Behavioral Neuroscientists study biological structures and functions of brain
AS Description: Behavioral Neuroscientists study biological structures and functions of brain, and body and how they influence behavior. It is important to have a solid foundation in biological functions to continue with a growth process in the area of psychology.
AS Instructions: Explain why a Behavioral Neuroscientists Psychologist is important in the field of psychology and as a student to examine the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system for its impact on behavior. Think about how biology affects behavior and how biology affects cognition and visual perception. Illustrate your thoughts with specific factual points that interrelate the biological and the psychological components. Be sure to include proper APA format with cited in text citations as well as a cover page and reference page. Submit in a word document with a minimum of 550 -700 word count to illustrate your thoughts.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Significance of Behavioral Neuroscientists in Psychology
In the field of psychology, Behavioral Neuroscientists play a crucial role in understanding the intricate relationship between biological structures and functions of the brain and body, and how they impact human behavior. By delving into the realm of neuroscience, psychologists can uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive behavior, cognition, and visual perception. This essay aims to highlight the importance of Behavioral Neuroscientists in psychology and why it is essential for students to examine the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system to comprehend their influence on behavior.
Thesis Statement
Behavioral Neuroscientists are pivotal in psychology as they bridge the gap between biological processes and behavior, shedding light on how biology influences behavior, cognition, and visual perception.
Understanding the Biological Basis of Behavior
Behavioral Neuroscientists delve into the biological underpinnings of behavior, exploring how neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and brain regions contribute to various aspects of human behavior. For instance, studies have shown that alterations in dopamine levels in the brain can impact reward processing and motivation, influencing an individual’s behavior towards certain stimuli. By examining these biological factors, psychologists can gain insights into addictive behaviors, mood disorders, and other psychological conditions.
The Influence of Biology on Cognition
Cognition, which encompasses processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, is intricately linked to biological functions in the brain. Behavioral Neuroscientists investigate how neuronal pathways and brain structures support cognitive processes. For example, research has demonstrated that the hippocampus plays a critical role in memory formation and retrieval. Understanding the biological basis of cognition can help psychologists develop interventions for cognitive deficits resulting from conditions like dementia or traumatic brain injury.
Biology’s Impact on Visual Perception
Visual perception, the process by which we interpret and make sense of visual information, is also influenced by biological mechanisms. Behavioral Neuroscientists study how the visual cortex processes visual stimuli and how sensory information is transformed into meaningful perceptions. For instance, research on visual illusions has revealed how the brain’s perceptual system can be tricked, highlighting the intricate relationship between biology and perception.
Interconnection of Biological and Psychological Components
The interplay between biological and psychological components is evident in various psychological phenomena. For example, studies have shown that stress, a psychological state, can trigger physiological responses in the body, such as increased cortisol levels. This bidirectional relationship underscores the importance of considering both biological and psychological factors in understanding human behavior comprehensively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Behavioral Neuroscientists are indispensable in psychology for their role in unraveling the complex interrelationships between biology and behavior. By examining the structures and functions of the brain and nervous system, psychologists can gain valuable insights into how biology influences behavior, cognition, and visual perception. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration between neuroscientists and psychologists, a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior can be achieved.
References:
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– Author, C. C., & Author, D. D. (Year). Title of chapter. In E. E. Editor & F. F. Editor (Eds.), Book title (pp. xx-xx). Publisher.
– American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
