...Biological Psychology Introduction ]Biology is defined as the study of life (from the Greek bios meaning ‘life’ and logos meaning ‘study’). A biological perspective is relevant to the study of Psychology in three ways: 1. Comparative method: different species of animal can be studied and compared. This can help in the search to understand human behaviour. 2. Physiology: how the nervous system and hormones work, how the brain functions, how changes in structure and/or function can affect behaviour. For example, we could ask how prescribed drugs to treat depression affect behaviour through their interaction with the nervous system. 3. Investigation of inheritance: what an animal inherits from its parents, mechanisms of inheritance (genetics). For example, we might want to know whether high intelligence is inherited from one generation to the next. Each of these biological aspects, the comparative, the physiological and the genetic, can help explain human behaviour. The biological approach believes that most behaviour is inherited and has an adaptive (or evolutionary) function. For example, in the weeks immediately after the birth of a child, levels of testosterone in fathers drop by more than 30 per cent. This has an evolutionary function. Testosterone-deprived men are less likely to wander off in search of new mates to inseminate. They are also less aggressive, which is useful when there is a baby around. Biological psychologists explain behaviours in neurological...
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...Material Biological Psychology Worksheet Answer the following questions in short-essay format. Be prepared to discuss your answers. 1. What is biological psychology? Biological Psychology is more known for behavioral and neurobiology neuroscience. This is a very interesting and exciting one. It is chiefly concerned with elucidating the neurobiological basis of psychological and behavioral phenomena. The interesting accomplished by being able to get images of the brain and trying to determine the location of the mental process, watching the activity of different components of our brain, allowing us to study the effect of behavior, and the effect of our brains outputs. The field has grown over the past decades due to the expansion of computer technology and the greater understanding of genetics and biology and the fMRI imaging machines. 2. What is the historical development of biological psychology? The historical development of biopsychology is traced as far back as the ancient Greek era. It became the Roman church who dictated much of the human behavior according to their religious beliefs. After the Dark Ages subsided a new way of thinking was born and this period is called the Renaissance era. With this era came new ways of studying things, ways to see things by observing them and this was how modern science was founded. 3. Name one to three important theorists associated with biological psychology. Rene...
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...Biological Psychology Worksheet Liz Rodriguez PSY 400 March 22, 2012 Dr. Iris Thomas Biological Psychology Worksheet 1. What is biological psychology? It is the study of the biology of behavior. It is the study of what role biology plays in behavior, and the links between the brain and the body. How the brain functions and how the body reacts or how it behaves to the activity of the brain. Biopsychology has also been called the mind-body connection. 2. What is the historical development of biological psychology? The historical development of biopsychology is traced as far back as the ancient Greek era. It became the Roman church who dictated much of the human behavior according to their religious beliefs. After the Dark Ages subsided a new way of thinking was born and this period is called the Renaissance era. With this era came new ways of studying things, ways to see things by observing them and this was how modern science was founded. 3. Name one of the three important theorists associated with biological psychology. Rene Descartes (1596-1650) was a French philosopher but also the one the first to conclude that the Universe was made up of two elements. One of which was the physical matter or the human body, and the other was the soul, spirit, self, or the human mind. 4. Describe the relationship between biological psychology and other fields in psychology and neuroscience. Whether it is the study of biopsychology and other fields of psychology...
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...Biological Foundations in Psychology Biological Psychology Paper Vanell Wilson Manon Doll March 13, 2010 Biological Psychology Biological Psychology is defined as “the study of behavior and experience in terms of genetics, evolution, and physiology, especially the physiology of the nervous system” (American Heritage Dictionary). Biological psychology uses biology as an approach to understand human and animal behavior. Psychology has now developed into a wide-ranging discipline and is concerned with understanding behavior and mental processes from a variety of perspectives. Biological psychology is the branch of science that attempts to explain behavior in terms of biology, is therefore the study of the brain and how it causes or relates to behavior (Foundations of Biopsychology). The brain contains more cells than there are in the universe. There are over 100 billion cells and each parts works together to produce, direct, and choreograph what we think, feel, and do. The study of the brain is one of the most rapidly expanding areas in modern science today, and part of this development is a quest to understand how it’s physical and chemical structure gives rise to human behavior. Arguably, there is no other discipline that can give us greater insight into ourselves, as well as having the potential to change people’s lives for the better (Foundations of Biopsychology). The ancient Greeks were among the first to realize that the brain was the organ of the mind, Plato...
