Biological Approach

Localization

Specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions on behaviors

Study for Localization

Milner 1966

Milner - study description

Patient HM, who underwent surgery to alleviate severe epilepsy. The surgery involved the removal of the hippocampus, leading to anterograde amnesia, meaning he could not remember any new memories made after the operation. Results showed that the role of the hippocampus in memory formation and different types of memories are processed in different areas.

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to recognize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Study for Neuroplasticity

Draginski et al (2004)

Draginski et al - study description (neuroplasticity)

This study investigates the effects of learning A NEW SKILL on BRAIN STRUCTURE by examining participants who learned to juggle. Both groups, one who juggle and one who didn’t, used mri scans to compare the brains images before and after the juggling training in intervals of three months. Results showed that after the training, there where structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to visual and motor.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another in the brain and nervous system.

Study for neurotransmitters

Fisher, Aron, and Brown (2005)

Fisher, Aron, and Brown - study description

Conducted a study on the neuroscience of romantic love with dopamine and serationin. They used fmri to examine the brain activity of individuals who were in love, they were shown pictures of their romantic parterns and then viewing a neutral image. The study found that being in love activates specific parts of the regions associated with reward, motivation, and emotion, particularly the VTS, which is rich in dopamine.

Techniques to Study the Brain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dies not include x-ray, has high resolution, shows 3D structure of the brain, can detect abnormalities in the soft tissue, Negatively, it is claustrophobic, no metal can be worn or inside your body, costly, noisy, and patients need to be still for long periods of time. While functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is different. The scans are dynamic, shows ongoing brain processes, participants need to carry out tasks, excellent resolution, measured in voxels, lengthy, costly, claustrophobic, and has the inability to use with metal medical implants.

Study for techniques to study the brain

Draginski et al (2004)

Dragisnki et al - study description (techniques to study the brain)

This study investigates the effects of learning a new skill on brain structure by examining participants who learned to juggle. Both groups, one who juggle and one who didn’t, used MRI scans to compare the brains images before and after the juggling training in intervals of three months. Results showed that after the training, there where structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to visual and motor.

Hormones

Chemical substances in the brain that act as messengers, travelling to various organs, influence mood, behavior, and cognitive functions.

Study for Hormones

Ronay and Von Hippel (2010)

Ronay and Von Hippel - study description (hormones)

conducted a study to investigate the effects of testosterone on risk-taking behavior in young men. They had male participants engage in skateboarding in the presence of an attractive female or male. The researchers measured testosterone levels before and after the challenge and assessed the participants risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated that testosterone increased risk-behavior, especially in front of attractive females.

Pheromones

are chemical signals released by an individual that can affect the behavior of physiology of others of the same species. Are often associated with social and reproductive behaviors influencing attraction, mating, and social communication. They play a crucial role in innate responses and affect mate selection and territory marking.

Study for Pheromones

Wedekind (1995)

Wedeking - study description

explored the role of pheromones in human mate selection. Male participants wore a T-shirt for several days, allowing body odor to accumulate. Female participants were then asked to smell their shirts and rate their attractiveness. Results showed that women prefer the scents of men whose immune system genes differ from their own, suggesting that pheromones may play a role in mate selection by signaling genetic compatibility.

Evolutionary explanation

Refers to the perspective that the behavior and mental processes have developed as adaptations of environmental challenges over time, suggesting that survival and reproductive enhance.

Study for evolutionary explenation

Ronay and Von Hippen (2010)

Ronay and Von Hippel - study explanation (evolutionary explanation)

conducted a study to investigate the effects of testosterone on risk-taking behavior in young men. They had male participants engage in skateboarding in the presence of an attractive female or male. The researchers measured testosterone levels before and after the challenge and assessed the participants risk-taking behaviors. Results indicated that testosterone increased risk-behavior, especially in front of attractive females.

Gene Similarity

The degree of generic relatedness between individuals

Study for Gene SImilarity

Bouchard and McGue (1981)

Bouchard and McGue - study explanation

conducted a meta-analysis to examine the influence of genetics by analyzing data from twin studies. They compared IQ sored of twins and other family duos. Findings indicated that identical twins had a more similar IQ than other family duos, suggesting a significant genetic component to intelligence.

Genes

Basic units of hereditary that carry information for the development and functioning of an organism

Study for Genes

Capsi et al (2007)

Capsi et al - study description

investigated interactions between genetic and environmental factors in the development of depression. They focused specifically on 5-HTT and its role on individuals respond to stressful life events. Results showed that individuals with a variant of 5-HTT were more likely to develop depression than those who didn’t have the gene, suggesting that gene predisposition can influence how people respond to stress/ stressful events