Biological approach
Page 1: Title
HABERDASHERS' Monmouth SIXTH FORM
Topic: Biological Approach
Page 2: Overview of the Biological Approach
Assumptions
Evolutionary influences
Localisation of brain function
Neurotransmitters
Relationship Formation
Therapy
Classic Research: Raine, Buchsbaum, and LaCasse (1997)
Drug therapy
Contemporary Debate: The ethics of neuroscience (Paper 2)
Page 3: Assumptions of Biological Psychology
All behaviour explained through biological systems (physiological):
Includes brain/nervous system and hormonal system.
The ‘nativist’ approach: behaviour is inherited through genes.
Based on the medical model:
Psychological disorders treated through biological means (drugs/surgery).
Page 4: Key Assumptions
Evolutionary Influences
Localisation of Brain Function
Neurotransmitters
Task:
Describe each assumption with examples of psychological behaviours.
Apply one assumption to explain relationship formation (PEEL).
Page 5: Long Neck of Giraffes
Discusses evolutionary adaptations of long necks in giraffes.
Page 6: Evolutionary Influences
Definition of Evolution:
Discuss Charles Darwin’s concept: Survival of the fittest.
Page 7: Evolutionary Psychologists
Aim to explain human emotions, thoughts, and responses using Darwin's Theory of Evolution.
Reference: Video link for further information.
Page 8: Natural Selection
Darwin's Theory of Evolution Explanation:
Natural selection leads to adaptations that help survival.
Unique variation in traits; favorable traits enhance survival rates.
Successful genes passed to offspring, known as survival of the fittest.
Page 9: Altruistic Behavior Explanation
Explore altruistic behavior in parents risking their lives for children using natural selection and EEA (Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness).
Page 10: Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA)
Definition and significance in human evolution (adaptation to savanna).
Larger brain development linking to complex social organizations.
Page 11: Peacock's Tail
Discusses sexual selection related to mate preference.
Page 12: Sexual Selection Overview
Define sexual selection and how it influences mating preferences between males and females.
Page 13: Parental Investment Theory (Trivers)
Explains how sex differences affect relationship formation
Females look for ambitious males;
Males seek fertile, youthful females.
The investment theory ties to evolutionary psychology.
Page 14: Evidence for Evolutionary Influence
Sexual Choosiness Research:
Waynforth and Dunbar (1995) activity.
Daly and Wilson (1983) study on extramarital sex.
Clark and Hatfield (1989) experiment findings showing gender-based differences in responses.
Page 15: Exam Style Question
Topic: Assumption from the biological approach related to relationship formation (4 marks).
Page 16: Preparation
Task: Watch Massolit video on partner selection and take notes.
Page 17: Assumption 2 - Localisation of Function
Cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes.
Page 18 & 19: Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex
Frontal Lobe: Problem-solving, decision making, motor skills.
Parietal Lobe: Sensory processes (pain, touch).
Occipital Lobe: Visual information processing.
Temporal Lobe: Auditory information processing.
Page 20: Brain Function Overview
Visual diagram of brain regions with functions.
Page 21: Homunculus Study
Exploring the homunculus representation for brain functions.
Page 22: Case Study on Phineas Gage
Impact of brain injury on personality and behavior (BBC Sounds).
Page 23: Fact File Activity
Design a personal fact file including various personal information.
Page 24: Exam Style Question on Localisation of Function
Describe an example of the biological assumption of localisation (4 marks).
Page 25: Preparation
Watch Massolit videos for anatomy of the brain and localisation.
Page 26-27: Assumption 3 - Neurotransmitters
Role in transmitting electrical and chemical signals in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.
Page 28-30: Neurotransmitter Functions
Definition of neurotransmitters as chemical messengers.
Details of neuron functions related to information transmission.
Example neurotransmitter functions discussed.
Page 31: Example of Behaviour Influenced by Neurotransmitters
Use a research study for examples.
Page 32: Dopamine and Behaviour
Role of dopamine in movement, emotional response, relationships, and its mental health implications.
Study by Cacioppo on males and attractiveness.
Page 33: Serotonin Overview
Discusses the role of serotonin in bodily functions: sleeping, eating, digestion.
Page 34: Application of Assumptions
Reflects on previously discussed evolutionary influences.
Page 35: Further Preparation
Watch Massolit on synaptic transmission and neurotransmitters.
Page 36-39: Drug Therapy Overview
Explanation of drug therapy linking to biological assumptions.
Steps in the drug therapy process.
Page 40-44: Components of Drug Therapy
Types of drug therapy (anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety).
Details on types and functions of each.
Page 45-48: Anti-Depressant Drug Types
Detailed breakdown of antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs, Tricyclics) and their functions.
Page 49-51: Anti-Anxiety Drugs
Uses and effects of benzodiazepines and beta-blockers.
Page 52-53: Evaluation of Drug Therapy
Effectiveness and ethical considerations; potential side effects and issues of consent.
Page 54-56: Effectiveness and Limitations
Summarizes effectiveness, acknowledges challenges and ethical concerns.
Page 57-62: Raine et al.'s Research
Background, hypotheses, findings on brain functioning differences in murderers.
Page 63-76: Methodology and Findings
Exploration of methodology, procedures, findings and implications of Raine's research.
Page 77-80: Evaluation of Raine's Study
Analysis of methodology, ethical considerations and implications for society.
Page 81-84: Broad Evaluations
Explore strengths and weaknesses of Raine's methodology and ethical implications.
Page 85-90: Conclusions on Methodology and Procedures
Draw broader implications based on evaluations, touching on ethics and social issues.
Page 91-97: Contemporary Debate on Neuroscience
Exploration of neuroscience research utility, ethical concerns, economic, social implications, along with specific examples.
Page 98-104: Neuroscience Application Issues
Discussion on the application of neuroscience and ethical concerns about drug testing and treatment.
Page 105-111: Conclusion and Consciousness
Overview of ethical implications of neuroscience and its application in clinical contexts.
Page 112-114: Neuromarketing
Definition, examples of application and ethical concerns related to consumer behavior.
Page 115-117: Evaluation of the Biological Approach using DRAINS
How the biological approach fits DRAINS evaluation criteria.
Page 118-120: Determinism and Reductionism
Exploration of determinism and reductionist tendencies in the biological approach.
Page 121-124: Application and Implications
Real-world applications, societal impact, and issues related to the biological approach.
Page 125-130: Nomothetic vs Idiographic Minds
Theoretical framework elaboration discussing nature vs nurture and scientific credibility.