Biological Psychology

Definition

Content

Methodology

Studies in detail

Key question

Practical

Show understanding that it's about the mechanisms within our body and understanding how they after our behaviour, focusing on aggression.

The central nervous system and neurotransmitters - structure + role of the neuron , function of neurotransmitters + synaptic transmission.

Effect of recreational drugs on the transmission process in the CNS.

Structure of the brain, different brain areas + brain functioning as an explanation of aggression.

Role of evolution + natural selection to explain human behaviour including aggression.

Freud's psychodynamic explanation as an explanation for aggression theory of personality (id/ego/superego), unconscious mind (iceberg/defense mechanism) + catharsis.

Role of hormones e.g. testosterone to explain human behaviour such as aggression.

Correlational method

Scattergraphs

Spearmans rank/rho (-1-0-+1)

Positive/negative/zero correlation

Brain scanning techniques ( CAT, PET, fMRI)

Twin studies + one study using the twins study method (Brendgen)

Adoption studies + one study using the adoption study method (KETY)

Are criminals born or made? (AO1/AO2)

Classic Study - Raine et al. (NGRI's)

Contemporary Study - Brengden ( Twins - physical/social aggression)

Correlation - Testosterone + Aggression (AO1/AO3)

All need AO1/AO2/AO3 (advantages + disadvantages)