AP Psychology Lesson: Mapping the Brain: Structures and Their Functions

Unit: Biological Bases of Behavior | Lesson: 4 of 6 | Topic: Mapping the Brain: Structures and Their Functions
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 brain structures influence 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 different brain parts control behavior.
Questions:

  1. What part of your brain do you think helps you plan for a test?

  2. How might a brain injury affect someone’s personality or actions?
    Your Answers: Write a short response (1–2 sentences) for each question.

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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: The brain is the control center for behavior and mental processes, with specialized regions performing distinct functions. The cerebral cortex, the brain’s outer layer, handles complex tasks like thinking and planning, divided into four lobes: frontal (decision-making, impulse control, e.g., choosing to study), parietal (sensory processing, e.g., feeling touch), temporal (hearing, memory, e.g., recognizing a song), and occipital (vision, e.g., seeing colors). The limbic system regulates emotions and memory, including the amygdala (fear and emotional responses, e.g., reacting to danger) and hippocampus (forming memories, e.g., recalling facts). The brainstem, including the medulla (controls vital functions like breathing), ensures survival. Example: Damage to the frontal lobe, as in Phineas Gage’s case, led to impulsive behavior, showing its role in personality. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to adapt, such as rewiring after injury, influencing behaviors like learning. Brain imaging (e.g., fMRI) reveals how brain activity correlates with behavior, such as increased amygdala activity during fear.

  1. Define cerebral cortex in your own words: _______________________________

  2. Define limbic system in your own words: _______________________________

  3. Define neuroplasticity in your own words: _______________________________

  4. Explain how the frontal lobe influences a behavior, using a specific example:

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

  6. How does the brainstem contribute to survival-related behaviors?

  7. Why might damage to the amygdala affect emotional behavior differently than damage to the occipital lobe?

  8. How does neuroplasticity support recovery of behavior after a brain injury?

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 struggles to remember new vocabulary but can still make quick decisions during a debate. Analyze how brain structures (e.g., hippocampus, frontal lobe) contribute to these behaviors. For example, consider which brain region supports memory and which supports decision-making.
Your Response for Task 1: Explain the role of each brain structure in these behaviors.

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

Task 2: Case Application: Imagine an athlete who suffered a concussion and now has trouble controlling emotions but can still see clearly. Apply the concepts of cerebral cortex, limbic system, and neuroplasticity to explain their condition and potential for behavioral recovery. For example, evaluate which brain region is affected and how plasticity might help.
Your Response for Task 2: Apply the concepts to explain the athlete’s condition and recovery potential.

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 the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and neuroplasticity interact to influence a specific behavior (e.g., memory, decision-making, or emotional response). Provide one example for each factor (cerebral cortex, limbic system, neuroplasticity) 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 brain structures 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 your brain helps you study or react to stress). Include references to the cerebral cortex, limbic system, and neuroplasticity, and explain their interaction.

  3. Find a short article or study on brain structures and behavior (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, 9:43 PM