Biological Psychology Worksheet

Biological Psychology Worksheet 1 Biological Psychology Worksheet Answer the following questions with 50- to 100-word responses. Prepare to discuss your answers. 1. What are the core assumptions of the biopsychological approach? Core assumptions of the biopsychological approach are seen within the principles of psychology and biology. The main goals of biology and psychology principles are examination of physiological and developmental mechanisms of behavior in humans. The association between mind and body is studied within this field. Understanding the relationship between the brain and mental help is done through studying the brain, nervous system, and other biological systems. Biological psychology seeks to support and address the relationship which is a vital one between the mind as well as the body through integral pathways in the brain. To better understand how influences are inherited or evolved over time, heredity and evolution are also examined. 2. What historical disciplines converge to create biological psychology? Historical disciplines that converge to create biological psychology began within Greek philosophy, and has progressively developed with investigations of researchers and theorists such as Descartes and Darwin (Carlson, 2013, p. 10). The history of approach is rooted within physiology and philosophy and gains information from disciplines like neuroscience, which helped lead to biological psychology’s creation. The creation of this approach is rooted in the works of scientists, philosophers, early psychologists, and physiologists. Some examples include: Darwin, Aristotle, Descartes, Hippocrates, and Galen. Biological Psychology Worksheet 2 3. What are some of the earliest examples of a biological approach to studying behavior? One of the earliest examples of a biological approach to studying behavior is Plato. Plato believed that peoples brains are responsible for behavior and their ability to reason. Plato also believed that healthy minds discover a balance between the framework of human behavior, reasoning, and impulses that govern the expression of personality. Shuttleworth (2010) states that gluttony and selfishness is explained as desires governing behavior, for example. Darwin proposed a theory suggesting an importance of understanding physiological and behavioral functioning. Darwin devised the attitudes of natural selection and evolution, which transformed biology, (Carlson, 2013, p. 14). 4. What are some examples of modern careers that have resulted from studying biological psychology? Include an overview of the careers. Behavioral neuroscientists research all behavioral phenomena that can be witnessed in nonhuman organisms, and are scientists who study the structure of behavior, primarily by executing physiological and behavioral tests with laboratory animals, (Carlson, 2013, p. 23). They study topics such as brain development, feelings and memories, emotions, and other concepts relating to a person’s mind. They work with other clinicians and researchers spending lots of time investigating subjects. Neurologists are physicians who are involved in diagnosing and treating diseases within nervous systems, (Carlson, 2013, p. 24). They specialized in chemical compositions in the brain, and attempt at managing chemical imbalances, which are Biological Psychology Worksheet 3 generally done through use of medications that counter the behaviors that are associated with chemical imbalances. 5. How is biological psychology viewed by other professionals in psychology today? Other professionals in psychology show various perspectives of the significance of biological psychology. Some characteristics of biological psychology are accepted by professionals, while there are other professionals that disagree with certain aspects of biological psychology. Often, biological psychology is useful, especially when combined with other professional approaches. Some professionals challenge the assumptions of biological psychology, such as the belief that biology affects people’s mental processes. However, many practitioners value the benefits of biological psychology because it aids in more effective treatment measures.