Lesson no 4:Perspective/Model/Approach:Short questions.
What is a paradigm in psychology? A paradigm is a distinct way of describing, observing, understanding, and predicting psychological phenomena.
According to the biological model, what is the root cause of abnormalities? The root cause of abnormalities lies in biological factors, such as genetics or brain pathology.
Who is regarded as the “Father of Medicine”? Hippocrates is regarded as the “Father of Medicine.”
Which French physician believed that abnormal behavior was caused by hereditary or nervous system defects? Philippe Pinel believed that abnormal behavior was caused by hereditary or nervous system defects.
What did Paul Broca discover in the brain? Paul Broca discovered the speech center in the brain.
Name the theory that proposes that both genetic predisposition and stressful environment combine to cause abnormal behavior. The Diathesis-Stress Theory proposes this.
What are neurotransmitters? Neurotransmitters are special chemicals released by neurons that transmit signals across a synapse to another neuron.
What type of biological treatment involves the use of drugs? Pharmacological treatment or chemotherapy involves the use of drugs.
Explain the core assumption of the biological/medical model. The core assumption is that all behavior and mental processes, including abnormalities, have a physiological basis and can be understood and treated through biological or medical interventions.
How did the work of Galen contribute to the biological perspective? Galen contributed through his empirical anatomical studies and accurate observations of the nervous system’s functions, moving away from doctrine towards research-based understanding.
What is the role of the endocrine system in the biological model? The endocrine system produces hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, sexual development, and other vital functions, influencing behavior and mental processes.
Explain the Diathesis-Stress Theory using an example. A person may have a genetic predisposition (diathesis) for anxiety. If they experience a highly stressful environment (e.g., a demanding job), they may develop an anxiety disorder, whereas without the stress, they might not.
How did Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution influence the biological model? Darwin’s theory suggested that behavior, like physical traits, could be understood in terms of adaptation and inheritance, supporting the idea that biological factors underlie behavior.
Why is the biological model often criticized? It is often criticized for ignoring psychological and environmental factors, reducing complex human experience to mere biology, and for the subjective nature of diagnosing some mental illnesses.
How do excitatory and inhibitory messages affect neuron firing? An excitatory message increases the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire, while an inhibitory message decreases that likelihood.
What is the general function of the sympathetic nervous system? The general function of the sympathetic nervous system is to arouse the body for “fight or flight” action during stressful or emergency situations.
Contrast the focus of the biological model with that of the cognitive model. The biological model focuses on brain structures, neurotransmitters, and genetics, while the cognitive model focuses on mental processes like thinking, memory, and perception.
A patient with severe depression is prescribed an antidepressant medication. Which model is guiding this treatment? The Biological model is guiding this treatment.
A researcher is investigating the link between a specific gene and the risk of developing schizophrenia. Which theory is this research based on? This research is based on Genetic Theories within the biological model.
A person’s heart rate increases and they start sweating when they see a spider. Which division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for this reaction? The Sympathetic Nervous System (part of the Autonomic Nervous System) is primarily responsible.
A child has difficulty controlling their impulses. A biologically oriented psychologist might investigate which part of the brain? They might investigate the frontal lobe, which is associated with impulse control and decision-making.
A doctor explains that a patient’s low thyroid hormone levels are causing their fatigue and depression-like symptoms. Which gland’s malfunction is being described? The Thyroid gland’s malfunction is being described.
If a drug blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, what is the likely effect on the synaptic gap? The likely effect is that more serotonin remains in the synaptic gap, potentially strengthening its signal, which is the mechanism of many antidepressants.
A person experiences a calming of their body after a stressful event has passed. Which nervous system is now dominant? The Parasympathetic Nervous System becomes dominant, conserving energy and promoting relaxation.
A therapist uses Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) for a severely depressed patient. Under which broad category of biological treatment does ECT fall? ECT falls under Non-Pharmacological Somatic Treatment.
