Biological Perspective Behavior has a physical explanation

Biological Approach Reductionist Assumptions: Behavior can be boiled down to: –Genetics –Nervous System –Endocrine system (hormones) –Some other organic problem. (Cancer or other disorder…)

How did the Biological Perspective gain popularity?

Darwin’s Influence Humans evolved from animals, and we are not that different from animals.

Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection Those best suited for their environment will survive and reproduce. Behavior is a component of species definition.

Brain Research Brain scans (MRI especially) show brain activity Lesions are brain injuries. Lesions often show behavior changes

Phineas Gage Gage began to have startling changes in personality in mood. He became extravagant and anti-social, a fullmouth and a liar with bad manners, and could no longer hold a job or plan his future. "Gage was no longer Gage", said his friends of him. He died in 1861, thirtheen years after the accident, penniless and epileptic, and no autopsy was performed on his brain.

Genetics Twin studies imply a genetic link to behavior. Identical Twins have the same DNA. There are often similarities of behavior… (more later.)

Scientific Studies The biological approach relies on data and scientific methods to learn about behavior. Studies in this approach appear more credible because of quantitative data Knowledge of physiological systems contributes to our understanding of behavior

For the reading: Please add the whole title: More Than One Way Out –Looking for a way out of depression? –Antidepressant drugs are not your only option. Assignment: List the therapies from the reading… Explain them briefly…