List and describe the two types of cells found in the nervous system. Discuss, in detail, how neurons communicate with each other, including the role of neurotransmitters. Include a description of how different neurotransmitters mediate behaviors and cognitive processes. Watch this Sandrine Thuret’s “You can grow new brain cells. Here’s how” and Sebastian Seung’s “I am my connectome” and summarize, in detail, the main points. Discuss what each video tells us about the function of neurons in creating our thoughts and behaviors. What do you personally think are the most important ideas from each video? Why?
Define the terms sensation and perception. Watch the “Do we see reality as it is?” and “Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality” videos and describe the main points of each video in detail. Discuss what the textbook says about how the brain constructs our perceptions of the world. With the information from the videos and textbook, how accurate or “real” do you think our everyday experiences are? Provide some examples of how perception is not foolproof. Discuss how perceptual sets can influence the way we perceive the world and provide an example of a time when your own perception of the world may have been influenced by past experiences and expectations.