2: Case Application: Imagine an athlete who takes a medication to manage depression but notices improved concentration during practice. Apply the concepts of neurotransmitters, agonists/antagonists, and synaptic plasticity to explain their experience. For example, evaluate how the medication might act as an agonist or antagonist and whether plasticity supports their improved focus.
Your Response for Task 2: Apply the concepts to explain the athlete’s experience.

Class Share for Task 2: Note one point you’ll share.

Do Class Assignment

AP Exam Practice

Instructions: Answer the question below. We’ll review answers as a class to learn exam strategies.
Free-Response Question (FRQ):
Explain how neural firing, neurotransmitters, and psychoactive substances interact to influence a specific behavior (e.g., alertness, mood, or movement). Provide one example for each factor (neural firing, neurotransmitters, psychoactive substances) and analyze how they interact to shape the behavior.

Closure

Instructions: Write a brief summary (2–3 sentences) of two key ideas you learned today about how neural firing and psychoactive substances influence behavior.

Extended Practice

Instructions: Complete the tasks below based on today’s lesson to reinforce AP skills.

  1. Review your answers from this lesson.

  2. Write a detailed paragraph (5–7 sentences) applying today’s topic to a real-life behavior (e.g., how a substance like caffeine or medication affects your mood or focus). Include references to neural firing, neurotransmitters, and psychoactive substances, and explain their interaction.

  3. Find a short article or study on neural firing or psychoactive substances (e.g., via apa.org) and write 2–3 sentences summarizing its relevance to today’s lesson. Cite the source (e.g., website or article title).

Last modified: Tuesday, 5 August 2025, 9:27 PM