8.1 Flashcards
what forms can behaviour take (2 marks)?
behaviour can take the form of externally observable actions or internal processes (emotions, thoughts)
what are the three broad categories of behaviours?
- reflexes
- instincts
- learned behaviours
reflex
involuntary response to stimuli
- fast and automatic
where are most reflexes controlled by in humans?
by the nervous system circuits in the spinal cord and brainstem
advantages and disadvantages of reflexes
+ fast and reliable responses for our wellbeing
- inflexible (goosebumps has reduced advantage, but we still retain this behaviour)
Insticts
fixed action patterns
inborn patterns of behaviour released by environmental stimuli
=> yawning - once we begin, difficult to stop
Instincts and reflexes
Both are reliable, lack of dependence on experience
More neurons needed for instincts compared to reflexes
Learning
relative permanent change in behavior DUE to experience
=> enormous advantage in surviving a changing world