Biological Worksheet
Biological Psychology Worksheet
Deborah Y. Eckhardt
PSY/340
November 7, 2011
Evi Pover
Biological Psychology Worksheet
Answer the following questions in short-essay format. Be prepared to discuss your answers.
1. What is biological psychology?
Biological psychology; also known as biopsychology, behavioral neuroscience, or physiological biology, is the biological study of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Biological psychology is the field of psychology that analyzes how the brain and neurotransmitters influence our behaviors, thoughts and feelings. This field can be thought of as a combination of basic psychology and neuroscience.
2. What is the historical development of biological psychology? The ideas of biological psychology date back to early Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato (429-348 BC). Aristotle determined there was a close relationship connecting psychological states, and physiological processes. Plato stated, “That the human ability to reason stems from the brain” (Goodwin, 2008). Galen (AD 130-200), a Greek physician and philosopher of the Roman Empire, discovered there was four parts to the brain. Although he believed the “spark” of life came from the heart (Goodwin, 2008). Theorist Rene’ Descartes, often called the father of modern philosophy, was another important person in the development of biological psychology. Descartes believed that the mind and body interacted together, but were two separate entities. Although he also believed that even though the mind and body worked together, that the body had some of its own mechanical responses to some stimuli (reflexes), that do not need intervention from the mind. Charles Darwin was one of the first scientists to make a connection for the importance of biology to the study of the mind. Although it wasn’t until the 20th century that biological psychology became the major neuroscientific discipline it is today (Pinel, 2009). Psychologist D.O. Hebb inspired
Deborah Y. Eckhardt
PSY/340
November 7, 2011
Evi Pover
Biological Psychology Worksheet
Answer the following questions in short-essay format. Be prepared to discuss your answers.
1. What is biological psychology?
Biological psychology; also known as biopsychology, behavioral neuroscience, or physiological biology, is the biological study of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Biological psychology is the field of psychology that analyzes how the brain and neurotransmitters influence our behaviors, thoughts and feelings. This field can be thought of as a combination of basic psychology and neuroscience.
2. What is the historical development of biological psychology? The ideas of biological psychology date back to early Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato (429-348 BC). Aristotle determined there was a close relationship connecting psychological states, and physiological processes. Plato stated, “That the human ability to reason stems from the brain” (Goodwin, 2008). Galen (AD 130-200), a Greek physician and philosopher of the Roman Empire, discovered there was four parts to the brain. Although he believed the “spark” of life came from the heart (Goodwin, 2008). Theorist Rene’ Descartes, often called the father of modern philosophy, was another important person in the development of biological psychology. Descartes believed that the mind and body interacted together, but were two separate entities. Although he also believed that even though the mind and body worked together, that the body had some of its own mechanical responses to some stimuli (reflexes), that do not need intervention from the mind. Charles Darwin was one of the first scientists to make a connection for the importance of biology to the study of the mind. Although it wasn’t until the 20th century that biological psychology became the major neuroscientific discipline it is today (Pinel, 2009). Psychologist D.O. Hebb inspired
References: Goodwin, C. J. (2008). A History of Modern Psychology.(3rd.ed.). Hoboken NJ: Wiley Davis, H. P., Rosenzweig, M. R., Becker, L. A., & Sather, K. J. (1988). Biological psychology 's relationships to psychology and neuroscience. American Psychologist, 43(5), 359-371. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.43.5.359 Pinel, J. P. J. (2009). Biopsychology (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.