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 are neurotransmitters responsible for?

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

  By altering neurotransmitters
• What role do genes play 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
• What is the focus of biological psychology in psychology courses?

  It is a fundamental part of the course
• Why is it important to understand biopsychology early?

  It helps in understanding core ideas
• What is the largest biological structure influencing behavior?

  The endocrine system
• What do hormones act as in the body?

  Chemical messengers
• What is the role of the adrenal gland during a threat?

  Releases adrenaline for fight or flight
• What are the effects of adrenaline on the body?

  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 is the cerebellum involved in?

  Coordinating muscle movements and balance
• 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?

  Heart rate and breathing
• What is the function of the occipital lobe?

  Visual perception
• What does the temporal lobe process?

  Auditory information
• What is the role of the parietal lobe?

  Receives sensations from the body
• What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

  Rational decision-making
• What is the significance of case studies in biological psychology?

  They identify brain function locations
• What did the case study of Tan reveal?

  Brain damage in Broca's area
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

  They affect neural communication
• What is the gap between two nerve cells called?

  Synapse
• What happens when an action potential reaches the axon terminal?

  Neurotransmitters are released
• What are the two types of neurotransmitter influences?

  Excitatory and inhibitory
• What neurotransmitter is linked to happiness?

  Serotonin
• What is the function of dopamine?

  Responsible for pleasure and reward
• What is the role of norepinephrine?

  Associated with attention
• What do SSRIs do?

  Stop serotonin reuptake
• What did the meta-analysis by Samor show about SSRIs?

  They significantly reduce OCD symptoms
• What is the relationship between genes and behavior?

  Genes instruct cell formation and function
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is genetic code; phenotype is expression