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 ID: 544090
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Slide1
Neural Mechanisms
Lesson 2Slide2
Outline neural mechanism as an explanation of aggression
Evaluate neural mechanism as an explanation of aggression.Slide3
Starter one
From last lesson
What should an evaluation include?
Write on a boardSlide4
Activity- Neural pub quiz- pair work
Create
four
questions
and a
mark
scheme
based on your homework on neural mechanisms
Swap your questions. New pair are to answer the questions
Swap for a third time. New pair are to use the mark scheme to answer the questions.
Give back the marked answers.Slide5
Issues, Debates, Approaches
What are they?
List as many as you canSlide6
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
HumanistSlide7
IDA points for Neural mechanisms.
Reductionism (debate)
Biological approach (Approach)Slide8
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)
WeaknessesSlide9
Debate: Reductionism vs Holism.
What is reductionism?Slide10
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?Slide11
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. Slide12
Limitations
Over simplifies complex behaviours.
Does not take into consideration other factors affecting behaviour.
Breaks down complex phenomenon into simple explanations.Slide13
So What is Holism?Slide14
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?Slide15
Strengths
Looks at everything that may impact on behaviour.
Considers more than one cause.
Allows for a detailed all round analysis. Slide16
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 explanationSlide17
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
.”Slide18
IDA: Reductionism Biological
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 IDASlide19
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?Slide20
Wider evaluation
Does the theory provide any useful practical applications?
What are the implications of the theory?
How does it compare with other theories?
Slide21
H
omework
If you feel you are struggling with neural mechanisms please re-read homework/info from pack on psych205.com
Read through the Genetic theories of aggression (general and warrior gene) and evidence for both ready for next week!Slide22
Plenary
Something you have learnt today on the board before you go