Overview
This lecture introduces biological psychology, its key assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses, highlighting the relationship between biology and behavior.
What is Biological Psychology?
- Biological psychology studies how our biological makeup, especially the nervous system and chemicals, influences behavior and experiences.
- It investigates the effect of brain structure and neurochemicals on mood and behavior.
- Some biological psychologists use a reductionist approach, explaining behavior solely through biology.
- Others argue human behavior is too complex to be fully explained by biology alone, considering social and psychological variables.
Main Assumptions of Biological Psychology
- All psychological processes are rooted in biological processes; the brain is central to thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Behavior has a genetic basis and is influenced by DNA, genes, and biological molecules.
Strengths of Biological Psychology
- Utilizes advanced equipment (e.g., MRI scanners) for objective, accurate measurement of brain structure.
- Often uses laboratory experiments to ensure precision and control of variables.
- Research leads to practical applications, such as diagnosis and treatment of brain injury or disease.
- Studies have demonstrated the brain's plasticity (ability to change in response to injury or experience).
Weaknesses of Biological Psychology
- Laboratory experiments may lack ecological validity, as conditions are not typical of real life.
- Tasks in studies may be unusual and not reflect everyday behaviors.
- Scientific methods allow control but may not generalize to typical contexts.
- Studies are often costly, time-consuming, and use small samples, limiting generalizability.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Reductionism — The approach of explaining complex behavior solely by biological factors.
- Ecological validity — The extent to which study findings can be generalized to real-world settings.
- Plasticity — The brain's ability to adapt or change following injury or experience.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review other psychology approaches for comparison.
- Consider real-world examples where biological psychology has impacted diagnosis or treatment.