Psychology 2 Chapter 1

Study of physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience.

• PHYSIOLOGICAL= relates behavior to the activity of the brain and other organs.
• (Ex: Brain activity controls muscles)

ONTOGENETIC= the development of structure and behavior through genes, nutricion, experiences, and interactions.

• EVOLUTIONARY= behavior evolved in our remote ancestors and we inherit them.
• (Ex: Goosebumps)

• FUNCTIONAL= a structure or behavior that is developed.
• (Ex: defense mechanisms, characteristic traits that give an advantage, seadragon)

Relationship between mind and body

The belief that mind and body are different kinds of substances that exist independently

French philosopher that believed in dualism, believed mind and brain interact at a single point in space, known as pineal gland.

(Opposite of dualism) belief in one substance

[Has 4 subcategories: materialism, mentalism, identity position]

belief that every thing that exists is material or physical

belief that only the mind exists and the physical world would not exist if the mind did not exist

belief that mental processes and brain processes are the same thing

Philosophical theory that "I alone exist", "I alone am conscious"

Helping individuals who may later be helpful in return.

• 1) Underlying mechanisms of behavior are similar in other species and sometimes easier to study in animal species.
• 2) Interest in animals for their own sake.
• 3) Animal knowledge benefits human evolution.
• 4) Certain experiments cannot use humans because of legal or ethical reasons.

animal cruelty vs. the benefit of research and evolution of science