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Biological Approach and Brain Functions for AS Level Psychology

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Shannon Goodrich

11/7/2022

Psychology

biological assumptions psychology AS level

Biological Approach and Brain Functions for AS Level Psychology

The biological approach in psychology examines how biological processes influence human behavior and mental processes. This approach emphasizes the role of genetics, brain structure, and neurotransmitters in shaping psychological phenomena. Key assumptions include evolutionary influences, localization of brain function, and the impact of neurotransmitters on mental health.

  • Evolutionary influences shape human behavior for survival and reproduction
  • Specific brain areas are responsible for different cognitive functions
  • Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mental health and behavior
  • The biological approach integrates findings from neuroscience and genetics
  • This perspective provides insights into the physiological basis of psychological disorders
...

11/7/2022

333

Biological Approach Assumptions
Assumption 1: Evolutionary influences
• theory of evolution has been used to explain
how the human mind and

View

Localization of Brain Function

The second assumption of the biological approach in psychology is the localization of brain function. This principle states that specific areas of the brain are responsible for different cognitive and behavioral functions.

The cerebral cortex, which covers the brain, is primarily responsible for higher-order cognitive functions. It is divided into four main lobes:

  1. Frontal lobes: Associated with thinking, creativity, and personality
  2. Parietal lobes: Process sensory information such as pain, temperature, and touch
  3. Temporal lobes: Involved in memory processing and auditory processing
  4. Occipital lobes: Responsible for visual processing, receiving information directly from the eyes

Highlight: The localization of language in specific brain areas is a prime example of this principle.

Example: Broca's area in the frontal lobe is associated with speech production, while Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe is linked to language comprehension.

Vocabulary: Localisation of brain function as level psychology refers to the study of how different brain regions are specialized for specific cognitive and behavioral functions, as covered in AS level psychology courses.

This assumption has significant implications for understanding brain injuries, neurological disorders, and the development of targeted treatments.

Biological Approach Assumptions
Assumption 1: Evolutionary influences
• theory of evolution has been used to explain
how the human mind and

View

Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Mental Health

The third assumption of the biological approach in psychology focuses on the role of neurotransmitters in mental health and behavior. Neurons, the electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system, communicate with each other through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Definition: Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons.

Neurons have branches called dendrites that allow them to connect with many other neurons. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic vesicles in one neuron and may stimulate or inhibit receptors at the post-synaptic receptor in another neuron.

Highlight: Neurotransmitters play a significant role in mental health and psychological disorders.

Example: Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of serotonin at post-synaptic receptors.

Vocabulary: Role of neurotransmitters in mental health psychology as level refers to the study of how these chemical messengers influence psychological well-being and disorders, as covered in AS level psychology courses.

Another example is the association between high levels of dopamine and schizophrenia. Some antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine activity to alleviate symptoms.

Understanding the role of neurotransmitters provides valuable insights into the biological basis of mental health disorders and informs the development of pharmacological treatments.

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Psychology

333

Nov 7, 2022

3 pages

Biological Approach and Brain Functions for AS Level Psychology

user profile picture

Shannon Goodrich

@shannongoodrich_kdum

The biological approach in psychologyexamines how biological processes influence human behavior and mental processes. This approach emphasizes the role of genetics, brain structure, and neurotransmitters in shaping psychological phenomena. Key assumptions include evolutionary influences, localization of brain function, and... Show more

Biological Approach Assumptions
Assumption 1: Evolutionary influences
• theory of evolution has been used to explain
how the human mind and

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Localization of Brain Function

The second assumption of the biological approach in psychology is the localization of brain function. This principle states that specific areas of the brain are responsible for different cognitive and behavioral functions.

The cerebral cortex, which covers the brain, is primarily responsible for higher-order cognitive functions. It is divided into four main lobes:

  1. Frontal lobes: Associated with thinking, creativity, and personality
  2. Parietal lobes: Process sensory information such as pain, temperature, and touch
  3. Temporal lobes: Involved in memory processing and auditory processing
  4. Occipital lobes: Responsible for visual processing, receiving information directly from the eyes

Highlight: The localization of language in specific brain areas is a prime example of this principle.

Example: Broca's area in the frontal lobe is associated with speech production, while Wernicke's area in the temporal lobe is linked to language comprehension.

Vocabulary: Localisation of brain function as level psychology refers to the study of how different brain regions are specialized for specific cognitive and behavioral functions, as covered in AS level psychology courses.

This assumption has significant implications for understanding brain injuries, neurological disorders, and the development of targeted treatments.

Biological Approach Assumptions
Assumption 1: Evolutionary influences
• theory of evolution has been used to explain
how the human mind and

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Mental Health

The third assumption of the biological approach in psychology focuses on the role of neurotransmitters in mental health and behavior. Neurons, the electrically excitable cells that form the basis of the nervous system, communicate with each other through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

Definition: Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that transmit signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons.

Neurons have branches called dendrites that allow them to connect with many other neurons. At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released from presynaptic vesicles in one neuron and may stimulate or inhibit receptors at the post-synaptic receptor in another neuron.

Highlight: Neurotransmitters play a significant role in mental health and psychological disorders.

Example: Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression. Antidepressant medications often work by increasing the availability of serotonin at post-synaptic receptors.

Vocabulary: Role of neurotransmitters in mental health psychology as level refers to the study of how these chemical messengers influence psychological well-being and disorders, as covered in AS level psychology courses.

Another example is the association between high levels of dopamine and schizophrenia. Some antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine activity to alleviate symptoms.

Understanding the role of neurotransmitters provides valuable insights into the biological basis of mental health disorders and informs the development of pharmacological treatments.

Biological Approach Assumptions
Assumption 1: Evolutionary influences
• theory of evolution has been used to explain
how the human mind and

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evolutionary Influences in the Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology emphasizes the role of evolutionary influences on human behavior and cognition. This assumption is rooted in the theory of evolution and natural selection, which explains how the human mind and behavior have adapted over millions of years to meet environmental demands.

Definition: The Environment of Evolutionary Adaptiveness EEAEEA refers to the environment to which a species is adapted and the selective pressures that existed at that time.

The theory of natural selection posits that genetically determined behaviors that enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations. This process has shaped human psychology over time.

Highlight: Evolutionary psychologists focus on behaviors that ensure survival in particular environments, rather than assuming all behaviors are adaptive.

Example: The fear response to potentially dangerous stimuli, such as snakes or heights, can be seen as an evolutionary adaptation that increased our ancestors' chances of survival.

Vocabulary: Biological approach evolutionary influences psychology as level example refers to specific instances of how evolutionary processes have shaped human behavior and cognition, as studied in AS level psychology courses.

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Anna

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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

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Brad T

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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

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Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

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Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user