Organization of the Nervous System

In this video I describe the organization of the nervous system, which includes the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, which is then divided into the somatic and autonomic divisions. Next I discuss the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems … Read More

Drugs and Neurotransmitters: Agonist or Antagonist?

In this video I discuss some ways that drugs can influence the functioning of neurotransmitters by binding to receptors on postsynaptic neurons. I explain the difference between agonist drugs which increase effects of a neurotransmitter and antagonist drugs which reduce … Read More

Introduction to Neurotransmitters

In this video I introduce several neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine. I also describe some of the functions of each of these neurotransmitters, with the caveat to avoid oversimplifying the role of neurotransmitters in explaining complex behaviors. … Read More

What Happens to Neurotransmitters After Release?

In this video I explain what else can happen to a neurotransmitter after release (besides binding to a receptor on the postsynaptic neuron). These include reuptake, enzyme deactivation, and autoreception, and I provide mnemonics for remembering each of these processes. … Read More

How Neurons Communicate: The Synapse

In this video I explain how two neurons communicate using a neurotransmitter that travels across the synapse to receptor sites. This neurotransmitter can then influence the flow of ions in the postsynaptic neuron which can change its likelihood of firing … Read More

The Action Potential

In this video I explain how an action potential is triggered in a neuron when it reaches its threshold. I explain the movement of ions, resting potential, and the all or none principle of neural firing. I also cover how … Read More

Neuron Structure: Parts of a Neuron

In this video I describe the major parts of a neuron and briefly explain the function that each part serves. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel to see future videos! Have questions or topics you’d like to see covered … Read More

Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Research

In this video I explain the major ethical guidelines for conducting research in psychology with human subjects including informed consent, freedom from coercion, protection from harm, risk-benefit analysis, anonymity and/or confidentiality, and debriefing. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel … Read More

External Validity

In this video I explain external validity (or ecological validity) and criticisms of artificiality that can arise from laboratory experimentation. I also explain naturalistic observation and field experiments as ways of overcoming artificiality and collecting real-life data, though both of … Read More

Internal Validity

In this video I explain the concept of internal validity and how it acts as a checklist for considering whether an independent variable has been effectively manipulated, a dependent variable has been measured without bias, and a clear pattern can … Read More