The Cellular Foundations of Behavior

Physiological Psychology

• Study of physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience.

• Also known as: Biopsychology, Psychobiology, Behavioral Neuroscience.

Understanding Consciousness

• Key question: How does the brain produce consciousness?

• Consciousness is linked to complex brain activity but remains a significant scientific puzzle.

• The 'hard problem of consciousness' addresses the gap between brain activity and subjective experience.

Importance of Biology in Psychology

• All psychological phenomena are rooted in biology.

• Consciousness arises from biological processes; everything we think, feel, or do is biologically based.

Key Theories and Concepts

• Perception occurs in the brain; mental activity and brain activity are inseparable (monism).

• Individual differences in behavior can be traced to brain differences.

Examples in Perception

• Rubber Hand Illusion: Demonstrates how the brain integrates sensory information, leading to altered perceptions of body ownership.

• Color Perception: Influenced by brain's interpretation of lighting and context, evident in scenarios like the famous dress color debate.

Van Gogh's Perception

• Possible altered states in Van Gogh's perception linked to his art; potential medical conditions may have influenced his vivid color experiences.

Theories of Consciousness

• Consciousness as a dynamic and complex interaction of brain circuits (e.g., cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons).

• Unresolved questions remain regarding consciousness and its relationship with physical reality.

Levels of Consciousness

• Differentiated states: normal waking, dreaming, meditative, hallucinatory.

• The experience of sensory inputs can differ vastly across these states.

Conclusion

• All psychology is rooted in biology; our understanding of consciousness and perception is deeply entwined with brain function and structure.