Biological approach

Biological Approach

A psychological perspective that assumes all behavior can be explained by biological processes, focusing on physiological components like the brain and genetic inheritance.

Natural Selection

Darwin's theory that species evolve through a process where individuals better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Survival of the Fittest

A phrase summarizing the mechanism of natural selection; refers to the idea that individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Localisation of Function

The concept that specific areas of the brain are associated with specific functions or behaviors.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing various physiological and psychological processes.

Evolutionary Psychology

A theoretical approach that explains mental and psychological traits as adaptations shaped by natural selection.

Parental Investment Theory

A theory suggesting that the different levels of investment by males and females in their offspring shape mating strategies.

Drug Therapy

A medical treatment for psychological disorders that involves the administration of medications to influence brain function and behavior.

Altruism

The selfless concern for the well-being of others, often seen in parental behavior.

Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, divided into lobes, responsible for higher-level functions like problem solving, sensory processing, and language.

Anti-psychotics

Medications used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia by managing symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

A class of drugs used to treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Ethics of Neuroscience

The study of moral principles regarding the implications, responsibilities, and consequences of neuroscientific research and its applications.

EEA (Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness)

The environmental context in which a species evolved and adapted, influencing the development of behaviors.

Homunculus

A depiction of the human body representing the proportional areas of the brain responsible for different bodily functions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A psychotherapeutic treatment that helps individuals understand and change patterns of thinking or behavior.

Criminal Brain Abnormalities

Physical differences in brain function observed in violent offenders, which can be studied using imaging techniques like PET scans.

Cognition

The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding, including thought, experience, and the senses.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS)

A neuromodulation technique that uses direct electrical currents to stimulate specific brain regions to enhance cognitive performance.

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

A philosophical metaphor discussing human perception and understanding of reality, often referenced in discussions about consciousness.