assumptions Flashcards
what is the physiological approach?
belief that all behaviour is due to functions of internal body parts
e.g. brain, NS, hormones
what is the nativist approach?
assumption that all behaviour is inherited through our genes
what is the medical model?
the treatment of psychological disorders using same principles as you would for disease
what is the first biological assumption?
evolutionary influences
what are the 2 parts of the 1st bio assumption?
theory of natural selection and EEA
what is the theory of natural selection?
Darwin based theory that genetically determined behaviour that enhance survival are naturally selected to be passed on
what does EEA stand for?
environment of evolutionary adaptiveness
what is EEA?
when a species adapts to selective pressures within their environment and explains why humans have large brains because our brain has evolved in response to change for survival
what is the 2nd biological assumption
localisation of brain function
what is localisation of brain function?
the principle that certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions
what are the 2 parts of the 2nd bio assumption?
four lobes and localisation of language
what are the 4 lobes?
cerebral cortex is divided into: frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital
function of the frontal lobe?
thinking, creativity, personality
function of the parietal lobe?
sensory information - 5 senses
function of the temporal lobe?
memory and auditory information processing
function of the occipital lobe?
visual processing and information from the eyes
what is localisation of language?
specific areas of the brain link to processing of language
what is the third biological assumption?
neurotransmitters?
what are neurons?
electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system with dendrites on the ends to connect to many other neurons
how do neurons work?
neurons connect at a synapse where the messages are relayed by neurotransmitters which will stimulate or inhibit receptors in another neuron
what is the role of neurotransmitters in mental health?
serotonin - too little found in those suffering from depression but can be increased by antidepressants
dopamine - high levels associated with SZ symptoms
