LS6 - Cognitive Neuroscience

Question 1

Biological Approach

Answer 1

The scientific study of the neurological structures, mechanisms, processes and chemistry which are responsible for our thinking processes.

Question 2

Heredity

Answer 2

The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through the genes and is the reason why offspring take after their parents.

Question 3

Genes

Answer 3

Carry the instructions for a particular characteristics but how this gene develops depends on its interaction with other genes and environmental influence.

Question 4

Behaviour Geneticists

Answer 4

Study whether behavioural charactierstics e.g. intelligence are inherited the same way as physical characteristics.

Question 5

Genotype

Answer 5

Someone’s actual genetic make-up

Question 6

Phenotype

Answer 6

The way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics. This is influenced by environmental factors e.g. dying hair or diets.

Question 7

Evolution

Answer 7

Natural Selection but in this case, it’ll be high IQ genes, or strength/height.

Question 8

Neurochemistry

Answer 8

Any psychological orders with a genetic bases must have been inherited. Neurochemistry focuses on neurotransmitters that balance, boost and carry signals between neurons.

Question 9

Neurochemistry Disruption

Answer 9

Causes OCD and depression. Serotonin is the most important neurotransmitter in OCD, it has a role in preventing repitition of tasks and a lack of serotnin in the OCD individual may explain te constant repitition.

Question 10

Phineas Gage

Answer 10

Study was able to show the significance of the temporal lobe in personality.

Question 11

Contribution Of The Biological Approach

Answer 11

Modern brain scanning methods are helping to map the brain and to identify the functions of various structures and their role in a multitude of behaviours. Insights into genetics also provide explanations to psychological disorders e.g. OCD and depression.

Question 12

Strengths

Answer 12

Scientifi Methods Of Investigation
Real-Life Application

Question 13

Weaknesses

Answer 13

Cause And Effect
Determinist View
Problems With The Evolutionary Approach

Question 14

Scientific Methods of Investigation (+)

Answer 14

Uses FMRIs and EEGS and family, twin and adoption studies to measure variables. It is also mainly uses drugs as it’s method of treatment which means almost everything can be measured scientifically.

Question 15

Real Life Application (+)

Answer 15

An understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of drug treatment e.g. depression can now be treated through anti-depressants, and schizophrenia can be treatred through anti-psychotic drugs. Allows patients to be treated at home as opposed to being hospitalised.

Question 16

Cause And Effect (-)

Answer 16

It’s difficult to determine cause and effect e.g. is low serotnin levels the cause or effect of depression, making treatment and medication harder.

Question 17

Determinist View (-)

Answer 17

It suggests things are governed by internal causes we have no control over, this means if there is a ‘criminal gene’ then it means criminals aren’t legally responsible for their actions.

Question 18

Determinist View (-)