biological theories

theories from the biological topic of psychology

structural brain imaging technique

produce images or scans which show brain structure and anatomy

functional brain imaging techniques

provide information about brain function by showing images of brain activity

MRI name

magnetic resonance imaging

how mri works

• uses magnetic field to provide detailed internal images

• detect/display small changes in the brain’s anatomy

• magnetic fields stimulate protons within the brain, put out radio signals which are detected and analysed by a computer

theory of localisation of function

theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours or cognitive processes

strict localisation

idea that there is a clear correspondence between psychological function and brain area, all functions could be clearly mapped onto the brain

relative localisation

• concept of weak localisation

• idea that several brain structures contribute to different psychological functions

functions of the hippocampus

• consolidation og short-term memories into long term

• spatial navigation

role of the amygdala

• regulation of emotions

• encoding emotional content of memories

define hormones

chemicals released by specific glands in the body

hormone function

regulate medium and long term changes in the body

how does the endocrine system works

hormones are secreted by glands in the endocrine system and travel through the blood stream

5 points about adrenaline

• secreted by adrenal glands into the bloodstream

• responsible for arousal and the ‘flight or flight‘ response

• causes the release of noradrenaline (activates the amygdala)

• amygdala encodes emotional aspects of an experience

• works with hippocampus to enhance consolidation of explicit details

define pheromone

chemical substance produced by the glands of an animal or insect that serves as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioural response

signalling pheromones

produce rapid behavioural effects such as mating

primer pheromones

cause slow, long term physiological changes such as hormonal effects

AND effects

steroid in male semen and sweat. heightens sympathetic arousal, alters levels of cortisol and promotes positive mood state in females

describe depression

significant mood disorder, persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lose interest in activities once enjoyed. argued that genetic predisposition can partly explain depression

5 H-TT gene

serotonin transporter

gene

made of dna, blueprint for structure and function, inherited from parents

genetic expression

where information encoded in a gene is turned into a function

genetic vulnerability

an increased likelihood of developing a particular diseased based on an individuals genetic make up

genetic similarity

the greater genetic similarities between two individuals or a group of individuals, the higher degree of relatedness

monozygotic twins

identical twins, formed from one fertilised egg split into two

dizygotic twins

fraternal twins, formed from two fertilised eggs

concordance rate

the rate of probability that two people with shared genes will develop the same disease/disorder

define evolution

Evolution is the process of cumulative change in heritable characteristics of a population

darwin’s theory of evolution

members of a species who have characteristics that are better suited to the environment will be more likely to breed and thus pass on those traits. Changed is seen across generation

natural selection

• how species acquire adaptive characteristics to survive in an everchanging environment

Process: variation, competition (e.g. food source), best adapted survive,

• Survival of the fittest most able to adapt to the environment

digust linked to evolutionary behaviour

Disgust may have evolved to protect people from poisoning themselves and eating harmful substances

neuroplasticity

the ability of the brain to change itself in response to environmental demands

sprouting

ability of new dendrites or axons to develop new extensions or branches, enabling the formation of new synaptic connections

neural pruning

elimination of unused sunaptic connections, makes pathways more efficient

long term potentiation

long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections

long- term depression (neuroplasticity)

long-lasting, experience dependent onweakening of synaptic connections due to irregular coactivation