Ethical Issues: The use of fMRI poses potential risks, although researchers took steps to minimize these.
Biological Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Biological Approach
The Biological Approach to Psychology: Unlocking the Brain's Secrets
The biological approach is all about understanding how our biology (our brains, hormones, genes, etc.) affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's like looking under the hood of a car to see how the engine works.
1. The Brain: The Command Center
Your brain is the ultimate control center, responsible for everything you think, feel, and do.
Neurons are like tiny messengers, using electrical and chemical signals to communicate with each other. This communication network is how your brain processes information, makes decisions, and controls your body.
Different brain regions specialize in different functions. For example, the frontal lobe is involved in planning and decision-making, while the amygdala processes emotions like fear.
-Real-world example: If you have a stroke that damages your motor cortex, you might struggle to move your arm.
2. Genes and Heredity: Your Family's Influence
Our genes, passed down from our parents, influence many aspects of our personality and behavior.
-Twin studies are often used to investigate the role of genes. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins share about 50%. By comparing these twins, researchers can see how much of a trait is due to genetics versus environment.
-Real-world example: A family history of depression increases your risk of developing depression yourself.
3. Hormones: Chemical Messengers
Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands in our bodies. They travel through our bloodstream and affect various bodily functions and our mood and behavior.
-Examples:
- Adrenaline: Released during stress, causing a "fight or flight" response.
- Testosterone: Linked to aggression and dominance.
- Serotonin: Plays a role in mood regulation, low levels can be linked to depression.
Ethical Issues in Biological Research
-fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) is a powerful tool that allows researchers to see brain activity in real-time. However, it has potential risks:
- Confidentiality: Images of brain activity could be used to identify people, raising concerns about privacy.
- Misinterpretation: Complex brain activity can be difficult to interpret, leading to potentially inaccurate conclusions.
-Genetic testing: While it can be valuable in understanding risks for certain diseases, it can also raise ethical issues:
- Discrimination: Genetic information could be used to discriminate against people, for example, in insurance or employment.
- Psychological impact: Knowing that you have a gene associated with a particular disease can cause anxiety or stress, even if you don't actually develop the disease.
It's important to remember that biological influences are only one piece of the puzzle when understanding human behavior. Environmental factors, social experiences, and personal choices also play a crucial role.
Bonus Notes
fMRI Essay Questions: Brief Answers
1. Biological Approach:
Strengths: fMRI provides non-invasive, high-resolution images of brain activity in real-time. It allows researchers to identify specific brain regions involved in cognitive processes, offering insights into brain-behavior relationships.
Limitations: fMRI is expensive and requires specialized equipment. It is sensitive to movement, limiting its use in specific populations. The interpretation of fMRI data can be complex, and there is still debate regarding the exact interpretation of blood flow changes.
2. Ethical Issues:
Concerns: Privacy concerns arise as fMRI scans reveal sensitive information about brain activity. The potential for misinterpretation of data and the use of fMRI for coercion or manipulation are ethical concerns.
Mitigation: Informed consent, data security and privacy policies, and clear guidelines for data interpretation are essential to address these concerns.
3. Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology:
Contributions: fMRI has revealed altered brain activity in patients with psychiatric disorders, identifying potential targets for drug development. It has helped evaluate the effectiveness of psychopharmacological treatments by measuring changes in brain activity.
4. Brain Imaging in Legal and Forensic Contexts:
Ethical and Legal Implications: Using fMRI to assess responsibility and competence raises legal and ethical questions regarding the reliability and validity of such assessments. There's concern about the potential for bias in interpretation and the use of fMRI as a tool for coercion or manipulation in the legal system.
5. Future Directions:
Potential Applications: Advancements in fMRI technology, such as improved spatial resolution and faster acquisition speeds, will lead to a deeper understanding of brain function. The integration of fMRI with other neuroimaging techniques will provide more comprehensive insights into brain processes.
It's important to note that these are brief answers and should be further developed in a full essay.