Biological Approach in Psychology

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the Biological Approach emphasize as a key influence on behavior?

Social interactions

Financial status

The structure and functions of the brain (correct)

Cultural factors

How did Charles Darwin's work contribute to the development of the Biological Approach?

It emphasized the importance of social learning.

It focused exclusively on emotional responses.

It provided a foundation for Evolutionary Psychology. (correct)

It introduced the concept of psychological disorders.

What key concept does Evolutionary Psychology propose regarding human characteristics?

All traits are random and not influenced by evolution.

Certain inherited traits were crucial for survival. (correct)

Environmental factors have no impact on evolution.

Humans are entirely shaped by their upbringing.

What significant change in the human brain occurred due to evolution, according to Evolutionary Psychology?

The brain increased in size and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is less emphasized in the Biological Approach compared to evolutionary influences?

Environmental adaptations Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the outcomes of evolutionary pressures on humans?

Adaptations crucial for survival Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between nature and the Biological Approach?

Nature is significant to both brain structure and functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'adaptation' refer to in the context of Evolutionary Psychology?

The inherited characteristics crucial for survival Signup and view all the answers

What does active covariation refer to in the nature vs nurture debate?

Children seeking environments that enhance their genetic abilities Signup and view all the answers

Which component does NOT belong to the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

Peripheral nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the spinal cord?

Conducting signals between the brain and the body Signup and view all the answers

Passive covariation is most associated with which of the following?

Genetic ability influencing parental investment Signup and view all the answers

What protects the Central Nervous System?

Bones and surrounding fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is true?

It contains all nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord. Signup and view all the answers

Reactive covariation refers to how:

Individuals receive differential treatment based on their abilities. Signup and view all the answers

How many neurons are estimated to be in the human nervous system?

15 to 20 billion Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the reticular activating system serve?

Regulating sleep, arousal, and wakefulness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of receptor nerves?

To transmit sensory information to the brain Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the midbrain is primarily responsible for visual and auditory receptors?

Tectum Signup and view all the answers

What does the Peripheral Nervous System primarily consist of?

Nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following brain parts is NOT part of the hindbrain?

Tectum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of effector nerves?

To convey instructions from the brain to the body Signup and view all the answers

The Cerebellum plays a crucial role in which of the following activities?

Balance and coordination Signup and view all the answers

In a reflex action, where does the information travel?

Directly from receptor nerves to effector nerves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Cerebral Cortex is correct?

It is the outer layer of the cerebrum and involves higher cognitive functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord?

Central Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the hindbrain assists in the control of consciousness?

Pons Signup and view all the answers

What are 'overlearned' skills associated primarily with?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve type is primarily responsible for relaying motor commands?

Effector nerves Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes comprise the Cerebral Cortex?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Nervous System?

To integrate and process information Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?

Sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the difference between the CNS and PNS?

CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while PNS consists of all other nerves. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

To prepare the body for fight or flight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical response when the Sympathetic Nervous System is activated?

Increased activity in the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when you decide to move your fingers?

Transmission of signals from the brain through nerves to skeletal muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

To calm the body and save energy Signup and view all the answers

When the Parasympathetic Nervous System is activated, which of the following occurs?

Enhanced digestive activity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the sequence of events when moving a finger?

The instruction first arises in the brain and travels through the spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

What is a common effect of the Sympathetic Nervous System activation?

Relaxation of the bronchi Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily studied to understand hemispheric specialization?

Split-brain patients Signup and view all the answers

What surgical procedure is often performed to alleviate severe seizures?

Corpus callosotomy Signup and view all the answers

What happens to information communication between the hemispheres when the corpus callosum is cut?

Information is not transferred between hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the brain's ability to recover from damage?

It can restore some functions and create new connections Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the corpus callosum?

To connect the two hemispheres of the brain Signup and view all the answers

What can stem cells in the brain do following damage?

Help in forming new neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which principle about brain organization highlights its flexibility?

Plasticity enabling function restoration Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of a hemispherectomy in a young child experiencing seizures?

Compensation by the remaining hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 2: Major Approaches in Psychology - The Biological Approach

The biological approach emphasizes the brain's influence on behaviour, considering both structure and function.
It highlights the importance of heredity (nature) in shaping behaviour and brain function.
The approach evolved directly from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
This led to the development of evolutionary psychology.

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology suggests that evolution has shaped the brain, body, and behavior.
Adaptive pressures necessitated adaptation.
Humans inherited characteristics crucial for survival in their environment.
Over millennia, the brain size and efficiency have increased.
This increase was necessary for the ability to reason and think.

Nature vs Nurture (Heredity vs Experiences)

Behavior is influenced by both nature (heredity) and nurture (experiences).
The biological approach emphasizes the role of heredity.
Humans exhibit instinctive behaviors (reflexes).
The majority of behavior is learned through experiences.
Twin studies (monozygotic and dizygotic) and family studies have investigated the impact of genetics on behavior.

The Nervous System

The nervous system comprises nerve cells throughout the body.
Comprised of approximately 15-20 billion neurons and more glial cells.
Divided into two sub-systems: central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Protected by bone and surrounding fluid.
The spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the body's lower regions.
It connects with the brain, enabling coordinated functioning.
It controls essential functions like breathing and digestion.

Transmission of Information

Function 1: Sensory information enters the peripheral nervous system and is relayed to the central nervous system via receptor nerves.
Function 2: Motor commands from the central nervous system travel to the peripheral nervous system through effector nerves.
Reflexes bypass the brain, sending information directly from receptor nerves to effector nerves.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Contains all nerve cells outside the CNS.
Transmits information between the CNS and the rest of the body (receptors and effectors).
Linked to external sensory organs and internal structures.
Divided into: somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
Involved in interactions with the external world.

Autonomic Nervous System

Regulates involuntary bodily functions (e.g., heart rate, digestion).
Divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Arouses the body during stress or emergencies.
Activates "fight or flight" responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body down after a stress response.
Promotes "rest and digest" functions.

Brain Structure and Function

Forebrain: Controls higher cognitive functions (e.g., thinking, language).
- Includes the cerebrum, thalamus, hypothalamus, limbic system and basal ganglia.
Midbrain: Involved in vision, hearing, arousal, and movement.
- Includes the tectum (visual and auditory receptors), and reticular activating system.
Hindbrain: Controls basic life support functions (e.g., breathing, heart rate).
- Includes the medulla oblongata, pons, and cerebellum.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher-order functions.
Divided into four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital).
Each lobe is associated with specific functions (e.g., motor control, sensory processing, language, vision).

Hemispheric Specialisation

Each hemisphere has unique functions.
Left hemisphere is often dominant for language processing.
Right hemisphere is associated with spatial tasks and creativity.
Split-brain studies have provided insights into hemisphere differences.

Brain Plasticity

The brain can adapt and reorganize after damage.
It can form new connections and reassign existing network functions.
New neurons may develop from stem cells.

Ways of Studying the Brain

Event-related potentials (ERPs): measure brain activity in response to stimuli.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET): tracks metabolic activity in the brain.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI/fMRI): produces images of brain structure and function.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the key concepts of the Biological Approach in psychology, including its emphasis on evolutionary influences on behavior. This quiz covers foundational ideas such as adaptation, the role of Darwin's work, and the structure of the Central Nervous System. Test your understanding of how biological factors interplay with psychological principles.