Biological Psychology Flashcards
What assumption do biological psychologists assume?
Behaviour is determined by:
- Brain Structure
- Brain Function
- Genes
- Hormones
What other assumptions do biological psychologists have?
- Behaviour has evolved
- There is behavioural continuity between species
What does behavioural evolution mean?
This means that behaviours which help us survive are more likely to be passed on to future generations
What does behavioural continuity refer to?
This means that humans are no different to other animals, so studying animals helps us to understand humans because the basic processes are the same
What is the central nervous system made up of?
Brain and Spinal Cord
Briefly describe the brain
The brain is made up of billions of neurones which are responsible for all our cognitions and actions
Name a few cognitions in the brain
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- Memories
Name a few actions in the brain
- Movements
- Reactions
- Bodily Functions
Briefly describe the spinal cord
The spinal cord connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system which relays information to the rest of the body
What is the name of a brain cell?
Neuron
Describe the structure of a neuron
- Dendrites
- Nucleus
- Cell Body
- Axon
- Schwann Cells
- Myelin Sheath
- Nodes of Ranvier
- Axon Terminals
In order to make brain function, how do neurones communicate?
Via chemicals called neurotransmitters
