IB Psychology Biological Approach Notes

Biological Approach to Understanding Behaviour

• The biological approach focuses on physiological origins of behaviour.
• Understanding behaviour requires knowledge of physiological processes.
• Relationships between biological factors and behaviour are complex and bidirectional.
• Emphasizes the use of correlational research, e.g. brain regions and specific behaviours.
• Significant research using animal studies for insights into human behaviour.

Techniques Used to Study the Brain

• Various brain imaging techniques used include:

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

  • Produces 3-dimensional images of brain structure.

  • Detects changes in blood flow without radiation.

  • Compared brain area sizes among subjects (e.g., taxi vs. bus drivers).

  • Supporting Research: Maguire et al. (2006)

    • Examined taxi drivers’ hippocampal volume correlated to spatial memory.
    • Found structural differences between taxi and bus drivers.
    • Taxi drivers showed increased volume in posterior hippocampus, correlated with navigational experience.
    • Conclusion: Spatial knowledge associated with hippocampal volume.

  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scans:

  • Functional imaging technique providing multi-coloured brain activity images.

  • Uses radiotracers to visualize metabolic changes, relates brain areas to behaviour.

  • Supporting Research: Maguire et al. (1997)

    • Investigated right hippocampus activation during spatial memory tasks in taxi drivers.
    • Results indicated right hippocampal activation linked to recalling complex routes.

Localization of Function

• Localization suggests specific brain areas are linked to specific behaviours.
• Key example: Hippocampus involved in memory processing.
• Supporting Research: Maguire et al. (2006) again noted hippocampus role in spatial knowledge.
• Theoretical limitations exist regarding reductionism in human behaviour to specific brain areas.

Neuroplasticity

• Neuroplasticity: brain's ability to rewire itself in response to experience or injury.
• Important for learning and memory; demonstrated through various studies.
• Supporting Research: Draganski et al. (2004)
  • Examined juggling effects on changes in brain structure (increased grey matter).
  • Found neuroplastic changes associated with learning new skills.

Hormones and Behaviour

• Hormones, such as testosterone, influence behaviours including aggression and prosocial actions.
• Supporting Research: Dreher et al. (2016)
  • Investigated the effects of testosterone on aggression and generosity in economic games.
  • Results indicated testosterone increased aggressive and status-enhancing behaviours.

Genes and Behaviour

• Genes influence behaviour through predispositions (nature) and gene-environment interactions.
• Supporting Research: Caspi et al. (2002)
  • Studied the MAOA gene and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in maltreated children.
  • High MAOA expression linked to lower risk of developing ASPD under maltreatment.
• Genotype vs. phenotype approaches outlined; caution against reductionist views on behaviour.

Ethical Considerations

• Importance of protection from harm; reducing emotional and physical distress in research.
• Potential social implications from findings which can lead to public misinterpretation.
• Sensitive topics require careful communication to avoid anxiety and misrepresentation.

Conclusion

• Always consider the complex interplay of biological influences and environmental contexts.
• Research in biological psychology must navigate ethical and social sensitivity in discussing findings.