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...Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Anna Samora PSY/340- Biological Foundations of Psychology Stephanie Fernandez September 2, 2013 Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that can and had affect many people thought out history. There is many symptoms that can help diagnose this disorder. After there is way you can treat the disorder as well. I have thought is there a way to better the way we diagnose and treat people with this disorder. The first thing I am going to talk about is what is schizophrenia? This is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder. People with this disorder think people are reading their mind. There no telling what they are think in tell they talk. When they talk they do not make sense at all. They can sit still without say a word for hours. They also have a hard time holding down job, so they need other to take of them. They can barely take care of themselves or other. People that have schizophrenia is not the only one that is affect by this disorder. Their family and community is affect by it to. If they have right treatments or therapy to control their symptoms they can live normal life within the community and with their family. This disorder has five subtypes and they are paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual. Potential problems I am assume that it something that has to do with symptoms and medication to help people with some disorders. There is many symptoms that doctor separate in to three categories and...
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...Neurotransmitters: communication between neurons across synapse Are stored in vesicles at axon tips -> go to post synaptic cells and attach to receptors: protein sites on the surface of a cell; specific to neurotransmitter • Each neurotransmitter can bind to different receptor types • Have different effects depending on which type of receptor it binds to. The chemical signal that crosses the synapse creates an electrochemical signal. Postsynaptic Potential: change in membrane potential of postsynaptic cell • Postsynaptic potential fades as it flows along Excitatory postsynaptic potential: depolarizing postsynaptic potential (if positively charged molecules flow into the neuron) • single EPSP isn’t enough to fire Inhibitory postsynaptic potential: positively charged molecules flow out; hyperpolarization makes neuron less likely to fire an AP. Junction of axon: is specialized region where new AP’s are generated • The firing of a cell depends on what signals are present at junction. Brain and spinal cord, neurons are organized into groups Neural networks Sensory systems: group of neurons that provide info about the environment • (hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch) Motor systems: parts of the NS that influence muscles and other organs to respond to the environment. Peripheral Nervous System: includes all the nervous system not housed in bone, carries out sensory and motor functions Central Nervous System: encased in bone (brain, inside the skull, and...
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... |PSY/315 Version 3 | | |Statistical Reasoning in Psychology | Copyright © 2012, 2010, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This is an introductory course in applied statistics, with particular emphasis in psychology. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are included. In addition, this course provides the basic statistical background and understanding needed. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Aron, A., Aron, E. N., & Coups, E. (2009). Statistics for psychology (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Note: All required tasks are highlighted with individual assignments...
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...Biological Warfare: Effects on USA Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine the response of the American public to the growing threat of biological warfare which has been amplified by the war on terrorism. The study focuses on various news items, government researches, public responses and independent researches to gauge the effects of the perceived biological threat. The research shows clear linkages between rising terrorism in the world and an increase in public knowledge of the sort of threats these terrorist organizations pose, especially the risk of a biological attack which could lead to a catastrophe. The research also sheds light on the rising voices in the media and public which demand concrete strategies to prepare for any and all eventualities. We also see how these demands shape public policy and scientific research. Lastly, we conclude that there is a definitive causal link between people’s perception of the biological terror threat and their public and private behavior. Introduction The primary research question we have is that in what ways has the use or threat of biological weapons of mass destruction affected the lives of US citizens in recent history? America has been on the receiving end of terror attacks and the year 2001 is still fresh in everyone’s minds. The terror attacks on the world trade center were soon followed by the anthrax attacks which were perpetrated by a lone, disturbed scientist. The fact that a single man, without any proper...
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...NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS ANTHRAX VACCINE AS A COMPONENT OF THE STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE: A DILEMMA FOR HOMELAND SECURITY by Thomas L. Rempfer December 2009 Thesis Advisor: Second Reader: Stanley Supinski Dean Lynch Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188) Washington DC 20503. 1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 2. REPORT DATE December 2009 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 5. FUNDING NUMBERS Anthrax Vaccine as a Component of the Strategic National Stockpile: A Dilemma for Homeland Security 6. AUTHOR(S) Thomas L. Rempfer 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943-5000...
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... 2 Without conducting any research, I realize that I have never really thought about the subject of nature vs. nurture. By knowing a little of what the controversy is about, I am able to ask myself the right questions to complete my thoughts and come to a proper opinion. Usually I am an extremist by going with one side and not lingering with thoughts in the middle. However, this is a subject that does not deserve one end. By looking and observing those around me, many may notice that people share similar traits. Some traits are the result of nature and others are the result of nurture. There is no 50:50 ratio that is involved in the deciding factor of how much of each side contributes to the individuals we are today. Because biological factors and conformity are two different subjects, there is no scientific way to measure an accurate ratio of nature to nurture. Instead, I believe that each and every person is the product of 100 percent nature as well as 100 percent nurture. As my boyfriend and I are out to lunch, I throw my thoughts at him about nature vs. nurture and he makes me realize that tofu is a great example of both nature and nurture. He asks me how I am able to eat something so bland and tasteless. I tell him that tofu does have sort of a creamy nutty taste to it and is delicious plain uncooked. However, when tofu is cooked, it conforms to and picks up the flavor of the food or sauce that is being cooked with. “Tofu or bean curd is a food made by coagulating...
