The biological area

Question 1

Principles of the biological area

Answer 1

-Our behaviour is explained by physiological processes
-Psychology should study physiological systems to determine the cause of our behaviour

Question 2

Concepts of the biological area

Answer 2

-Use of scientific equipment (eg MRI)
-Brain plasticity

Question 3

How does Sperry link to the biological area?

Answer 3

Investigates the role of each hemisphere of the brain by studying commissurotomy patients

Question 4

How does Blakemore and Cooper link to the biological area?

Answer 4

Investigated how the visual cortex can be changed by giving kittens a restricted visual environment

Question 5

How does Casey link to the biological area?

Answer 5

Investigated the role of the ventral striatum and inferior frontal gyrus on resisting temptation

Question 6

How does Maguire link to the biological area?

Answer 6

Investigated how the hippocampus is different within taxi drivers

Question 7

Strengths of the biological area

Answer 7

-Often high internal reliability due to the controlled lab conditions
-Can establish cause and effect with highly controlled lab conditions

Question 8

Weaknesses of the biological area

Answer 8

-Often small sample size
-Lack ecological validity, as lab experiments are often used
-Often reductionist by only investigating biological causes of behaviour