Biological Foundations: Brain Regions, Neurotransmitters, and Hormones
Review the assigned chapters in Brain and Behavior and the other required Learning Resources.
Think about the biological basis of sexual orientation.
Choose ONE of these article options on the biological basis of sexual orientation:
“Neural Correlates of Sexual Orientation in Heterosexual, Bisexual, and Homosexual Men”
OR
“Perception of Sexual Orientation from Facial Structure: A Study with Artificial Face Models”
OR
“Prenatal Exposure to Progesterone Affects Sexual Orientation in Humans”
OR
You may choose your own article; however, it must be approved by your instructor by Thursday before the assignment is due.
The Assignment (2–4 pages):
First, summarize the material in the text and describe the biological basis of sexual orientation, including the brain regions, neurotransmitters, and hormones that may be associated with sexual orientation. Also consider any developmental factors that may influence later sexual orientation. Include any relevant anatomical or physiological markers that seem to be associated with a particular sexual orientation.
Summarize your article on the biological basis of sexual orientation in enough detail that your reader will understand what was done in the study and what the results of the study were (similar to the articles you found in BioPsychology.com in the first week).
Finally, develop and describe a high-level overview of an educational program about the biological basis of sexual orientation. This should be appropriate to present to a middle school biology class. What would you include in this educational program? What would you not include in the educational program? How would you convey the ideas you have described in this week’s Assignment in a way that would not offend your audience, but would also minimize the giggles of young teenagers?
Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You should include in-text citations in the body of your Assignment as well as complete references in APA format at the end of your Assignment.
Learning Resources:
Required Readings
Garrett, B., & Hough, G. (2022). Brain and behavior: An introduction to behavioral neuroscience (6th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Chapter 6, “Motivation and the Regulation of Internal States”
Chapter 7, “The Biology of Sex and Gender
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Sexual orientation and gender identityLinks to an external site..
Swaab, D. F. (2008). Sexual orientation and its basis in brain structure and functionLinks to an external site.. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 105(30), 10273–10274.
Document: “How to Search PubMed” (Word document)Download “How to Search PubMed” (Word document)
Optional Resources
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated. (n.d.). Eating disorder statisticsLinks to an external site..
Arnold, C. (2016, February 17). The invisible link between autism and anorexiaLinks to an external site.. Spectrum.
Berrettini, W. (2004). The genetics of eating disordersLinks to an external site.. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 1(3), 18-25.
Fothergill, E., Guo, J., Howard, L., Kerns, J. C., Knuth, N. D., Brychta, R., … Hall, K. D. (2016). Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after “The Biggest Loser” competitionLinks to an external site.. Obesity: A Research Journal, 24(8), 1612–1619.
Ngun, T. C., & Vilain, E. (2014). The biological basis of human sexual orientation: Is there a role for epigenetics?Links to an external site. Adv Genet, 86, 167–184.
Szalavitz, M. (2016, March 1). Autism—It’s different in girlsLinks to an external site.. Scientific American Mind.
Waller, G. (2016). Recent advances in psychological therapies for eating disorders. F1000Research, 5, 702.
Williams, T. J., Pepitone, M. E., Christensen, T. E., Cooke, B. M., Huberman, A. D., Breedlove, N. J., … Breedlove, S. M. (2000). Finger-length ratios and sexual orientation. Nature, 404, 455–456.
Optional Media
Many appropriate media pieces to further your understanding are available through the textbook publisher website:
SAGE edge. Brain & behavior: An introduction to biological psychology by Bob GarrettLinks to an external site..
Brain & Behavior W4assgn
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Part 1: Summary of Brain and Behavior Text
Biological Foundations: Brain Regions, Neurotransmitters, and Hormones
As the center of human behavior, the brain shapes sexual orientation. Several brain regions are involved in this complex phenomenon. Sexual orientation research has focused on the hypothalamus, which controls essential biological functions. Research suggests that hypothalamic size and position may affect sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is influenced by neurotransmitters and chemical messengers between neurons (Garrett & Hough, 2022). Potential roles for serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine have been examined. Alterations in these neurotransmitters may affect sexual urges. The biological foundation of sexual orientation includes hormones, potent regulators of body systems. The effects of prenatal androgen exposure on sexual orientation have been studied. Periodic hormone exposure throughout fetal development may change sexual desire brain pathways.
Developmental Factors Influencing Sexual Orientation
Comprehending an individual's sexual orientation necessitates taking into account the developmental aspects that influence their path. Genetics may play a part in a propensity, but social and environmental variables are also crucial during development. Societal influences, family relationships, and early experiences can influence the emergence of sexual orientation (Garrett & Hough, 2022). Studies indicate that hereditary factors could affect a person's inclination towards a particular sexual orientation. Investigating the heritability of sexual orientation and finding a genetic component has been made possible by twin research. But it's important to understand that there is a complicated interaction between genetics and environment that accounts for the whole range of