Biological Psychology Introduction

Biological Approach to Behavior

• Biological psychologists explain behavior through physiology, development, evolution, and function.
• Consciousness remains unexplained, some propose it's a fundamental property of matter.
• Biological psychology studies the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience.
• Synonyms include biopsychology, psychobiology, physiological psychology, and behavioral neuroscience.
• Neuroscience focuses on anatomy and chemistry, while biological psychology concentrates on brain activity.
• Brain mechanisms underlie thinking and acting.
• Evolutionarily, these mechanisms were advantageous to survival and reproduction in ancestors.

Perception and Mental Activity

• Perception occurs in the brain, not in the perceived object or sensory organ.
• A brain can create an experience without the actual stimulus.
• Mental activity and brain activity are inseparable.
• Monism (universe consists of one substance) is the prevalent view; thoughts are brain activity.
• Dualism posits a separate mental substance.

Use of Animals in Research

• Animal studies help understand mechanisms in similar or simpler systems.

• Studying animals is important for understanding evolution.

• Animal research sometimes necessary due to ethical/legal limitations on human testing.

• Different views on animal research:

• Minimalists tolerate research within limits, prioritizing animal welfare and research value.

• Abolitionists oppose all animal research.

• Legal standards for animal research ("Three Rs"):

• Reduction: Use fewer animals.

• Replacement: Use alternatives whenever possible.

• Refinement: Minimize pain and discomfort.

• US animal research oversight:

• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) review and regulate research.

• Composed of veterinarians, community representatives, and scientists.

Summary of Key Points

• Perception is a brain-based experience, not a sensory one.
• Brain activity equals mental activity.
• Be critical of explanations for behavior.
• Two profound questions: universe and consciousness existence.