Objective 1.2 Formal Lecture

Objective 1.2

Make clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas. In other words…Be able to describe it to someone as if they have no previous knowledge on the question.

Objective 1.2 You will need to have a clear understanding of how two principles can be demonstrated in research with two specific research examples.

Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain.

This principle can be demonstrated in research by identifying lesions (damage) in the brain and observing behavior as a result of the damage. Case studies, animal research, and post-mortem studies are usually the research method used to uncover this type of phenomena. Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain. Objective 1.2

If damage is found in a specific region in the brain, researchers can isolate behavioral changes to that specific brain region. This has been seen with many cases of behavioral changes in patients due to damage to a specific brain area. Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain. Objective 1.2

An example of this principle in research is French Physician Pierre Paul Broca’s research on localization of function. His research has laid the foundation for this principle. Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain. Objective 1.2

Broca is most famous for his discovery of the speech production center of the brain located in the ventro-posterior region of the frontal lobes (now known as Broca's area). Broca is most famous for his discovery of the speech production center of the brain located in the ventro-posterior region of the frontal lobes (now known as Broca's area). He arrived at this discovery by studying the brains of aphasic patients (patients with the inability to produce or partially comprehend speech) an finding lesions in a very specific area of the brain. He arrived at this discovery by studying the brains of aphasic patients (patients with the inability to produce or partially comprehend speech) an finding lesions in a very specific area of the brain. Objective 1.2

From Broca’s research, psychologists were able to isolate specific parts of the brain that are correlated with speech production. From Broca’s research, psychologists were able to isolate specific parts of the brain that are correlated with speech production. Thus, the principle that states “Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain” was demonstrated. Thus, the principle that states “Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain” was demonstrated. Broca demonstrating the principle Objective 1.2 Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain.

From Broca’s research, psychologists were able to isolate specific parts of the brain that are correlated with speech production. From Broca’s research, psychologists were able to isolate specific parts of the brain that are correlated with speech production. Thus, the principle that states “Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain” was demonstrated. Thus, the principle that states “Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain” was demonstrated. Broca demonstrating the principle Objective 1.2 Principle 1: Human behavior is localized to specific parts of the brain.

Principle 2: Animal research can enlighten our understanding of human behavior.

This principle can be demonstrated in studies that use animal models as a basis for better understanding human behavior. Animal research can provide insight into human behavior; as a result, a significant amount of research is undertaken using animals. Principle 2: Animal research can enlighten our understanding of human behavior. More info on Objective 1.2

An example of this theory demonstrated in research is Psychologist Dr. Harry Harlow’s research with rhesus monkeys and attachment. Principle 2: Animal research can enlighten our understanding of human behavior. More info on Objective 1.2

The famous experiments that psychologist Harry Harlow conducted in the 1950s on maternal deprivation in rhesus monkeys were landmarks not only in primatology, but in the evolving science of attachment and loss. More info on Objective 1.2

Harlow himself repeatedly compared his experimental subjects to children and press reports universally treated his findings as major statements about love and development in human beings. Harlow himself repeatedly compared his experimental subjects to children and press reports universally treated his findings as major statements about love and development in human beings. These experiments had powerful implications for any and all separations of mothers and infants, including adoption, as well as childrearing in general. These experiments had powerful implications for any and all separations of mothers and infants, including adoption, as well as childrearing in general. More info on Objective 1.2

Although his experiments were socially significant as well, his research demonstrated Principle 2 in that animal models were used to understand behavioral phenomena. More info on Objective 1.2

Tomorrow… Objective 1.3: Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis.