Biological Approach Assumptions Flashcards
Assumptions
> Evolutionary Influences
Localisation of brain function
Neurotransmitters
Evolutionary Influences
Theory of Natural Selection
EEA
Evolution
A1 - Evolution
Used to explain that the human mind and behaviour have changed and adapted to the demands of the environment over years
A1 -Theory of natural selection
Darwin’s theory -
species survive through natural selection - those who adapt to their environment tend to survive.
genes that help us survive and lose the ones that don’t. Genes of the survival behaviour will be passed on to the next generation. - natural selection - so the species survive.
A1 - EEA
environment of evolutionary adaptiveness
- The environment that spiecies adapt to
-psychologists don’t believe all behaviours are adaptive (only ones that will ensure survival)
Example -
humans moved from forest life to the developint savannahs in Africa -
Localisation of brain function
-certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions
- have certain jobs or tasks
A2 - Four lobes
> cerebral cortex divided into 4 regions :
frontal lobes
parietal lobes
Temporal lobes
Occipital lobes
frontal lobes
> involved in:
-thinking
-creativity
linked to personalities
pariental lobes
> receive sensory info:
-temperature
-touch
-pain
temporal lobes
> reponsible for:
- memory processing
- processing auditory info
occipital lobes
> visual processing
receive info diretly from eyes
localisation of language- example for localisation of brain function
> specific areas linked to processing of language
‘Broca’s area’ - frontal lobes - reasearch to people with language problems - found damage to this area
‘Wernicke’s area’ - left temporal lobe - couldn’t understand language
Neurotransmitters
chemical messengers passed from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron across
the synapse
Dopamine
controls bodily movements and emotional responses. Dopamine deficiency is related to mental health conditions such as depression.
Serotonin
affects both emotions and motor skills. Serotonin is the chemical that supports sleeping, eating and digestion.
Neurotransmitters and mental health -(example?)
> plays a role in mental health
too little serotonin - in people suffering depression
high levels of dopamine - associated with schizophrenia
Relationship Formation - Evolutionary theory
> form with people who possess certain traits - traits that enhance successful reproduction are naturally selected
males mate/select fertile/young/healthy women: smooth skin, red lips
females look for fertility + someone who can provide the resources needed for offspring to survive
Relationship formation - Neurotransmitters - Dopamine
- chemicals :powerful effect on emotions, influence perceptions of others.
>Dopamine - pleasure seeking+reward driven - goal of finding a partner = hit of dopamine - explain why humans form relationships (gives natural ‘high’)
Relationship formation - Neurotransmitters - Oxytocin
> hormone linked to human bondng, increasing trust and loyalty
high levels= romantic attachment
lack of physical contact reduces levels
