Book Link 17 Intro to Biospychology
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At the end of this topic you should be able to:
- Define the basic principles of biospychology
- List and describe the main structures of the brain and their functions
- Compare roles of genetics and environmental factors in shaping behavior
Learning Objective #1
Biospychology is the study of how the brain and the rest of the nervous system influence a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It explores how biological processes, such as genetics and brain functions, impact our psychological experiences and actions.
Some students may find it confusing to understand how our thoughts and behaviors are connected to our biology, like our brains and genetics. It can be tricky to see how our bodies affect our feelings and actions, and how they all work together.
1. The brain and nervous system affect our thoughts and behaviors.
2. Genes and biology play a role in shaping our psychological experiences.
3. Understanding the brain helps us understand how we think and act.
Learning Objective #2
The brain has different parts that do different jobs. For example, the frontal lobe helps us make decisions, the amygdala controls our emotions, and the hippocampus helps with memory. All of these parts work together to affect how we think and behave.
Biospychology professionals, also known as neuropsychologists, typically do not perform brain surgery. Instead, they specialize in studying the relationship between the brain and behavior, often focusing on research, assessment, and therapy related to neurological and psychological conditions.
It’s important to learn about the different parts of the brain and what they do because it helps us understand how our brain affects the way we think, feel, and act.
By knowing how each part works, we can learn more about how we make decisions, remember things, and handle our emotions. This knowledge also helps scientists and doctors develop ways to help people with brain and behavior problems.
Learning Objective #3
Genetics and environmental factors both influence behavior and psychological traits. Genetics refers to the traits we inherit from our parents through our genes, while environmental factors encompass the experiences and surroundings that shape us as we grow up.
For older high school students and emerging adults, it’s important to recognize that both genetics and environment play a role in shaping who we are. While genetics provide a biological foundation for certain traits, our environment and life experiences also significantly impact our behavior and psychological characteristics.
Understanding this interplay can help individuals make sense of their own development and navigate the complexities of their identities as they transition into adulthood.
Recognizing the influence of both genetics and environment allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how behavior and psychological traits are shaped, and empowers individuals to take an active role in their personal growth and well-being.
This Relates to Important Theory
In Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, it’s all about how both our genes and the world around us affect how we grow and change.
The theory says that we’re shaped by the people and places we interact with, like our immediate environment and the cultural values and influences around us. Our genes give us certain traits, but the world we live in can bring out and shape those traits too.
In Marcia’s theory of identity development, he talks about how older high school students and young adults explore who they are and make commitments. Knowing about their genes and the world around them can help them make choices about their beliefs, values, and future plans.
By understanding how their genes and surroundings affect them, they can develop a strong sense of self and work toward their goals.
Gene Interaction and Neural Plasticity
The theory of gene-environment interaction has been developed by multiple researchers and scholars in the field of biopsychology. Unlike some theories that can be attributed to a single individual, this theory has seen contributions from various experts, including developmental psychologists, behavioral geneticists, and neuroscientists.
Their collective work has helped shed light on how genetic factors and environmental influences interact to shape behavior and psychological traits.
Similarly, the theory of neural plasticity has been studied and advanced by numerous researchers in the fields of neuroscience and cognitive psychology.
Unlike some theories that can be attributed to a single individual, this theory has seen contributions from various experts, whose collective research has significantly contributed to our understanding of the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to experience and environmental input.
Possible Activities
1. Interactive Brain Model: Create an interactive 3D model of the brain that allows students to explore different regions and their functions. Provide labels and brief descriptions for each area to help students understand the basics of brain anatomy and its relationship to behavior.
2. Case Studies: Develop case studies that illustrate real-life examples of how biological factors influence behavior. For example, explore the case of Phineas Gage and how his personality changed after a traumatic brain injury. Encourage students to analyze the impact of brain damage on behavior and draw connections to the concepts of biospychology.
3. Virtual Lab Simulations: Design virtual lab simulations that allow students to conduct experiments related to biospychology, such as studying the effects of different neurotransmitters on behavior. Provide guidance and explanations throughout the simulation to help students grasp the biological underpinnings of psychological processes.