Introduction to Biological Approach in IB Psychology

Introduction

• Instructor: Laura, IB Psychology and Biology Tutor
• Objective: Series of videos on difficult concepts in IB Psychology

Three Main Approaches in Psychology

• Biological Approach: How behaviors are affected by biological features (brain, neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones)
• Cognitive Approach: How memory affects behaviors and actions
• Socio-Cultural Approach: Psychology in terms of group interactions and cultural dimensions

Biological Approach

• Main Concern: Study the biological correlates of behavior or physical correlates of behavior
• Focus on the Brain: Exploring how brain complexity, neural connections influence behaviors

Subtopic: Brain Localization

• Concept: Certain areas of the brain correspond with specific functions
• History: Previous ideas like left brain/right brain have been debunked but localization remains a valid concept
• Main Lobes of the Brain:
  • Frontal Lobe
  • Parietal Lobe
  • Occipital Lobe
  • Temporal Lobe
• Language Center: Example of a localized function with Broca's area as a specific sub-region

Case Studies in Brain Localization

Phineas Gage

• Incident: Iron rod passed through his skull
• Researcher: Harlow observed personality changes
• Conclusion: Frontal lobe involved in personality
• Note: Importance of distinguishing correlation from causation

Milner and Scoville (HM Case Study)

• Incident: Bike accident led to seizures and later brain surgery
• Researchers: Milner, Scoville, and Corkin (administered MRI)
• Outcome: Developed anterograde amnesia; partial retrograde amnesia
• Conclusion: Hippocampus plays a role in memory encoding

Critical Evaluation

• Generalization: Limited due to small sample size and uniqueness of cases
• Strengths: Longitudinal studies allow for technological advances (e.g., MRI scans) to corroborate findings

Conclusion

• Essay Writing Tips: Link studies to the concept of brain localization
• Critical Thinking: Evaluate studies, acknowledge their limitations and strengths

Additional Resources

• Private Tutoring: Available through Lanterna for tailored assistance
• Future Videos: More subtopics to be covered in upcoming sessions

• Contact Information: Access private tuition through provided links in the video description.
• Next Steps: Enhance understanding through further sessions on other subtopics.