Biological assumptions Flashcards
Define neurons
Cells which are found in the brain and nervous system, work by sending chemical and electrical signals to each other
Define neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers, made by neurons, that transmits a signal from a neuron across the synapse to a target cell
Describe the process of neurotransmission
- An electrical impulse triggers the release of neurotransmitters in the presynaptic vesicle into the synaptic cleft
- The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptor molecules on the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron
- The impulse is released and continues its journey to the next neuron
What does the assumption of neurotransmitters claim?
Different neurotransmitters have different effects on our behaviour, thoughts and feelings
Describe the effects of serotonin
Serotonin influences our mood, sleep and appetite. Continually low levels of serotonin have been liked to low mood (depression) and anxiety
Describe the effects of dopamine
Dopamine plays a role in physical movement and perceptual issues. High levels of dopamine have been linked to schizophrenia as low levels have been linked with Parkinson’s
What is EEA
Environment of Evolutionary Adaptiveness
What is the main assumption of evolutionary influence?
Evolutionary influence states that our ancestors shape the human mind and behaviour, this occurs at a genetic level.
What does the assumption of evolutionary influence claim about EEA?
The assumption claims that there was an environment of evolutionary adaptiveness, this is when survival was a challenge. Approximately 2 million years ago humans had to adapt to a change in habitat, such as the move from the forest to the savannah. Psychologists argue that humans are adapted to the environment that our ancestors faced.
What does the assumption of evolutionary influence claim about adaptive traits?
The assumption claims that any trait that increases the survival of a species is transmitted genetically through generations of offspring, these are called adaptive traits. This theory is known as natural selection.
Give an example of an adaptive trait
Phobias of spiders and snakes are deemed adaptive because our ancestors who feared them survived those who didn’t would die.
What is the main assumption of brain localisation?
Certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions, and that damage to certain areas of the brain result in problems specific to the functions of that area
Describe the structure of the brain
The brain is made of 2 hemispheres and is split into 4 lobes. The cerebral cortex covers the brain and is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions
What are the functions of the lobes?
Frontal lobe - thinking, creativity and decision making
Parietal lobe - receives sensory information
Occipital lobe - visual processing
Temporal lobe - processing auditory and memory information
Give an example of brain localisation
Paul Broca studied 8 patients with language problems and found they all had damage to a specific area of the brain. This is named ‘Brocas area’ and is associated with speech production and is located in the frontal lobe.