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...Social psychology is the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of the individual behavior and thought in social situation. Social psychology investigates the ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by the social environments in which we live. Social interactions help to shape who we are and how we act in different situations. The factors affecting social interaction fall into five major categories. They are the actions and characteristics of others, basic cognitive processes, ecological variables, cultural context and biological factors. The Cognitive processes such as perception, memory and inferences play a key role on the understanding and behavior of every individual in the society. Reactions to certain situations by an individual strongly depend on the memories of others past behaviors and the inferences an individual formed about these behaviors. If anybody wants to clearly understand the causes of others behavior in a social situation it is a must that one should understand what went on in the thinking pattern and understanding process of those people when they behaved in a particular social situation. For example, if your friend sets an appointment with you in a particular time. You are waiting for him at a particular point in a particular time, if he comes late what would be your reaction. In such a situation, cognitive process plays a crucial role in the social behavior and social thoughts of every individual....
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...Homosexuality, Nature vs. Nurture Western Governors University Homosexuality, Nature vs. Nurture Nature versus nurture is one of the most enduring debates in the psychology world today. These debates have been studied and reviewed for many years, with only hypotheses formed, no clear conclusions have been met. In the middle of the debates is human behavior, whether they are learned or inherited remains unanswered. Intelligence, ability, or even personality remains under scrutiny whether these traits are learned or predetermined by specific genes. Physical characteristics can be contributed to hereditary, i.e. eye color or hair color. When referring to nature, it is assumed that what and who we are, as humans, comes in a natural state or inherited. In other words, we are going to be who we are without the influence on how we were raised and matured in our environment. On the other hand, nurture is viewed as what or who we are as a result of our influences and our environment or surroundings. Homosexuality is one of the hottest topics today. One of the reasons for the popularity is the current debate on same sex marriage, along with homosexual human rights campaigns going on in today’s public arena. More so either this “behavior” is by choice or predetermined by genes. The Studies One of the best research in this area is on identical twins. Howard Gruber, the director of the Institute for Cognitive Studies at Rutgers University in Newark, reviewed and quoted two...
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...Social psychology is the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of the individual behavior and thought in social situation. Social psychology investigates the ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by the social environments in which we live. Social interactions help to shape who we are and how we act in different situations. The factors affecting social interaction fall into five major categories. They are the actions and characteristics of others, basic cognitive processes, ecological variables, cultural context and biological factors. The Cognitive processes such as perception, memory and inferences play a key role on the understanding and behavior of every individual in the society. Reactions to certain situations by an individual strongly depend on the memories of others past behaviors and the inferences an individual formed about these behaviors. If anybody wants to clearly understand the causes of others behavior in a social situation it is a must that one should understand what went on in the thinking pattern and understanding process of those people when they behaved in a particular social situation. For example, if your friend sets an appointment with you in a particular time. You are waiting for him at a particular point in a particular time, if he comes late what would be your reaction. In such a situation, cognitive process plays a crucial role in the social behavior and social thoughts of every individual...
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...spills fails to report to the housekeeping about the health hazard that can be caused by the chemical (human error). The housekeeping who is assigned to clean the spill has A maintenance supervisor calls in a temporary worker from third-party recruiting company to handle housekeeping tasks for a day. The temporary worker is assigned the task of mopping the floors. The supervisor assigns him the list of rooms to be cleaned that also includes a research laboratory, where the staff work on chemical and biological agents (situational factor). The supervisor provides required instructions and provides a PPE, which is an overalls and a pair of gloves that is to be used while cleaning the laboratory. The worker follows the instruction and cleans the laboratory but doesn’t dispose off his overalls and gloves properly instead he keeps it back in the room where housekeeping things are stored (human error). Now, anyone that is going to wear it again is at a risk of exposure to biological and chemical agents that could pose a health risks (environmental...
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...------------------------------------------------- Species in the environment, r and K selection K and r selection: * r - the intrinsic rate of increase * K - the carrying capacity for the organism in that environment * r and K selection was an early attempt to identify life-history distinctions * r-selected species do well at low population density, and are at an advantage in frequently disturbed habitats * K-selected species do well at high population density and are at an advantage in constant or predictable habitats * Heuristically very useful as it allows use to predict the types of species likely to occur under different disturbance regimes R selection: * r-selected species have a rapid rate of population increase. * This is typical of species that colonise short-lived environments or of populations that undergo large fluctuations * Eg. Weeds, aphids, bacteria K selection: * K - selected species have superior competitive ability in stable environments where rapid population growth is unimportant as the population is maintained near K Ways to categorize/class species: * By biome or community type * By life history strategy * By life reproductive strategy * By basic approach to the environment What governs the distribution of species? * Evolutionary factors populations separated on to geographically distinct regions have different evolutionary trajectories * Dispersal constraints species may not have...
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