Biological Psychology Overview

Study Notes

Overview of Biological Psychology

Scientific study focusing on the biological underpinnings of behavior.
Examines physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms behind behavior and experiences.
Aims to connect biological factors with psychological issues, primarily involving brain activity.

Views of the Brain

Dorsal View: Represents the top perspective of the brain.
Ventral View: Represents the bottom perspective of the brain.

Types of Cells

Neurons: Fundamental units of the brain and nervous system responsible for transmitting messages between different parts of the body.
Glia: Smaller than neurons, they perform various supportive functions and do not convey information over long distances.

Key Points of Biological Psychology

Perception: Occurs in the brain as a result of sensory inputs, which send signals for interpretation.
Mental and Brain Activity: Both are integral and inseparable.
- Monism: Philosophy suggesting that mental states and brain activity are the same.
- Dualism: Philosophy asserting that mind and brain are separate entities.
Caution is advised regarding interpretations of research findings to avoid overgeneralizing conclusions.

Biological Explanations of Behavior

Physiological Explanation: Links behavior to brain functions and other bodily organs.
Ontogenetic Explanation: Investigates how structures or behaviors develop, including impacts from genetics and environment.
Evolutionary Explanation: Traces the evolutionary history related to structures or behaviors.
Functional Explanation: Aims to clarify the purpose behind the evolution of specific structures or behaviors, focusing on the "why."

Use of Animals in Research

Nonhuman studies contribute significantly due to:
- Similar underlying behavioral mechanisms across species, often easier to investigate in nonhumans.
- Intrinsic interest in animal behaviors.
- Insights on human evolutionary processes derived from animal studies.
- Restrictions on certain research types concerning human subjects.

Degrees of Opposition to Animal Research

Minimalist: Accepts certain types of animal research while advocating for some ethical considerations.
Abolitionist: Argues for equal rights for all animals, opposing animal research entirely.

The 3 “R's” in Animal Research Ethics

Reduction: Aims to minimize the number of animals used in research.
Replacement: Encourages the use of alternative methods instead of animals whenever possible.
Refinement: Focuses on improving research methods to minimize pain and distress for animal subjects.

Description

This quiz explores the foundations of biological psychology, focusing on the relationship between biology and behavior. It covers key concepts such as brain perspectives, the types of cells involved in neural activities, and the principles underlying perception and mental functions. Test your understanding of how biological factors influence psychological processes.