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Introduction to Biological Psychology: Mind-Brain Relationship & Behavior Genetics, Slides of Genetics
An overview of the mind-brain relationship and the role of genetics in shaping human behavior. It covers topics such as the perspectives of biological psychology, the mind-body problem, dualism and monism, the easy and hard problems of consciousness, and the genetics of behavior. The document also discusses the importance of studying animals in research and the ethical considerations involved.
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Chapter 1
The Major Issues
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Biological Psychology is the study of the physiological, evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience.
- A strong emphasis is placed upon brain functioning.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Brain functioning can be explained at a more microscopic level in terms of neuron and glia activity.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Deep understanding of a particular behavior is tied to being able to explain the behavior from each of these perspectives.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Dualism is the belief that there are different kinds of substance that exist independently. - Defended by French philosopher Rene Descartes. - Most common belief among nonscientists. - Rejected by most neuroscientists.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Monism is the belief that the universe is only comprised of one type of substance.
- Forms of monism include:
- Materialism- everything that exists is physical by nature.
- Mentalism- only the mind truly exists.
- Identity position- mental processes and some brain processes are the same but described in different terms.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Because “consciousness” is not observable, its function is often difficult to define and/ or explain.
- Solipsism- suggests that “I alone am conscious” - Difficulty of knowing if others have conscious experiences is known as the “problem of other minds”.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Chalmers (1995) proposes two problems that must be distinguished when discussing consciousness:
- “Easy problems” focus on differences in conscious states and their mechanisms.
- “Hard problems” focus on why and how brain activity is associated with consciousness.
The Mind-Brain Relationship
- Insert table 1.1 Fields of specialization
The Genetics of Behavior
- Both genes and environment interact to shape human behavior.
- The fundamental issue is how much a role genetics play in shaping human behaviors. - Examples: psychological disorders, weight gain, personality, sexual orientation?
The Genetics of Behavior
- A gene is a portion of a chromosome and is composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- DNA serves as a model for the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA).