Biological Psychology
- Is the study of the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behaviour and experience.
- Synonymous with the terms: biopsychology, psychbiology, physiological psychology, and behavioural neuroscience
- Deals mostly with brain activity
Dorsal view
View of the brain from the TOP
Ventral view
View of the brain from the BOTTOM
Neurons vs Glia
- Neurons convey messages to each other and to muscles and glands, vary enormously in size, shape, and function.
- Glia are generally smaller than neurons, have many functions but do not convey information over great distances
3 main points to remember from this text?
- Perception occurs in your brain
- Mental activity and certain types of brain activity are insepearble (ie. monoism vs dualism)
- Be cautious about what is an explanation and what is not
Monoism vs Dualism
- Monoism is the idea that the universe consists of only one type of being. According to monoism, your thoughts or experiences are the same thing as your brain activity.
- Dualism is the idea that minds are one type of substance and matter is another
What are the 4 categories that biological explanations of behaviour fall into?
- Physiological
- Ontogenetic
- Evolutionary
- Functional
Physiological explanation of behaviour
Relates a behaviour to the activity of the brain and other organs. It deals with the MACHINERY of the body
Ontogenetic explanation
Describes HOW a structure or behaviour DEVELOPS, including the influences of genes, nutrition, experiences, and their interactions
Evolutionary explanation
- Reconstructs the evolutionary history of a structure or behaviour
- Evolutionary explanation calls attention to behavioural similarities among related species
- STATES WHAT EVOLVED FROM WHAT
Functional explanation
Describes WHY a structure or behaviour evolved as it did
-States why something was advantageous and therefore favoured by natural selection
4 reasons why we study non-humans?
- The underlying mechanisms in behaviour are similar across species and sometimes easier to study in a nonhuman species
- We are interested in animals for their own sake
- What we learn about animals sheds light on human evolution
- Legal or ethical restrictions prevent certain kinds of research on humans
The 3 R’s regarding animal research
- “Reduction” of animal numbers (using fewer animals)
- “Replacement” using computer models or other substitutes for animals when possible
- “Refinement” (modifying the procedures to reduce pain and discomfort)
Minimalists vs Abolitionists
- Minimalists tolerate certain types of animal research but wish to limit or prohibit others depending on the probable value of the research, the amount of distress to the animal, and the type of animal.
- Minimalists wish to limit animal research to studies with little discomfort and much potential value.
-Abolitionists believe that all animals have the same rights as humans and see no room for compromise
Mind-body or Mind-brain problem
The question of how mind relates to brain activity
