HL Biological Approach to Understanding Behavior

Biological Approach

Biological Approach

The perspective in psychology that emphasizes the physiological origins of behavior, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between biology and behavior, and the interaction of biological factors with environmental stimuli.

Reductionist Approach

Analyzing complex behaviors by studying the simplest mechanisms believed to be responsible for the behavior, focusing on individual biological factors to explain behavior.

Nature versus Nurture Debate

Historical controversy in psychology debating whether human behavior results from biological (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors, now recognized as an interaction of both nature and nurture in shaping behavior.

Interactionist Approach

Modern psychological perspective integrating biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of behavior.

Case Study

In-depth examination of a single individual or group, often using triangulation methods like data, method, researcher, and theory triangulation to gather comprehensive data.

HM Case Study

A famous case study involving HM, a patient with anterograde amnesia due to brain surgery, demonstrating the role of the hippocampus in memory formation and the use of method triangulation in research.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Non-invasive imaging technique providing detailed three-dimensional images of brain structures, used to study brain damage and localization of brain functions.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan

Imaging technique observing brain metabolic processes by detecting gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer, showing brain activity during psychological tasks but with limitations in invasiveness and resolution.

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

Shows brain activity and active areas during behaviors or cognitive processes by measuring changes in blood flow.

PET scans

Imaging technique that shows metabolic activity in the brain using a radioactive isotope, with lower resolution compared to fMRI.

Brain plasticity

Refers to the brain's ability to reorganize its structure based on learning or experiences, leading to changes in neural connections.

Localization of function

Theory suggesting specific brain areas are responsible for distinct behaviors or cognitive processes, although brain functions often involve distributed processing.

Limbic System

Brain region involved in memory and emotion, comprising components like the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

Strengthening of synapses through repeated use, leading to enhanced response and neural changes.

Synaptic pruning

Process of eliminating underused synapses to enhance neural efficiency.

Neurotransmission

Process of sending electrochemical messages between neurons using neurotransmitters.

Excitatory neurotransmitters

Increase the likelihood of neuron firing by depolarizing it, e.g., acetylcholine.

Inhibitory neurotransmitters

Decrease the likelihood of neuron firing by hyperpolarizing it, e.g., GABA.

Agonists and antagonists

Chemicals that either activate (agonists) or block (antagonists) post-synaptic receptor sites.

Hormones

Chemicals secreted by glands in the endocrine system affecting behavior, with longer-lasting effects than neurotransmitters.

Fight or Flight response

Physiological reaction triggered by adrenaline release in response to a threatening stimulus.

Hormone cascade

Hormones triggering the release of more hormones, as seen in the HPA axis involving cortisol and adrenaline release.

Emotional Memory

Memories linked to emotional arousal, influenced by adrenaline and activation of the amygdala, leading to better recall of specific details.

Beta-Blocker

Medication like propranolol that interferes with adrenaline release, used to prevent activation of the amygdala and formation of emotional memories.

Pheromones

Chemical substances released by animals affecting behavior or physiology of others of the same species, with controversial effects in humans.

Primer Pheromones

Type of pheromones causing slow, long-term physiological changes, like hormonal effects.

Signaling Pheromones

Type of pheromones producing rapid behavioral effects, such as mating behavior.

Androstadienone (AND)

Potential human pheromone found in male semen and sweat, influencing human mating behavior.

Estratetraenol (EST)

Potential human pheromone found in female urine, affecting human mating behavior.

Vomeronasal Organ

Structure in animals detecting pheromones, absent in most primates including humans.

Hexadecanal

Putative pheromone linked to human aggression, emitted from babies' heads, potentially influencing caretakers' behavior.

fMRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging used to study brain activity, showing differences in response to hexadecanal between men and women.

Hexadecanal

A compound that may play a role in women's protection of their infants.

Internal validity

Ensuring the accuracy of research findings by controlling variables within the study.

Genetic predisposition

An inherited tendency to develop a particular behavior under specific environmental conditions.

Diathesis-Stress Model

A theory suggesting that genetic predisposition interacts with environmental stress to influence behavior.

Concordance rate

The likelihood that a specific trait will be present in both members of a pair of twins.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins who develop from one fertilized egg and share the same genetic material.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins who develop from two separate fertilized eggs and share about 50% of their genes.

