Division of Biopsychology
Discussion ONE: Division of Biopsychology
Biopsychology can be divided into six subdisciplines,: physiological psychology, psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, psychophysiology, comparative neuroscience, and comparative psychology. Research the characteristics, similarities, and differences between the six divisions. Given what you have learned, which division do you feel is best equipped to study the field of biopsychology? In responding to this question please be sure to touch on the strengths and weaknesses of biopsychology research within each division. Include citations in your response. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts no later than Monday, Day 7.
Discussion TWO: Inherited or Learned
In the first week of this course we are addressing the question of heredity versus the environment as it relates to biological bases of behavior. Before beginning this course, did you believe that the majority of psychological disorders are a function of heredity or environment? Has the reading this week changed your opinion on this subject? Using concepts from the assigned chapters, what is your informed position on the nature vs. nurture debate? Make sure you use specific examples from the reading, and provide an example from a research study supporting the opinion you are presenting. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts no later than Monday, Day 7.
Required Resources
Wilson, Josephine F. (2013). Biological Basis of Behavior. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. ISBN: 9781621781035
· Chapter 1: Studying the Brain
Owens, J.C., Stallings, M.C. & Johnson, T.E. (2004). Genetic Analysis of Low-Dose Ethanol-Induced Activation (LDA) in Inbred Long Sleep (ILS) and Inbred Short Sleep (ISS) Mice. Behavior Genetics, 32(3), 163-171. (ProQuest ID 976830671).
Schneider, S.M. (2007). The Tangled Tale of Genes and Environment: Moore’s The Dependent Gene: The Fallacy of “nature VS. Nurture”. Behavior Analyst, 30 (1), 91-105. ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2223161/ (Links to an external site.) )
Mouse Phenome Database: http://phenome.jax.org/ (Links to an external site.) This website has additional information on selected strains of mice that can be searched on by intervention to complete the evolution assignment as publications are listed with each strain.
Nature.com: http://www.nature.com/scitable/topic/evolutionary-genetics-13 (Links to an external site.) This website consists of a library of articles about evolutionary genetics.
Recommended Readings
McGue, M. & Bouchard, T.J., Jr. (1998). Genetic and environmental influences on human behavioral differences. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 21, 1-24. ( http://web.missouri.edu/~segerti/1000H/BouchardRev.pdf (Links to an external site.) )
Winerman, L. (2004). A second look at twin studies. Monitor on Psychology,35 (4), 46. ( http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr04/second.aspx (Links to an external site.) )
APA.org http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2009/05/sci-brief.aspx (Links to an external site.) This page from the APA includes a group of articles on evolutionary theory and psychology.
OpenStax College. http://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/biology (Links to an external site.) An open college-level general biology textbook: See units 3 and 4 on genetics and evolution
Looking for a Similar Assignment? Order now and Get 10% Discount! Use Coupon Code “Newclient”
