biological approach Flashcards
what are the 3 assumptions for the bio approach
- Localisation of function- this states that certain parts of our brain are used for different things. Sperry did an experiment with split brain ppts, and did activities where they could only use one hemisphere, he found that these patients could only see pictures when shown to the left side of the hemisphere.
- evolutionary influences- this theory says that different species have evolved from simple life forms which lived on earth 3 billion years ago, and only individuals with characteristics most suited to their environment will survive.
- neurotransmitters-nerve cells have neurons which send chemical messengers to the brain so that people can respond to stimuli. The way in which these are sent are neurotransmitters.
what is the study for the bio approach and its aims
Raine Bauchbaum and Lacasse-
aim- to use PET scans to measure the difference in brain activity between a group of criminals and a group of non-criminals. Pet scans (passion emission tomography) involves giving a patient an injection which then makes radioactive blood travel to the brain and gather the parts of the brain that are most active. (shows us which part of the brain is being used)
what were raine bauchbaum and Lacasses sample for their study
41 criminals
41 non criminals
39 males and 2 females
Average age 32.3
what was the procedure of R, B AND L study
- they were given a perfomance task to complete
- once the task was complete they were given a glucose tracer
- pet scans were taken in 6 cortical and 8 subcortical areas of the brain
what were the findings of R, B AND L study
NGRIS had less activity in the left side of the amygdala (linked with unusual emotions e.g. lack of fear) and hippocampus (violent behaviour) and more in the right
They also found in the cortical areas of the brain that that NGRIS had less activity in the prefrontal lobes and more in the occipital lobes.
what are the strengths and weaknesses of R, B AND L study
strengths- it was a very controlled study and allows for development of pet scan use
weaknesses- validity is questioned
the result of the differences in brain activity could be a result of crime not a cause
pet scans arent fully developed yet
what did R B AND L conclude from their PET scan study
There ARE differences in brain activities between criminals and non criminals. this may suggest a biological bias towards violence in the ngri sample. They don’t demonstrate that it’s based on biology alone.
what is the therapy for the biological approach?
DRUG THERAPY
what do antipsycotic drugs do
Anti psychotic drugs- schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety. The first antipscotic drug was in the 1950s known as conventional e.g dopamine and clozapine. Problem with conventional durgs is that they require large doses=many side effects. The new atypical drugs have less side effects.
how do anti depressant drugs work and the types of them
anti depressants boost activity of neurotransmitters which regulates mood.
three main types of anti depressants
SSRI- maintains high levels of serotonin in the body
TRICYLICS- block reuptake of certain neurotransmitters e.g dopamine
MAOIS- blocks monomine oxidise which breaks down neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
how do anti anxiety drugs work
(most common) benzodiazepines acts as a sedative- slowing down central nervous system, increases GABA which is the bodys natural form of anxiety releief
what does dopamine do?
Plays a big part in starting movement and the destruction of dopamine can cause Parkinson’s. It also acts as a hormone. Too much can cause psychotic disorders, too little can cause depression
what did RAVENIC ET AL study about EFFECTIVENESS OF DRUG THERAPY
32.5 participants
Some given clozapine (atypical)
Some given chloroprozamine (conventional)
Those given a typical had less side effects and symptoms
Suggests that some antipsycotic drugs are more effective than other
give some fors and against for drug therapy
For drug therapy
Ravanic et al
Col et al said anti psychotic drugs worked got 0% got worse
against drug therapy
Lobos , risk of serious side effects caused patients to drop out
Ravaniac – 5 year process.
what is the contempory debate for the bioogical approach
ethics of neuroscience
FOR
Crich and Koch (understanding consciousness) they found that the claustrum didn’t respond. Helps us understand whether someone is brain dead and gives people evidence to make decisions (comas)
Neuroscience can be used to enhance normal individuas can lead to improvements in problem solving
AGAINST
Using neuroscience techniques may result in people being manipulated by brands.
Crich and Koch- should we be sure that the claustrum that doesn’t currently respond will respond in the future
TDCS- only available to higher social class
Crime must be understood in a social context too
