Biological Approach in Psychology
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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?

<p>The brain increased in size and efficiency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Environmental adaptations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Adaptations crucial for survival (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Nature is significant to both brain structure and functioning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The inherited characteristics crucial for survival (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Children seeking environments that enhance their genetic abilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Peripheral nerves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the spinal cord?

<p>Conducting signals between the brain and the body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Passive covariation is most associated with which of the following?

<p>Genetic ability influencing parental investment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What protects the Central Nervous System?

<p>Bones and surrounding fluid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It contains all nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reactive covariation refers to how:

<p>Individuals receive differential treatment based on their abilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>15 to 20 billion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the reticular activating system serve?

<p>Regulating sleep, arousal, and wakefulness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of receptor nerves?

<p>To transmit sensory information to the brain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Tectum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Peripheral Nervous System primarily consist of?

<p>Nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Tectum (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of effector nerves?

<p>To convey instructions from the brain to the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Balance and coordination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a reflex action, where does the information travel?

<p>Directly from receptor nerves to effector nerves (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is the outer layer of the cerebrum and involves higher cognitive functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Central Nervous System (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Pons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are 'overlearned' skills associated primarily with?

<p>Cerebellum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve type is primarily responsible for relaying motor commands?

<p>Effector nerves (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many lobes comprise the Cerebral Cortex?

<p>Four (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Nervous System?

<p>To integrate and process information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while PNS consists of all other nerves. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

<p>To prepare the body for fight or flight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Increased activity in the stomach (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs when you decide to move your fingers?

<p>Transmission of signals from the brain through nerves to skeletal muscles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

<p>To calm the body and save energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Enhanced digestive activity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The instruction first arises in the brain and travels through the spinal cord (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Relaxation of the bronchi (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily studied to understand hemispheric specialization?

<p>Split-brain patients (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What surgical procedure is often performed to alleviate severe seizures?

<p>Corpus callosotomy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Information is not transferred between hemispheres (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It can restore some functions and create new connections (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the corpus callosum?

<p>To connect the two hemispheres of the brain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can stem cells in the brain do following damage?

<p>Help in forming new neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle about brain organization highlights its flexibility?

<p>Plasticity enabling function restoration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Compensation by the remaining hemisphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Biological Approach

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the influence of biological factors, such as brain structure and function, on behavior and mental processes.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary processes have shaped the human mind and behavior.

Nature

The inherited characteristics that influence an individual's traits and behaviors.

Evolution

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

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Adaptation

Changes in the characteristics of a species over generations.

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Cognition

The ability to think, reason, and solve problems.

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Brain Evolution

The expansion and increased efficiency of the human brain over time.

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Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

The idea that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime are passed down to its offspring.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that includes all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

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Receptor Nerves

Nerves that carry sensory information from the body to the brain.

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Effector Nerves

Nerves that carry motor information from the brain to the body.

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Sensory Information Transmission

The process of transmitting information from the sensory organs to the brain.

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Motor Information Transmission

The process of transmitting information from the brain to the muscles and organs.

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Reflex

A rapid, automatic response to a stimulus that does not involve the brain.

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Reflex Arc

The pathway of a reflex, which goes directly from the sensory nerve to the motor nerve, bypassing the brain.

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Active Covariation

The idea that individuals with different genetic predispositions seek out environments that align with their inherited traits.

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Passive Covariation

Parents with higher genetic abilities provide more stimulating environments for their children compared to parents with lower abilities.

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Reactive Covariation

Individuals with higher genetic abilities may receive preferential treatment, influencing their opportunities and experiences.

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Spinal Cord

The bundle of nerves connecting the brain to the rest of the body, carrying messages and controlling actions.

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Neurons

The functional units of the nervous system responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

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Glia

Small cells that support and protect neurons, playing crucial roles in brain function and health.

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Somatic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles. It allows you to make conscious decisions about movement.

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Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses. It increases alertness, heart rate, and breathing.

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Fight or Flight Response

A set of actions that prepare the body for immediate action, such as running away from danger, triggered by the SNS.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The division of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and relaxation. It slows down heart rate, promotes digestion, and conserves energy.

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Rest and Digest

A state of relaxation and physiological calm that occurs when the PNS dominates the autonomic nervous system.

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Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that functions automatically, controlling internal organs and processes without conscious effort.

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Peripheral Nervous System

The network of nerves that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body.

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Arousal

A state of increased alertness and heightened awareness, often accompanied by physical changes like increased heart rate, triggered by the SNS.

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What does the midbrain control?

The part of the brain responsible for vision, hearing, and controlling movement. It also regulates sleep, arousal, and wakefulness.

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What is the reticular activating system (RAS) and where is it found?

The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons in the midbrain and hindbrain that plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness, wakefulness, and alertness.

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What is the Tectum and what does it do?

The Tectum is part of the midbrain responsible for processing visual and auditory information. It contains visual receptors and auditory receptors.

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What is the Cerebellum and what does it do?

The Cerebellum is a part of both the midbrain and hindbrain. It is involved in coordinating movements, balance, and motor skills.

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What is the hindbrain and what is it known as?

The hindbrain, also known as the 'reptilian brain,' is responsible for basic survival functions.

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What is the Medulla oblongata and what does it control?

The Medulla oblongata controls breathing, digestion, and swallowing. It is also a part of the reticular activating system.

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What is the Pons and what does it do?

The Pons is involved in controlling consciousness, vision, and acts as a relay station between different parts of the brain.

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What is the Cerebral Cortex and what does it do?

The outer layer of the cerebrum. It is only two millimeters deep but plays a critical role in our ability to perceive, think, remember, and use language.

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Brain Plasticity

The ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to experience or injury.

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Corpus Callosum

The band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them.

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Split-Brain Surgery

A surgical procedure in which the corpus callosum is severed, often to treat severe epilepsy.

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Brain Organisation

The study of how the brain is organized and functions, exploring specialization of brain areas.

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Split-Brain Studies

The study of patients who have undergone split-brain surgery, revealing how each hemisphere operates independently.

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Hemispheric Specialisation

The specialized functions of each brain hemisphere, with some tasks primarily handled by one side.

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Brain Damage and Plasticity

A form of brain damage where neurons are not repaired, but the brain can rewire itself to regain lost functions.

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Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain, often from stem cells.

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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.

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MODULE 2 - BIOLOGICAL APPROACH (SN) PDF

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.

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