explore recognizable links between the brain and human behavior we'll reflect on:
1. how relationships between brain and behavior are studied today, and
2. how basic and applied research in biopsychology provides an avenue for progress towards more compassionate mental healthcare.
1. What were some of the earliest ways of thinking about relationships between the brain and behavior that caught your attention in Chapter 1 of the textbook?
2. After Rene Descartes provided a convincing case that the brain organizes human behaviors, others-like Galvani in the 1780's-eventually explored these relationships in a scientifically reductionist style. For example, Galvani demonstrated that an electrical pulse could generate the movement of a leg. Explain why that incredible demonstration by Galvani is important, but also provide a reasonable explanation for why a holistic approach is also needed to further compliment an understanding of what actually "controls" when a leg is moved.
Genetic and Molecular Biology: Researchers are increasingly exploring the genetic basis of behavior, using tools to study how specific genes and proteins influence neural circuits and, in turn, affect behavior. .
These approaches provide a multi-faceted view, allowing scientists to move beyond simple correlations to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of behavior.
Basic and Applied Research in Biopsychology
Both basic and applied research in biopsychology are essential for advancing more compassionate mental healthcare.
Basic Research: This type of research, which focuses on understanding fundamental principles of the brain and behavior without a direct application in mind, provides the foundational knowledge necessary for new treatments. For example, basic research on the neurotransmitter serotonin and its role in mood regulation led to the development of SSRI antidepressants. This knowledge allows us to understand that mental illness is not a character flaw, but a biological condition, which reduces stigma and promotes a more compassionate view.
Applied Research: This research takes the knowledge from basic science and develops practical solutions. For example, applied research might test a new drug in clinical trials, develop a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy, or design a rehabilitation program for individuals with neurological disorders. The goal is to translate scientific understanding into tangible benefits for patients. Together, these two types of research provide a pathway for moving from a judgmental view of mental illness to one based on biological understanding and effective, evidence-based treatment.
Early Ways of Thinking about the Brain and Behavior
In early history, people often held a dualistic view, believing the mind and body were separate entities. What's particularly striking is how this evolved. The ancient Egyptians, for example, considered the heart the seat of intelligence and discarded the brain during mummification. Later, thinkers like the ancient Greeks began to attribute mental processes to the brain. This transition from a non-biological to a biological understanding of the mind is a fundamental shift in human thought that paved the way for modern neuroscience.
Sample Answer
How the Brain and Behavior are Studied Today
Today, the relationship between the brain and human behavior is studied using a combination of advanced technologies and research methods that allow for both structural and functional analysis. Key methods include:
Brain Imaging: Techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), and EEG (electroencephalography) allow researchers to visualize and measure brain activity in real-time. fMRI, for example, detects changes in blood flow to different brain regions, which correlates with neural activity, helping to map which parts of the brain are active during specific behaviors or cognitive tasks.
Neuropsychology: This field studies the effects of brain damage on human behavior. By observing individuals with brain injuries or diseases, scientists can infer the function of different brain regions.