Introduction to Psychology: Biological Basis

Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology: Biological and Neurological Basis of Behavior

Definition of Biological Psychology
- Branch of psychology that studies the relationship between biological processes and behavior.
- Focuses on how physiological factors influence mental processes and behavior.
Key Concepts
- Neurons: Basic unit of the nervous system; transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
  - Structure: Dendrites (receive signals), cell body (process signals), axon (sends signals).
- Synapse: Gap between neurons where neurotransmission occurs.
  - Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across synapses.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Comprises the brain and spinal cord.
- Responsible for processing information and coordinating actions.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- Connects the CNS to limbs and organs.
- Divided into:
  - Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.
  - Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary functions (e.g., heartbeat, digestion).
    - Further divided into:
      - Sympathetic Division: Activates 'fight or flight' response.
      - Parasympathetic Division: Promotes 'rest and digest' activities.
Brain Structure and Function
- Cerebrum: Largest part; responsible for higher brain functions (thought, memory, emotion).
  - Divided into lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital) with specific functions.
- Limbic System: Involved in emotion and memory.
  - Key structures: amygdala (emotion processing), hippocampus (memory formation).
- Brainstem: Controls basic life functions (breathing, heartbeat).
  - Includes midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
Hormones and Behavior
- Endocrine system releases hormones that affect mood, behavior, and physical health.
- Examples include cortisol (stress response), adrenaline (fight or flight), and oxytocin (bonding).
Genetics and Behavior
- Heredity plays a role in individual differences in behavior and personality.
- Study of twin and family genetics helps understand the nature vs. nurture debate.
Neuroplasticity
- Brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
- Important for learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries.
Influence of Drugs on Behavior
- Psychoactive substances alter brain function, impacting mood, perception, and behavior.
- Categories include depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, each affecting neurotransmitter systems differently.
Research Methods in Biological Psychology
- Techniques include brain imaging (fMRI, PET), lesion studies, and electrophysiological recordings to study brain function and behavior relationships.

Biological Psychology

Studies the connection between biological processes and behavior, emphasizing physiological influences on mental processes and actions.

Key Concepts

Neurons: The basic units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
- Structure includes dendrites (signal reception), cell body (signal processing), and axon (signal transmission).
- Synapse: The gap between neurons where neurotransmission takes place, involving neurotransmitters that facilitate signal transfer.

Nervous System Structure

Central Nervous System (CNS): Consists of the brain and spinal cord, processing information and coordinating actions.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Links the CNS to limbs and organs.
- Somatic Nervous System: Manages voluntary movements.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion.
  - Sympathetic Division: Triggers the 'fight or flight' response.
  - Parasympathetic Division: Encourages 'rest and digest' behaviors.

Brain Structure and Function

Cerebrum: The largest brain part, associated with higher functions such as thought, memory, and emotion; subdivided into lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital), each with specific roles.
Limbic System: Critical for emotion and memory, featuring key structures like the amygdala (emotion processing) and hippocampus (memory formation).
Brainstem: Vital for maintaining basic life functions (breathing, heartbeat); consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Hormones and Behavior

The endocrine system releases hormones influencing mood, behavior, and physical health.
- Notable hormones include cortisol (stress), adrenaline (fight or flight), and oxytocin (bonding).

Genetics and Behavior

Heredity contributes to individual differences in behavior and personality.
Twin and family studies help explore the nature versus nurture debate.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's capacity to reorganize by forming new neural connections, essential for learning, memory, and recovery from injuries.

Influence of Drugs on Behavior

Psychoactive substances modify brain function, affecting mood, perception, and behavior.
- Categories include depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, each interacting with neurotransmitter systems differently.

Research Methods in Biological Psychology

Includes techniques like brain imaging (fMRI, PET scans), lesion studies, and electrophysiological recordings to investigate the interplay between brain function and behavior.

Description

Explore the biological foundations of psychology through this quiz focused on the relationship between biological processes and behavior. Test your knowledge on neurons, synapses, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Understand the key concepts that underpin biological psychology and how physiology influences mental processes.