Chapter 2 Biology of Behavior & Research Methods

Flashcards covering placebo effects, experimental variables, and the biology of behavior (neural and hormonal systems, brain plasticity, historical views on mind location, and the mind-body relationship).

What is the placebo effect?

A phenomenon where participants' expectations influence their response to a treatment, which can be controlled by double-blind, placebo-controlled procedures.

In experiments, what is the independent variable?

The variable deliberately changed by the researcher to test its effect on the dependent variable.

In experiments, what is the dependent variable?

The outcome that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

What is a confounding variable?

An extraneous variable that can influence the results because it is related to both the independent and dependent variables.

What is a double-blind procedure?

A study design in which neither participants nor researchers know who is in the treatment or control group.

What are neural and hormonal systems?

The biological systems that influence behavior: the nervous system (brain, neurons) and the endocrine system (hormones).

What does the phrase 'psychology is biology' imply?

Behavior arises from biological processes, and understanding the mind involves studying the brain and bodily systems.

Who proposed phrenology and what does it claim?

Franz Joseph Gall; it claimed mental faculties are localized in brain regions and could be inferred from skull shape (now discredited).

According to Plato, where is the mind located?

In the head.

According to Aristotle, where is the mind located?

In the heart.

What is neural plasticity?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, especially after damage or through learning.

What does neuroplasticity allow the brain to do?

Change neural pathways and reorganize in response to experience, enabling learning and recovery.

What do new neural pathways reflect?

Individual experiences and learning, shaping brain connections.

What is the overall takeaway about the brain's relation to behavior?

The brain is designed to change; biology underlies behavior through neuroplasticity and learning.