Biological Approach Flashcards
(10 cards)
Technique for Studying the Brain
MRI
3D picture of brain structures
Uses magnetic field and radio waves to map activity of hydrogen molecules
present in different brain tissues to different degrees
Maguire (2000)
Draganski (2004)
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity
The brain can change its neural structures to adapt to change
Long-term potentiation argues that repeating tasks lead to dendritic branching, increasing neural density
A lack of potentation leads to neural pruning, and extra neurons are eliminated
Maguire (2000)
Draganski (2004)
Localisation of Function
Localisation of Function
Specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours or cognitive processes
Brainstem regulates life function
cerebellum regulates balance and motor function
Cerebral cortex regulates thoughts and behaviour
Limbic system regulates memory and emotion
Maguire (2000)
HM: Milner (1966)
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers that transmit info from one neuroon to another
Fit into receptor site then broken down or reuptake
All neurotransmitters are agonists
Antagonists block receptor site
Rodgers and Kesner (2003)
Antonova (2011)
Hormones
Hormones
Chemicals secreted by glands in the endocrine system
Released directly into the bloodstream
Bind to target cell and either increases or decreases its function
Ronay and Von Hippel (2010)
Zak (2009)
Pheromones
Pheromones
Chemicals produced and released by an animal
affects the behaviour or physiology of others in the same species
Primer pheromones cause long term physiological changes
Signalling pheromones produce rapid behavioural effects
Wedekind (1995)
Zhou (2014)
Genetic Similarity
Investigates if there is a biological explanation for behaviour or if the environment is also a key contributor. If people can inherit traits which predispose them to particular conditions.
Kendler et al. (2006)
Weissman et al. (2005)
Genetics
Diathesis Stress Model
MDD is due to an interaction between the genetic predisposition and environmental stress
Kendler et al (2006)
Caspi et al (2003)
Evolution
Evolution
Evolutionary psychiatrists argue that behaviours are due to natural selection
Behaviours that best serve the gene pool are passed to future generations
Wedekind (1995)
Ronay and Von Hippel (2010)
Animal Models
Animal models are used if an animal has a similar behaviour or disease to what is seen in humans
Used in research that may seem unethical if performed in humans
Observe how behaviour affects generations
