The Biological Approach

• What approach do psychologists take when linking behavior to brain function?

  Biological approach
• What do psychologists refer to when discussing how the brain functions?

  A range of different processes
• What are the large structures in the brain responsible for?

  Different roles and communication
• How do hormones influence the brain's functioning?

  They are chemical signals from the body
• What role do neurotransmitters play in the brain?

  They control neural communication
• How can drugs alter behavior according to the biological approach?

  By altering neurotransmitter levels
• What is the role of genes in the biological approach?

  They influence the formation of the brain
• Why is evolution important in understanding the human brain?

  It explains the development of brain features
• What are the defining features of the biological approach?

  • Assumes humans are biological beings
  • Behavior explained through biology
  • Influences from biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution
• Why is it important to understand biopsychology early?

  It helps in understanding core ideas
• Which psychological condition is often studied in relation to the biological approach?

  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• What is the influence of biological structures on behavior?

  • Endocrine system releases hormones
  • Hormones affect behavior and body functions
  • Example: Adrenal gland and adrenaline
• What does adrenaline do in an emergency situation?

  Increases blood flow to brain and muscles
• What are sex hormones linked to?

  Sexual characteristics and aggression
• What is the most important biological structure for psychologists?

  The brain
• What connects the brain to the body?

  The brain stem
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  Occipital, temporal, parietal, frontal
• What is the limbic system responsible for?

  Emotional center of the brain
• What does localization of function refer to?

  Certain brain areas are responsible for functions
• What does the brain stem control?

  Core abilities like heart rate and breathing
• What is the role of the cerebellum?

  Coordinating muscle movements and balance
• What does the occipital lobe process?

  Visual perception
• What is the function of the temporal lobe?

  Processing auditory information
• What does the parietal lobe receive?

  Sensations from across the body
• What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

  Rational decision-making
• What is the significance of Broca's area?

  It is active during speech production
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

  They can be excitatory or inhibitory
• What neurotransmitter is linked to happiness?

  Serotonin
• What neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure?

  Dopamine
• What do SSRIs do?

  They stop serotonin reuptake
• What is the concordance rate?

  Likelihood of sharing a disorder in relatives
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  2%
• What is the concordance rate for identical twins with OCD?

  68%
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  Genetic vulnerability plus stressors influence behavior
• How does evolution explain human aggression?

  Aggression helped in survival and reproduction
• What are the evaluations of the biological approach?

  • Research studies support biological assumptions
  • Diathesis-stress model highlights nature vs. nurture
  • Real-life applications in drug therapies
  • Scientific methods enhance reliability
  • Biological determinism raises ethical concerns
• What is a positive evaluation of the biological approach?

  Real-life applications in drug therapies
• What is a criticism of biological determinism?

  It undermines personal responsibility
• What tools are used in biological psychology?

  fMRI scanners and genetic analysis
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in drug therapies?

  They influence mental health conditions