Human Behaviour

Psychology assignment 1 notes

how effectively can different approaches explain human behavior?

(describe + compare and contrast (similarities and differences +why that is) +evaluate which approach is best/has most coherent ideas

-Biological:

The definition of biopsychology is the in depth research and application of methods to describe and coherently explain human behaviour from the perspective of genetics(inherited factors e.g. higher risk of depression), chemicals (such as hormones/endocrine, neurontransmitters, Serotonin, Cortisol, Dopamine) and nervous system (nerves, neurons, toxicity, infection) within the human body e.g. fight or flight response, gender development and respective workings of the left and right brain hemispheres. Mark Holah (2008).

Below is a simplified diagram of Roger Sperry's (1964) explanation on the respective functions of the left and right hemispheres and outlines the overall differences, independence.

Nobel Prize.org (2013)

This perspective goes onto analyse how the brain and neurotransmitters influence even our smallest behaviours, thoughts and feelings. Biopsychology is an eclectic combination of psychology and neuroscience.

Showing a clear distinction between left and right brain hemispheres. Mark Holah (2008)

The general consensus is that the 'consciousness' and the 'mind' are represented as being merely processes of the brain similarly to the activity in an abstract and complex computer program. This particular perspective is deeply rooted and has grown exponentially in recent times due the advances in technology and pharmaceuticals.

Biopsychology uses technology to study the brain and nervous system. In modern and contemporary times scientists use resources such as PET (positron emission tomography scan from the 1980's) and MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging, created by Schulman in1983) scans to look at how disease, drugs and damage to the brain impact human behaviour and cognitive...