Chapter 1 Flashcards
The comparative approach
Trying to understand biological phenomena by comparing them across different species.
The fact that the brain continuously grows and changes in response to the individual’s genes and experiences is called…
Neuroplasticity
Before Neuroplasticity, most neuroscientists described the brain as thus…
A static network of neurons wired together.
Define biopsychology.
The study of human behavior, emotions, and thought-processes as it relates to the biology of the human body and brain.
When did biopsychology emerge and who played a role in its emergence?
Late 1940’s, D.O. Hebb
What was Hebb’s proposed theory in his book, “The Organization of Behavior?”
Complex psychological phenomena (perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and memories) may be produced by brain activity.
How does biopsychology interact with other disciplines of neurology?
Biopsychologists gather knowledge from the other fields and apply it to the study of behavior.
What are the six other disciplines of neuroscience that are relevant to biopsychology?
Neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology.
What are some of the advantages of non-human subjects in research?
1) because their brains and behaviors are simpler, they are more likely to reveal brain-behavior interactions
2) comparative approach allows for further insight
3) ethics that apply to humans sometimes don’t apply to non-humans
What are some advantages that humans have over non-human subjects for research?
1) they are cheaper; no cost for maintaining animal laboratory
2) able to communicate and report subjective experiences
3) they can follow instructions
What is the difference between: within-subject design and between-subject design?
Between-subject design: When the same group of subjects is tested under each condition
Within-subject design: When a different group of subjects is tested under each condition
Define the independent, dependent, and confound variables
IV: variable that is manipulated to test a hypothesis
DV: variable that is being measured
CV: a variable that affects the outcome (DV) but is not controlled for
The evolutionary perspective
Consideration of environmental impact that led to the evolution of the brain and behavior.
Define Quasi-experimental studies and explain a shortcoming of this method.
Research done on groups of subjects already exposed to conditions in the real world. They can contain many confounding variables.
Define case studies and explain a shortcoming of this method.
Study that focuses on a single individual. It may not be generalizable, i.e., the results may not always apply to other cases.
What is the difference between pure research and applied research?
Pure research is conducted for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge. Applied research is intended to bring about some direct benefit to humankind.
The study of neural mechanisms of behavior is called…
Physiological psychology
How are studies done in physiological psychology?
Through controlled experiments in non-humans by direct manipulation of the brain and nervous system.
The study of the effects of drugs on the brain and human behavior is called…
Psychopharmacology
The study of the psychological effects of brain damage in human patients is called…
Neuropsychology
The study of neural mechanisms of cognition through the use of functional brain imaging is called…
Cognitive neuroscience
The study of the relation between psychological activity and psychological processes is called…
Psychophysiology
Psychophysiology is studied by…
Noninvasive physiological recording in human subjects.
Comparing different species to understand evolution, genetics and adaptiveness of behavior is called…
Comparative psychology
