What is biological psychology?Goal: learn what biological psychology is and how it’s studiedDefinition of Psychology: the scientific study of the human mind & its functions, especially thoughts, feelings, and behavior.Definition of Biological Psych: the application of the principles of biology to the study of thoughts, feelings, and behavior in humans and animals.We study psychology to know more about human kind, but we can also use animals to do this.Principles of biologyAnatomy- the study of structures and organs in the body; focusing on the structures of the brain and nervous systemCellular anatomy- the study of the structure and function of cell organelles.Physiology- the study of how living systems function; involves the study of how the cells in the nervous system functions in relation to ho the nervous system works.Genetics- the study of how genes and evolution affect biological processesDevelopmental biology- the study of how an organisms and it’s tissues are created during development; we’ll look at how the brain and nervous system develop.Biochemistry- the study of the molecules of life and how they influence living systems; like humans.Key point- bio psych focuses on the role genes, molecules, cells, tissues and organs play in cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes.The study of Bio Psych- what is scientific research?Scientific research: systematic, controlled and critical examination of the world, often using experiments to explore the relationship btwn two variables. Science is self-critical (we don’t accept things at face value), which is why this element of critical study is significant.Experiments- subjects are placed in one of two conditions where one variable is manipulated. The effect of manipulating that variable on some measurable outcome variable can then be measured.5 types of biopsychological variables that can be manipulated1) Genetic manipulations- includes selective breeding (choosing which animals will produce offspring depending on behavior) and transgenic manipulation (activating particular genes, animals only).Used only on animalsWe use animals instead of humans because we can manipulate their genes.2) Neuropharmacology- giving agonists or antagonists to brain chemicals (drugs that increase certain behaviors or deter certain behaviors)Used on humans and animalsIf a drug has been approved for humans, this is how we test its impact.3) Electrical stimulation- increase the activity of a brain region by stimulating it electrically.Used on animals and humansUsed to remove tumors, treat epilepsy and depression (when medication fails)4) Trauma studies- damage to a brain region due to accidental injury; people volunteer their brain injuries for medical studies.Only done to humansThis isn’t precise because damage typically doesn’t affect just one area.5) Lesion studies- intentional damage to brain regions that can be temporary or permanentOnly done to animals4 types of biopsychological outcome variables that can be measured1) Neuroimaging- ways that we can non-invasively image brain structures or their activity, includes MRI, fMRI, and PET.MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) used to look at autism; size, shape, volume of brain structures.We generally want to investigate how the brain is affected by autism, as well as how autism has caused the brain to physically adapt to it.fMRI (functional MRI) shows us shape/size/structure and what parts are most active.PET (positron emission tomography) uses radioactive substances to look for diseases in organs.2) Electrophysiology- measuring the electrical activity of the brain, includes EEG, EMG, and patch clamping (inserting an electrode into a single cell to measure its activity).3) Neurochemistry- measures neurotransmitters, metabolites, and signaling molecules (chemicals released by nervous system cells), which change depending on what people are coping with mentally.Can be studied via extremely invasive measures or much less invasive measures.This can be done through spinal taps (getting NS fluid)Other body fluids may be used that are less invasive to remove from the body.4) Neurocytology- study of the anatomy and activity of brain/nervous system cells by staining them.Human vs non-human subjectsAnimals often used to study bio-psych; pros & cons for animal experimentationProsEthical limitations that don’t apply to animals, we need consent from humans.Reproduce and develop faster which increases number of subjects you can study, can study entire life span of an animal  inexpensiveAnimals are simpler and easier to understand/control than humans, they’re genetically bred to be similarSimpler nervous systems.Animals share many of the same biological pathways (NT- neurotransmitters)ConsEthical issues because animals can’t give consent.They can’t self-report or follow instructionsThey’re not human, so there will be true differences in results that we can’t apply to humans; mainly different cerebral cortexesCourse goal: to understand the principles of biological psychology and the fundamentals of the relationships btwn brain structure, brain function, and behavior.PSYC 2012 1st EditionLecture 1These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. What is biological psychology? Goal: learn what biological psychology is and how it’s studied Definition of Psychology: the scientific study of the human mind & its functions, especially thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Definition of Biological Psych: the application of the principles of biology to the study of thoughts, feelings, and behavior in humans and animals. - We study psychology to know more about human kind, but we can also use animals to do this. - Principles of biologyo Anatomy- the study of structures and organs in the body; focusing on the structures of the brain and nervous systemo Cellular anatomy- the study of the structure and function of cell organelles. o Physiology- the study of how living systems function; involves the study of how the cells in the nervous system functions in relation to ho the nervous system works. o Genetics- the study of how genes and evolution affect biological processeso Developmental biology- the study of how an organisms and it’s tissues are created during development; we’ll look at how the brain and nervous system develop. o Biochemistry- the study of the molecules of life and how