Introduction to biology Flashcards
“coughing is triggered by an irritant in the respiratory system” this represents which type of explanation?
casual explanations
“coughing defends the lining of the system against damage” this represents which type of explanation?
functional explanations
in what way does the system of body fluid regulation and drinking exhibit negative feedback?
deviations from optimum in body fluid levels triggers action that tends to correct the deviation
in explaining consciousness, the _____ could be described as emergent property of _____
mind
brain
why would it be oversimplified to claim that genes cause behaviour?
genes code for proteins including those that form the nervous system
they are only one factor influencing the form that the nervous system will ultimately take
therefore the link to behaviour is not direct
how can some components that are very similar across species yield brains with very different properties
complex properties emerge as a result of the way that components are assembled
biological psychology
explores how the brain, nervous system and biological processes influence our behaviour, thoughts and emotions
deterministic
physical causes of behaviour
reductionist
looking at one level of explaining events
emergent properties
cannot be understood by considering the brain alone
instead we must look at the whole rather than the sum
two way street
brain influences our behaviour
but
our behaviour can also influence the brain
methodology used
experimental interventions
brain damage
genetics
neuroimaging
brain stimulation
comparative psychology
