Psychology- Cognitive Level of Analysis
2.1 Biological level of analysis Bidirectional – cognition can affect biology and biology can affect cognition Nature versus nurture debate – debate whether human behaviour is the result of biological or environmental factors Interactionist approach – both nature and enlivenment
Principles of biological level of analysis: 1. Behaviour can be innate because it is genetically based. 2. Animal research can provide insight into human result. 3. There are biological correlates of behaviour.
Reductionist approach – micro-level of research, which breaks down complex human behaviour into its smallest parts. Neurons Neurotransmission Neurotransmitters are stored in neuron’s terminal buttons Synapse – gap between neurons Reuptake – neurotransmitters after sending the message are either broken down or reabsorbed by terminal buttons Neurotransmitters: 1. Acetylcholine – effect: muscle contraction, and a role in the development of memory in the hippocampus. 2. Dopamine – effect: voluntary movement, learning, and feelings of pleasure. 3. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) – effect: arousal, alertness, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. 4. Serotonin – sleep, arousal levels, and emotion.
Kasamatsu and Hirai – monks after 48h of not eating, drinking, sleeping started to have hallucinations and the level of serotonin was increased. These higher levels of serotonin activated the parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and the frontal cortex, resulting in hallucinations.
Drugs given to people are not neurotransmitters, but they stimulate or block specific neurotransmitter. Mertinez and Kesner –role of acetylcholine on memory. Rats going through the maze, at the end=food. 1st group= injected scopolamine, which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites, so decreasing available acetylcholine. Effect: slower than the control group. 2nd group= injected physostigmine, which blocks the production of cholinesterase(cleans up the rests of acetylcholine). Effect: quicker
Principles of biological level of analysis: 1. Behaviour can be innate because it is genetically based. 2. Animal research can provide insight into human result. 3. There are biological correlates of behaviour.
Reductionist approach – micro-level of research, which breaks down complex human behaviour into its smallest parts. Neurons Neurotransmission Neurotransmitters are stored in neuron’s terminal buttons Synapse – gap between neurons Reuptake – neurotransmitters after sending the message are either broken down or reabsorbed by terminal buttons Neurotransmitters: 1. Acetylcholine – effect: muscle contraction, and a role in the development of memory in the hippocampus. 2. Dopamine – effect: voluntary movement, learning, and feelings of pleasure. 3. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) – effect: arousal, alertness, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. 4. Serotonin – sleep, arousal levels, and emotion.
Kasamatsu and Hirai – monks after 48h of not eating, drinking, sleeping started to have hallucinations and the level of serotonin was increased. These higher levels of serotonin activated the parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and the frontal cortex, resulting in hallucinations.
Drugs given to people are not neurotransmitters, but they stimulate or block specific neurotransmitter. Mertinez and Kesner –role of acetylcholine on memory. Rats going through the maze, at the end=food. 1st group= injected scopolamine, which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites, so decreasing available acetylcholine. Effect: slower than the control group. 2nd group= injected physostigmine, which blocks the production of cholinesterase(cleans up the rests of acetylcholine). Effect: quicker