Week 1

Question 1

Define biological psychology

Answer 1

A multidisciplinary field that combines the methods of psychology, biology, physiology, chemistry and computer science to try and explain the relationship between the brain and behaviour

Question 2

define generalisation and reduction

Answer 2

generalisation is a general conclusion based on many observations of similar phenomena

reduction is a phenomenon being described in terms of the more elementary processes that underlie it

Question 3

what is dualism and what is monism

Answer 3

dualism is the belief that the body is physical but the mind is not

monism is the belief that the world consist only of matter and energy and that the mind is a phenomena on produced by the workings of the nervous system (biological psychology perspective)

Question 4

List the ancient world people

Answer 4

Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen

Question 5

List the 17th century peopl

Answer 5

Descartes, galvani

Question 6

List 19th century people

Answer 6

Muller, Flourens, Broca, Cajal

Question 7

What did aristotle believe

Answer 7

the heart is the seat of emotions and cognition

Question 8

What did hippocrates believe

Answer 8

behaviour originates in the brain

Question 9

What did Galen believe

Answer 9

Father of modern medicine – also made brain – behaviour links; treated head injuries of gladiators and saw behavioural changes

Question 10

What did descartes do

Answer 10

famous renaissance philosopher who was a duellist, but an early advocate for mind – body interactions. Proposed the pineal gland theory and studied action reflexes

Question 11

What did galvani believe

Answer 11

physiologist systematically tested mind – body interactions via electrical stimulation with frogs

Question 12

What did muller do

Answer 12

experimental physiologist who propose the doctrine of specific nerve energies

Question 13

What did Flourens do?

Answer 13

experimental approach – removed sections of the brain in animals and measured behaviour

Question 14

What did Broca do

Answer 14

changes in the behaviour of humans after stroke damaging parts of the brain

Question 15

What did Cajal do?

Answer 15

Noble prize winner; improved understanding of the detailed structure of neurons (brain cells)

Question 16

What did modern neuroscience do?

Answer 16

improved methodology to explore nuances of brain – behaviour in directions (EEG, epigenetics)

Question 17

what is the theory of evolution, functionalism, and natural selection

Answer 17

The theory of evolution is that all of the features of an organism have come about due to their functional significance. Functionalism: the best way to understand a biological phenomenon is to understand it’s useful functions for the organism. Natural selection is the process by which inherited traits that confer an advantage become more prevalent in a population.

Question 18

What are chromosomes

Answer 18

They contain the blueprint for the development of a specific organism of a specific species

Question 19

What are mutations

Answer 19

they are random changes in the genetic information contained in the chromosomes of sperm or eggs that can be passed to offspring and increase genetic variability. Variability is favourable as allowed species to adapt to change

Question 20

What is selective advantage

Answer 20

Selective advantage is
mutations that are beneficial making it more likely the offspring survives. Mutations cause variations in physical traits which then might be seen in an organisms behaviour.

Question 21

what is neoteny

Answer 21

it is the reason why we have big brains, it is a slowing of the maturation process allowing more time for growth

Question 22

what are the six ways is the first principle of the Australian animal ethics code is demonstrated

Answer 22

1. using animals only when justified
2. supporting the well-being of the animals involved
3. avoiding or minimising harm, including pain and distress, to those animals
4. applying high standards of scientific integrity
5. applying replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3Rs)
6. knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities