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Chapter 1: Psychological Foundations

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the basic interests and applications of biopsychology

Biological Psychology:
Biological psychology, also known as biopsychology, is a subfield of psychology that studies the connections between biological processes and behaviors, emotions, and cognitive functions. It focuses on understanding how the brain, nervous system, hormones, and other biological systems influence mental processes and behavior.

Individual Definitions:

  1. Biopsychology:
    Biopsychology is the branch of psychology that examines the role of the brain, nervous system, and other biological factors in shaping behavior, cognition, and emotions. It combines principles from neuroscience, biology, and psychology to understand how the body’s biological systems interact with mental processes.

  2. Sensation:
    Sensation refers to the process of detecting and responding to stimuli from the environment through sensory organs (such as eyes, ears, and skin). These sensory signals are converted into electrical impulses that the brain interprets as visual images, sounds, touch, etc.

  3. Consciousness:
    Consciousness is the state of being aware of and able to think about one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It includes an individual’s awareness of their internal states (like emotions and thoughts) and external stimuli. Consciousness is a complex psychological process that integrates sensory information, memory, and cognitive functions, allowing individuals to experience and interpret reality.

 

The inside of a human brain
Figure 1. Different brain-imaging techniques provide scientists with insight into different aspects of how the human brain functions.

The research interests of biological psychologists span a number of domains, including but not limited to:

  • Sensory and motor systems
  • Sleep
  • Drug use and abuse
  • Ingestive behavior
  • Reproductive behavior
  • Neurodevelopment, plasticity of the nervous system

 

Image of five pillars, showing the biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental and physical health.
Figure 2. The biological domain of psychology covers fields like neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, sensation, and consciousness.

 

 

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