Psychological Approaches

• What is another name for the biological approach in psychology?

  Biopsychology
• What does the biological approach emphasize in psychology?


  It emphasizes the physical and biological bases of behavior and mental processes.
• How might the biological approach explain depression?


  By citing imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain.
• What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?


  1. All behaviors and mental processes have a biological basis.
  2. Many behaviors and traits are inherited through genes.
  3. Behaviors that promote survival are more likely to be passed on.
  4. Complex behaviors can be understood by breaking them down into simpler components.
  5. Behavior is determined by biological factors.
• What is the physiological basis assumption in the biological approach?


  It states that all behaviors and mental processes have a biological basis.
• How does the biological approach view inheritance?


  It views many behaviors and traits as inherited through genes.
• What does the biological approach suggest about behaviors that promote survival?


  They are more likely to be passed on through evolution.
• What is reductionism in the context of the biological approach?


  It is the idea that complex behaviors can be understood by breaking them down into simpler components.
• What does determinism mean in the biological approach?


  It means that behavior is determined by biological factors.
• How might the biological approach explain aggression?


  As a result of hormones like testosterone or as an evolutionary adaptation for survival.
• What are the main areas of study in the biological approach?


  1. Neuroscience: Study of the nervous system and brain.
  2. Genetics: Examining how genes influence behavior.
  3. Endocrinology: Investigating the role of hormones in behavior.
  4. Evolutionary psychology: Exploring how evolutionary processes shape behavior.
  5. Psychopharmacology: Studying the effects of drugs on behavior and mental processes.
• If a psychologist studies how the nervous system affects behavior, which area of study are they focusing on?


  Neuroscience
• What area of study would examine how genes influence behavior?

  Genetics
• If a researcher is studying the effects of hormones on behavior, which area of study are they involved in?

  Endocrinology
• What area of study focuses on how evolutionary processes shape behavior?

  Evolutionary psychology
• If a researcher is studying how drugs affect behavior, which area of study are they focusing on?

  Psychopharmacology
• What methods are commonly used in biological psychology?


  1. Brain imaging techniques (fMRI, PET, EEG)
  2. Genetic studies (twin studies, adoption studies, GWAS)
  3. Animal research
  4. Lesion studies
  5. Psychopharmacological studies
• Which method would be best for studying real-time brain activity?

  fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• What do twin studies help researchers investigate?


  The genetic contribution to behavioral traits.
• What is the purpose of psychopharmacological studies?


  To investigate the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?


  1. Scientific rigor: Uses empirical methods and objective measurements.
  2. Medical applications: Contributes to drug treatments and therapies.
  3. Integration with other sciences: Links psychology with biology, neuroscience, and genetics.
• What are the limitations of the biological approach?


  1. Reductionism: May oversimplify complex behaviors.
  2. Determinism: Can underestimate the role of free will and environmental factors.
  3. Ethical concerns: Some research methods raise ethical questions.
• What is a valid criticism of the biological approach?


  It can be overly reductionist, simplifying complex behaviors to just biological processes.
• How does the biological approach contribute to medical applications?


  By contributing to the development of drug treatments and therapies.
• What ethical concerns are associated with the biological approach?


  Some research methods, like animal studies, raise ethical questions.