Genetic mapping

Identifying the location of genes on chromosomes related to specific behaviors.

Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS)

Large-scale studies comparing genetic variations in individuals with and without a specific behavior.

Manhattan Plot

A graph showing the significance of genetic variations associated with a behavior on different chromosomes.

Twin studies

Researchers compare behavioral traits of monozygotic (MZ or identical) twins and dizygotic (DZ or fraternal) twins to evaluate genetic and environmental influences on traits.

Kinship studies

Also known as family or pedigree studies, they assess the genetic roots of behaviors by examining the frequency of traits across and within generations.

Case-control studies

Retrospective studies defining groups with and without a behavior/disorder to assess genetic inheritance risk factors.

Epigenetics

Study of gene-environment interactions affecting genetic expression and behavior occurrence.

Major Depressive Disorder

Common mental health condition studied for genetic predisposition through twin studies and genetic mapping.

5-HTT gene

Gene involved in serotonin pathways linked to mood control, studied by Caspi et al. (2003) for its role in depression.

Genetic vulnerability

Concept suggesting genetic predisposition to certain behaviors or disorders.

Concordance rate

Rate of similarity in traits between twins, influenced by genetic expression and environmental factors.

Population validity

The extent to which study samples can be generalized to the broader population.

Correlational studies

Research method used to identify relationships between variables without establishing causation.

Natural Selection

Charles Darwin's theory that species with advantageous traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on these traits to offspring.

Adaptation

The process by which species develop characteristics over generations that make them more competitive and better suited to their environment.

Social Competition Hypothesis

A theory explaining depression as an involuntary subordinate strategy to yield in competitive situations, leading to behaviors like social withdrawal and reduced motivation.

Resource Holding Potential (RHP)

An animal's awareness of its fighting capacity, determining whether it attacks (high self-esteem strategy) or becomes subordinate (low self-esteem strategy) in conflicts.

Pathogen Host Defense Hypothesis

The theory proposing that genes increasing the risk for depression also enhance immune response to infections, suggesting depressive symptoms may have evolved as a defense mechanism against diseases.

Genetic Testing

The process of analyzing an individual's DNA to identify potential genetic variations or mutations that may be associated with certain traits, diseases, or conditions.

Prospective Study

A type of research study that follows participants over time to observe outcomes, often used to investigate the causes of diseases or conditions.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A psychological phenomenon where a person's belief or expectation about a future event influences their behavior in a way that ultimately makes the prediction come true.

Genetic Determinism

The belief that an individual's genetic makeup predetermines their traits, behaviors, or destiny, without considering the influence of environmental factors or personal choices.

Endophenotype

Measurable biological, behavioral, or cognitive markers that are more common in individuals with a particular disorder compared to the general population.

External Validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations or populations, including the relevance of findings from animal research to humans.

Theoretical Generalization

Using findings from a study to contribute to the development of broader theories or principles, such as applying insights from animal models to understand human behavior.

Animal Research

The use of animals in scientific studies to gain insights into various aspects of behavior, physiology, or diseases that may not be feasible or ethical to study in humans.

Animal Welfare Act (USA, 1966)

A federal law requiring registration and licensing of all animal dealers, oversight of animal labs by a committee including a veterinarian and an unaffiliated person, and promotion of alternatives to animal use in research.

Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (1969)

Legislation in Australia focusing on the ethical treatment of animals in scientific research, including approval processes for procedures and facilities.

Three R's Principle

A directive in the EU (2010) advocating for the replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal use in scientific research to minimize suffering and improve animal welfare.

Great Ape Research Ban

Legislation in the Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, Sweden, Germany, and Austria prohibiting the use of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans in experimentation due to ethical concerns.

Harlow's Research on 'the nature of love'

Controversial studies by Harlow using monkeys to study the impact of isolation on social development, revealing abnormal behaviors and ethical debates.

Selective Breeding Experiments

Genetic research method involving breeding animals to produce specific traits, including the use of transgenic mice like knockout mice for studying gene functions.

MAOA Gene Study

Research on the genetic origins of aggression using transgenic mice with the MAOA gene knocked out, linking genetic variations to aggressive behavior in both animal models and human studies.