8 - The Biological Approach - Neurochemistry Flashcards
What are neurotransmitters and how do they work?
When a nerve impulse reaches the end of one neuron a chemical called a neurotransmitter is released.
It travels from one neuron to the next across a junction called the synapse.
What are the two types of neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters that trigger nerve impulses in the receiving neuron stimulate the brain into action are excitatory.
Those that inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain and balance mood are inhibitory.
What are dopamine and serotonin?
Dopamine: excitatory neurotransmitter that is associated with motivation.
Serotonin: inhibitory neurotransmitter, adequate amounts of which are necessary to maintain a stable mood
What are hormones?
Chemicals that are produced by endocrine glands such as the pituitary gland, which together make up the endocrine system
How do hormones work?
In response to a signal from the brain, hormones are secreted directly into the bloodstream by the endocrine glands, where they travel to target cells and exert their influence by stimulating receptors on the surface of, or inside, cells, altering their activity.
What research has been done into hormones?
Studied a Canadian ice hockey team over the course of a season.
Found that the players had a surge in levels of testosterone whenever the team played in their home stadium, suggesting the hormone helped energise the players when defending their home territory.
What are the positives of the biological approach?
Uses the scientific method, particularly the use of the experimental method, as its main source of investigation. Experimental studies take place in highly controlled environments so that other researchers are able to replicate research studies under the same experimental conditions, thus adding to the reliability of the research.
Provides clear predictions about a person’s behaviour. This has led to practical applications of the biological approach in the real world. For example, knowledge about the chemical imbalance in depression has led to the development of drug treatments, which correct this imbalance.
If people know they have a genetic predisposition for a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, this gives them an opportunity to avoid environmental situations likely to trigger this predisposition or to develop coping skills that would protect them from its potential influence.
What are the limitations of the biological approach?
Reductionist. Believes that complex human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into its smallest component parts, such as the action of genes, neurotransmitters and hormones. Argued that we cannot fully understand behaviour without taking account of all the different factors which influence it (cognitive, emotional and cultural) , all of which have a significant influence on behaviour.
Recent research suggesting a genetic basis for criminal behaviour has led to concerns about how this information could be used. It could lead to genetic screening of populations to identify genetic susceptibilities and subsequent discrimination against those with a genetic predisposition to crime.
