the biological approach

• What organ is referred to as the brain?

  The brain is the organ responsible for various functions and behaviors.
• What does it mean when a psychologist takes a biological approach to behavior?

  It means they attribute behavior to the functioning of the brain and biological processes.
• What are the different processes referred to when discussing how the brain functions?

  These processes include communication between brain structures and the body, as well as hormonal and neurotransmitter influences.
• What are hormones?

  Hormones are chemical signals from the body that influence brain functioning.
• What role do neurotransmitters play in the brain?

  Neurotransmitters control neural communication between individual neurons.
• How can altering neurotransmitters with drugs affect behavior?

  Altering neurotransmitters can change how individuals behave.
• What is the role of genes in the biological approach to psychology?

  Genes influence the development and functioning of the human brain.
• Why is evolution important in understanding the human brain?

  Evolution explains how certain features of the human brain have developed for survival.
• What are the defining features of the biological approach in psychology?

  • Assumes humans are biological beings
  • Behavior explained through biology
  • Influences from biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution
• What is biological psychology?

  Biological psychology is a fundamental part of psychology that focuses on biological influences on behavior.
• Why is it important to understand biopsychology early in psychology studies?

  Understanding biopsychology is crucial as it appears in various units and helps in gaining marks.
• How does the endocrine system influence behavior?

  The endocrine system releases hormones that act as chemical messengers affecting behavior.
• What is the function of the adrenal gland?

  The adrenal gland activates the fight or flight response by releasing adrenaline.
• What are the effects of adrenaline on the body?

  Adrenaline increases blood flow to the brain and muscles while reducing blood flow to digestion and skin.
• How do sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence behavior?

  Testosterone is linked to male body features and aggression, while estrogen influences female characteristics.
• What is the brain's primary function?

  The brain is the center of all conscious and unconscious processes.
• What is the role of the brain stem?

  The brain stem controls core abilities like heart rate and breathing.
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  The four lobes are occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal.
• What is localization of function in the brain?

  Localization of function is the idea that certain brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  The cerebellum is involved in coordinating muscle movements and balance.
• What does the temporal lobe process?

  The temporal lobe processes auditory information.
• What is the role of the frontal lobe?

  The frontal lobe is responsible for rational decision-making.
• What is the limbic system's function?

  The limbic system is the emotional center of the brain.
• How does the case study of Tan support the biological approach?

  Tan's case showed that damage to Broca's area affected speech production, linking brain structure to behavior.
• What is the synapse?

  The synapse is the gap between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released.
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

  Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory, affecting the likelihood of a new electrical charge in the postsynaptic neuron.
• What is serotonin linked to?

  Serotonin is linked to feelings of well-being and happiness.
• What is dopamine associated with?

  Dopamine is a reward neurotransmitter responsible for intense pleasure.
• What are SSRIs and their function?

  SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that enhance serotonin activity in the synapse.
• What did the meta-analysis by Samor reveal about SSRIs?

  The meta-analysis showed that SSRIs significantly reduce symptoms of OCD compared to placebos.
• How do genes influence behavior?

  Genes instruct how cells are formed and function, influencing behaviors like aggression and mental health conditions.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is the genetic code, while phenotype is the expression of that genetic code.
• What is concordance rate?

  Concordance rate is the likelihood of one person having a disorder if another person has the disorder.
• What does a higher concordance rate in family members suggest?

  A higher concordance rate suggests a genetic influence on the disorder.
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  The prevalence rate of OCD in the general population is 2%.
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in identical twins?

  The concordance rate for OCD in identical twins is 68%.
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in non-identical twins?

  The concordance rate for OCD in non-identical twins is 31%.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic vulnerability interacts with environmental stressors to influence behavior.
• How does the diathesis-stress model evaluate the biological approach?

  The model shows that biological processes alone do not fully explain behavior, highlighting the role of environmental factors.
• What is the role of evolution in behavior?

  Evolution explains how behaviors that provide survival advantages are inherited and become more common in a population.