The Approaches Flashcards
How does the biological approach explain behaviour?
In terms of the processes within our bodies - e.g. the brain, genes and chemicals such as hormones
What are the 4 key processes the biological approach focuses on?
Hormones, genes and twins studies, the nervous system and brain areas, neurons and neurotransmitters
What is the nervous system?
The network of nerve cells around your body, including the brain, the spinal cord, and all of the nerves that connect the brain and the spinal cord to your organs, muscles and sense organs.
What two branches does the nervous system divide into?
The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
What does the CNS control?
Brain and spinal cord
Where are our more complex thought processes said to take place in the brain?
The cerebral cortex, and in particular the outer layers of this - the neocortex
Where are our emotions processed in the brain?
The limbic system
Give an example of a key study in the biological approach and explain
Raine et al. (1977): study of brain abnormalities in murderers.
The aim of the study was to find out whether there are differences in the brains of people who commit violent crimes. Using convicted murderers who had pled not guilty on the grounds of insanity against people with no convictions they found that murderers had more asymmetric brain function.
What is the definition of neurons?
The cells that process information and control behaviour
Who proposed the first major theory of the biological approach and what was this?
Donald Hebb in 1949 suggested that when we learn things, neurons in our brains are changed, with synapses between these cells being strengthened or new ones forming.
What is the definition of neurotransmitters?
Messenger chemicals that are released into the gap between two neurons, called the synapse.
How do drugs/alcohol affect neurotransmitters?
Alcohol or other drugs work by interfering with or mimicking neurotransmitters in the synapses of a person’s brain.
What is the definition of a hormone?
A chemical that is released by a gland in the body that can affect our organs, including the brain.
Give an example of a hormone and how it works/what it does
Oxytocin, the ‘love’ hormone, is essential for bonding. It is released in large amounts when a woman gives birth, and plays a large role in romantic relationships, as it is released during attraction and helping to maintain fidelity.
How does the biological approach explain falling in love?
In terms of hormones
What a chromosomes made up of?
DNA
What does a set of chromosomes control?
The development and behaviour of every human cell.
What can genes control?
The development of proteins,physical appearance, the development of the nervous system and psychological processes.
In what way can the effects of genes on behaviour be studied?
The twin study
How does the biological approach explain mental disorders?
In terms of hormones and disordered brain chemistry
What is the definition of localisation?
The idea that different parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors, or that certain functions are localized to certain areas in the brain.
What is the limbic system?
The limbic system is a grouping of structures in the brain.
What is an fMRI scan?
Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) is a functional neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.
What is an EEG?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when you’re asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording
