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.