biological psych

Chapter 1: Biological Psychology Notes

Depression

  • Definition: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and lack of interest.

  • Symptoms: Refer to DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual).

  • Causes: Various hypotheses regarding the occurrence of depression.

  • Predictive Measures: Genetic screening may indicate predisposition to depression.

  • Control and Treatment: Strategies to prevent and treat depression.

Diffusion of Responsibility

  • Concept: In a group setting, individuals believe others will intervene, leading to inaction.

Pharmaceutical Marketing

  • Only the U.S. and New Zealand allow direct consumer marketing from pharmaceutical companies.

Understanding Pseudoscience

  • Definition: Beliefs or practices mistakenly considered scientific.

  • The Amazing Randi: Offered $1 million for proof of pseudoscience claims, which was never claimed.

Mind-Body Connection

  • Thoughts influence feelings via physiological processes.

  • Monism vs. Dualism: Monism views mind and body as one; dualism sees them as separate.

Genetics and Environment

  • Heritability: Influences from genetics on behavior.

  • Epigenetics: Environmental factors affecting gene expression.

  • Cultural Specificity: Psychological traits may be universal or culture-specific.

  • Notably, most psychological research is conducted on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Democratic) populations.

Neuroscience Perspective

  • Emphasizes the interplay between biology, psychology, and social environment.

Chapter 2: Research Methods in Psychology

Research Participants

  • Specify details about participants, including species (e.g., strains of mice and their reactions to drugs).

Study Structure

  • Independent Variable (IV): The researcher manipulates this variable.

  • Dependent Variable (DV): This is measured in the experiment.

  • Some studies fail, leading to the vile drawer problem, in which unsuccessful experiments are discarded.

Experimental Design

  • Need for random assignment in true experiments; especially crucial in human studies to avoid bias.

  • Internal Validity: Accuracy of results without external influences.

  • Experimenter Bias: Unintentional bias by the researcher.

  • Double-Blind Studies: Neither participants nor researchers know treatment assignments to avoid bias.

  • Volunteer Bias: Participants self-selecting can skew results.

  • Demand Characteristics: Cues within a study can influence participant behavior.

  • Ethnocentrism: Viewing the world through one's cultural lens can distort psychological research.

Data Collection Methods

  • Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in natural settings, requiring at least two observers for accuracy (interrater reliability).

  • Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individuals or small groups (e.g., Phineas Gage).

  • Survey Research: Collecting data via questionnaires; be aware of social desirability bias.

  • Correlation Research: Measures the relationship between variables without establishing causation.

Ethical Guidelines in Research

  • IRB: Institutional Review Board ensures ethical standards in research.

  • Animal research is strictly monitored; informed consent must be obtained from human subjects, ensuring confidentiality and debriefing after participation.

Neural Communication and Structure

Neurons

  • Types of Neurons:

    • Sensory Neurons: Process sensory information.

    • Motor Neurons: Control movements.

    • Interneurons: Most common, facilitate communication within the CNS.

  • Myelin Sheath: Insulates axons, speeding signal transmission.

  • Action Potential: Neuronal firing is an all-or-nothing event, followed by a refractory period.

Nervous System Overview

  • CNS: Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord).

  • PNS: Peripheral Nervous System (everything outside the CNS).

  • Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary processes.

  • Somatic Nervous System: Controls voluntary movements.

Brain Structure and Function

  • Hindbrain: Controls essential survival functions (e.g., medulla, pons, cerebellum).

  • Midbrain: Includes the reticular activating system that regulates sleep and wakefulness.

  • Forebrain: Includes important structures such as thalamus (sensory relay) and hypothalamus (body regulation).

Brain Hemispheres and Functionality

  • Lateralization: Distinct functions for each hemisphere; left for language and analytical tasks, right for creativity and emotional processing.

  • Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize in response to experience.