WJEC AS LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY: 3 Biological Assumptions.

What is the “Evolutionary Influences” assumption?

The idea that our behaviour is shaped by genes which we inherit and are passed down the generations, through a process known as “Natural Selection”

What is Natural Selection?

Any genetically altered determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival, will be passed down tho the next generations.

What is “environment of evolutionary adaptiveness”?

The environment in which a species is adapted to the set of selection pressures at the time.

Where is Human’s environment of evolutionary adaptivness theorised to be 2 million years ago?

The Saharan Desert.

What is the Localisation of Brain Function assumption?

The assumption that the brain is made up of 4 different key lobes, all of which control different cognitive functions.

What is the Neurotransmitters Assumption?

The assumption that Neurotransmitters are responsible for your actions, behaviour and emotions etc.

What does Triver’s (Parental Investment) 1972 Theory state about females?

That females invest more time and effort into bringing up their offspring than males, he proposes this is due to the greater biological investment made by females, in terms of their pregnancy.

What does Triver’s (Parental Investment) 1972 Theory state about males?

That due to females greater biological investment made, males are more likely to find a female with greater characteristics of fertility.

What is a neurotransmitter?

A chemical messenger that conveys messages around the brain via synapses

What does the frontal lobe process?

Thinking, Memory, Behaviour and movement

What does the temporal lobe

Auditory, Feelings and Learning

What does the occipital lobe process?

Sight.

What happened to Phineaus Gage?

He was impaled through the frontal lobe with an Iron Rod. Causing him to have very abnormal behaviour.

What are Neurons?

Neurons are electrically excitable cells that form the basis of neuron systems.

How do Neurons communicate with each other?

By sending chemical/electrical signals to each other via the synapses.

How does the neurotransmitter serotonin connect to your mental health?

Serotonin controls mood, sleep and appetite. Low levels are associated with Depression.

How does the neurotransmitter dopamine connect to your mental health?

Dopamine is related to your brains reward system and motivation. Too high levels of Dopamine can cause schizophrenia.

How can you control schizophrenia?

By administering drugs that block dopamine, therefore decreasing levels of dopamine reducing schizophrenia symptoms.

How can you control depression?

By administering Anti-Depressants, These supply the body with more serotonin at the post synaptic site.