Week 1 Flashcards
Define biological psychology
A multidisciplinary field that combines the methods of psychology, biology, physiology, chemistry and computer science to try and explain the relationship between the brain and behaviour
define generalisation and reduction
generalisation is a general conclusion based on many observations of similar phenomena
reduction is a phenomenon being described in terms of the more elementary processes that underlie it
what is dualism and what is monism
dualism is the belief that the body is physical but the mind is not
monism is the belief that the world consist only of matter and energy and that the mind is a phenomena on produced by the workings of the nervous system (biological psychology perspective)
List the ancient world people
Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen
List the 17th century peopl
Descartes, galvani
List 19th century people
Muller, Flourens, Broca, Cajal
What did aristotle believe
the heart is the seat of emotions and cognition
What did hippocrates believe
behaviour originates in the brain
What did Galen believe
Father of modern medicine – also made brain – behaviour links; treated head injuries of gladiators and saw behavioural changes
What did descartes do
famous renaissance philosopher who was a duellist, but an early advocate for mind – body interactions. Proposed the pineal gland theory and studied action reflexes
What did galvani believe
physiologist systematically tested mind – body interactions via electrical stimulation with frogs
What did muller do
experimental physiologist who propose the doctrine of specific nerve energies
What did Flourens do?
experimental approach – removed sections of the brain in animals and measured behaviour
What did Broca do
changes in the behaviour of humans after stroke damaging parts of the brain
What did Cajal do?
Noble prize winner; improved understanding of the detailed structure of neurons (brain cells)
What did modern neuroscience do?
improved methodology to explore nuances of brain – behaviour in directions (EEG, epigenetics)
what is the theory of evolution, functionalism, and natural selection
The theory of evolution is that all of the features of an organism have come about due to their functional significance. Functionalism: the best way to understand a biological phenomenon is to understand it’s useful functions for the organism. Natural selection is the process by which inherited traits that confer an advantage become more prevalent in a population.
What are chromosomes
They contain the blueprint for the development of a specific organism of a specific species
What are mutations
they are random changes in the genetic information contained in the chromosomes of sperm or eggs that can be passed to offspring and increase genetic variability. Variability is favourable as allowed species to adapt to change
What is selective advantage
Selective advantage is
mutations that are beneficial making it more likely the offspring survives. Mutations cause variations in physical traits which then might be seen in an organisms behaviour.
what is neoteny
it is the reason why we have big brains, it is a slowing of the maturation process allowing more time for growth
what are the six ways is the first principle of the Australian animal ethics code is demonstrated
- using animals only when justified
- supporting the well-being of the animals involved
- avoiding or minimising harm, including pain and distress, to those animals
- applying high standards of scientific integrity
- applying replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3Rs)
- knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities
