Lecture 1 Flashcards
(8 cards)
Understanding Biological determinants of behaviour
Description
Every learning, memory and perception will directly affect the brain and neural structure
Understanding Biological determinants of behaviour
Comparitive/ evolutionary
Describing evolution of behaviour in comparison with different species
Sexual behaviour - how does mating depend on hormones in different species
Language and comm - how did speech evolve?
Understanding Biological determinants of behaviour
Development
Describes development of brain over lifespan
Learning and memory change over lifespan.
When does brain. finally develop?
Understanding Biological determinants of behaviour
Mechanisms
Describe biological mechanisms of behaviour
Sexual behaviour - what neutral circuits and hormonal change are involved in reproductive behaviour
Language and comm - What brain regions are primarily involved in language
Understanding Biological determinants of behaviour
Applications
Applying knowledge of Biopsych
learning and memory - improving memory and learning - stop impairment
What is Neural Plasticity?
Effects at the level of the brain (neurons, cells etc)
The higher order effects of the brain on behaviour (the complex ways components interact)
What are the 7 levels of analysis in Biopsych?
- social level
- organ level
- neural systems level
- brain region level
- cellular level
- synaptic level
- molecular level
Why must we be aware of Reductionism (Reductionistic claims)
“Seduction of reduction”
This is an approach of simplifying otherwise quite complex behaviours.
It is certainly not always the way to research.
eg. Genes are responsible for gambling addiction (clearly a much more complex issue)
