Biological Assumptions

Question 1

What is the theory of natural selection?

Answer 1

The notion of adaptiveness- based on Darwin’s theory that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals chance of survival and reproduction will be naturally selected(the genes will be passed on to the next generation)

Question 2

An example of natural selection

Answer 2

Altruistic behaviour- where parents risk their lives to save their offspring

Question 3

What would the theory of natural selection say about altruistic behaviour?

Answer 3

Altruistic behaviour is an inherited, adaptive trait because saving an offspring enhances the survival of that individuals gene pool.

Question 4

Key concept of the evolutionary approach?

Answer 4

The environment of evolutionary adaptiveness(EEA).

Question 5

What is EEA?

Answer 5

This is the environment to which any species is adapted and the selective pressures that existed at the time. Evolutionary psychologists don’t believe all forms of behaviour are adaptive, only the ones that ensure survival in the individuals particular environment.

Question 6

An example of EEA

Answer 6

The explanation for why humans have such big brains relative to body size- this theory would propose that the human brain has evolved in response to the complex social organisations of our species.

Question 7

In the concept of EEA, what humans are more likely to survive?

Answer 7

Those with particular abilities: for example, those who are better at forming alliances and forming good relationships are more likely to survive in a complex social world. Therefore the genes for such behaviours are the ones that are passed on.

Question 8

What is localisation of the brain?

Answer 8

Refers to the principle that certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions- they have certain jobs or tasks to carry out.

Question 9

What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

Answer 9

Higher order cognitive functions.

Question 10

What are the four regions of the cerebral cortex?

Answer 10

Frontal
Parietal
Temporal
Occipital

Question 11

What is the frontal lobe involved in?

Answer 11

Thinking and creativity- has been linked to our personalities.

Question 12

What’s the role of the parietal lobe?

Answer 12

To receive sensory information, such as temperature, touch and pain.

Question 13

What is the temporal lobe involved in?

Answer 13

Responsible for much of our memory processing as well as the processing of auditory information.

Question 14

What is the occipital lobe responsible for?

Answer 14

The occipital lives are concerned with visual processing and receive information directly from the eyes.

Question 15

Paul Broca studied how many patients and when?

Answer 15

Studied 8 patients with language problems in the 19th century.

Question 16

Where is the Broca’s area and what is the disorder associated with this area?

Answer 16

The Broca’s area is located in the posterior portion of the left temporal lobe in the left hemisphere and is associated with significant struggle in speech production.

Question 17

Where is the Wernickes area and what’s the area associated with?

Answer 17

The Wernickes area is in the posterior portion of the left temporal lobe in the left hemisphere and is associated with significant trouble in understanding language, however normal speech production.

Question 18

What are neurons?

Answer 18

Neurons are electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system.

Question 19

How is the flexibility of the nervous system enhanced?

Answer 19

The flexibility of the nervous system is enhanced by having many branches at the end of each neurons (called dendrites) so that each neuron connects with many others.

Question 20

How does a neuron communicated with another?

Answer 20

One neuron communicates with another at a synapse, when the message is relayed by chemical messengers (neurotransmitters)

Question 21

Where are neurotransmitters released from?

Answer 21

Presynaptic vesicles in one neuron, and will either stimulate or inhibit receptors in another neuron.

Question 22

What does the neurotransmitter serotonin play a role in?

Answer 22

Our mood, sleep and appetite.

Question 23

What has too little serotonin been found in people with?

Answer 23

Found in people suffering with depression.

Question 24

How do some antidepressants work?

Answer 24

Some work by increasing the availability of serotonin at the postsynaptic receptor sites.

Question 25

What have high levels of dopamine been associated with?

Answer 25

Symptoms of schizophrenia. This is supported by the fact that drugs that block dopamine activity reduce schizophrenic symptoms.