Neural Mechanisms Lesson 2

Outline neural mechanism as an explanation of aggression Evaluate neural mechanism as an explanation of aggression.

Starter one From last lesson What should an evaluation include? Write on a board

Activity- Neural pub quiz- pair work 1.Create four questions and a mark scheme based on your homework on neural mechanisms 2.Swap your questions. New pair are to answer the questions 3.Swap for a third time. New pair are to use the mark scheme to answer the questions. 4.Give back the marked answers.

Issues, Debates, Approaches What are they? List as many as you can

Issues – Psychological research (theories and studies) raises these issues Ethical considerations, Socially sensitive research, Use of animals, Gender bias Cultural bias Debates – Psychological research is debated within these constructs Free will vs determinism Biological reductionism vs holism Nature vs Nurture Psychology as a science Approaches - Psychologists tend to research from a specific perspective. Broad categories include: Biological Psychology Social Psychology Behaviourism Psychodynamic approach Cognitive Psychology Evolutionary Psychology Humanist

IDA points for Neural mechanisms. Reductionism (debate) Biological approach (Approach)

Biological Approach Split in two groups. You are going to participate in a debate around the strengths and weaknesses of the Biological approach. Strengths (e.g The biological approach is scientific) Weaknesses

Debate: Reductionism vs Holism. What is reductionism?

Reductionism Argues that all psychological phenomenon can be reduced to simple parts. Supports deterministic views and claims that behaviour is predictable as it is determined by one factor. Any explanation of behaviour at its simplest level can be deemed reductionist. What other approaches are reductionist?

Strengths Allows you to look in detail at components that effect behaviour. Can be used to explain certain types of behaviours and disorders. Scientific. Open to testing.

Limitations Over simplifies complex behaviours. Does not take into consideration other factors affecting behaviour. Breaks down complex phenomenon into simple explanations.

So What is Holism?

Holism Refers to any approach or study that looks at the whole picture/ individual rather than breaking it down into components. When studying individuals you would look at the whole person to gain an understanding about anything that may impact on their behaviour not just specific parts. Which Psychological approach is holistic?

Strengths Looks at everything that may impact on behaviour. Considers more than one cause. Allows for a detailed all round analysis.

Limitations Does not allow for detailed study into one area. Non- scientific. Does not explain mental illness. Over complicates behaviours which may have a simple explanation

Making your IDA point- Reductionism “…..Neural Mechanisms is an example of reductionism in Psychology, there is evidence that lower levels of serotonin may make aggressive behaviour more likely, so we are explaining a complex human behaviour by looking at very small constituent parts of the human body” “Supporters of the reductionist approach suggest that it will allow us to understand, predict and then control aggressive acts by being able to measure the levels of neurochemicals and then developing and offering medical intervention. Critics argue that aggression is an interaction of both biological and environmental factors, and the serotonin explanation does not go far enough to explain all human aggressive behaviour” “It is therefore important to recognise all factors involved in aggressive behaviour, before psychologists make recommendations on how to combat aggressive behaviour.”

IDA: ReductionismBiological Independently, choose either the debate or the approach we have spoken about and comment on… ▫How the IDA relates to the theory ▫Why this is important (elaborate/link to theory) ▫Consequences of the IDA

Research evidence You will be given a number from 1-4 and placed in a group. Please move to sit with that group In your group discuss your study and how it links and supports neural mechanisms. 1) Crockett et al (2008) 2) Davidson et al (2000) 3) Mann et al (1990) 4) Potegal et al (1996) Extension: How does it link to NM and the biological approach?

Wider evaluation Does the theory provide any useful practical applications? What are the implications of the theory? How does it compare with other theories?

Homework 1.If you feel you are struggling with neural mechanisms please re-read homework/info from pack on psych205.com 2.Read through the Genetic theories of aggression (general and warrior gene) and evidence for both ready for next week!

Plenary Something you have learnt today on the board before you go