Biological Basis of Behavior

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY OR

NEURO PSYCHOLOGY

Huma Gul
 Introduction to Biological Psychology

 The biological basis of behavior is the study of how biological

processes affect mental processes.
 Biological psychology, also known as neuropsychology, is the branch
of psychology that explores the connection between the brain,
nervous system, and behavior.
 This field seeks to understand how brain processes influence thoughts,
emotions, and actions. It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates
knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, biology, and
pharmacology to explain the biological foundations of behavior.
 Origins of Neuropsychology

 Neuropsychology, as a formal field of study, emerged from the

intersection of several disciplines, including psychology,
neuroscience, and neurology.
 Its roots can be traced back to early studies of the brain's role in
behavior, especially as researchers began to connect the brain's
structure with cognitive functions and emotional responses.
 The development of neuropsychology has been a gradual
process, influenced by key discoveries and advances in medical
and psychological science.
 Trephination in Early Neuropsychology

 In stone Era, a method “trephination” used by the healers of the era. In this method a
surgical operation performed for healing of brain. In trephination a plug like piece of
bone was taken from the skull by surgical operation. By using this procedure, healers
tried to relieve pressure from the brain. Experts claimed that this pressure become the
cause of swelling on brain.
 Ancient Greece

 Emergence from ancient cultures (Egyptians, Indians, Chinese) considered heart play a role
emotions and thoughts.
 Aristotle (384–322 BCE) thought that the heart was the central organ responsible for thought and
emotion. He believed that the brain's function was to cool the blood, rather than controlling
mental faculties.
 Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE), often considered the "father of medicine," was one of the first to
propose that the brain was the seat of thought, sensation, and reasoning, challenging the belief
that the heart was the center of the mind. In his work, "On the Sacred Disease," Hippocrates
argued that mental disorders were a result of imbalances in the body and specifically in the brain,
rather than caused by divine or supernatural forces.
 Plato (c. 428–348 BCE) also contributed to early neurophilosophy. He believed that the brain was
the organ of the soul and that its role was central in governing both rational thought and behavior.
 Ancient Rome

 Galen (c. 130–200 CE), a Roman physician, made major contributions to

the understanding of the nervous system. He dissected animals and
showed that the brain was the central organ involved in movement and
sensation. Galen was the first to describe the nervous system's structure,
noting that the brain controlled voluntary and involuntary functions
through the spinal cord and nerves.
 He also identified the cranial nerves, recognizing their role in transmitting
sensory and motor information between the brain and the body.
Galen's observations, based on his dissections and anatomical studies,
helped lay the groundwork for later neurological research.
 Descartes (17th century)

René Descartes, a French philosopher.

 Known as father of physiological psychology
 Main concern is to identify role of brain and mind in controlling
behavior.
 He proposed the idea of dualism, suggesting that the mind and body
were separate entities but interacted through the brain. He believed
the pineal gland played a central role in the mind-body connection.
 While his theory has been largely discredited, it was pivotal in
encouraging the exploration of the mind’s relationship with the brain.
 Early Brain Research

Franz Joseph Gall and Phrenology (18th century)

 Gall, an Austrian physician, proposed that different regions of the brain were
responsible for different personality traits and behaviors, a theory he called
phrenology.
 Phrenology explained that when a trait become well developed, particular
part of the brain which linked with that particular trait will expand.
 Phrenology was popular for three decades, but is now considered science.
 However, it did lead to some important discoveries in neurology, such as the
idea that different brain areas control different personality traits.
Early Brain Research

 Pierre Flourens's "experimental ablation" refers to a

research method where he surgically removed specific
parts of an animal's brain (usually pigeons) and
observed the resulting behavioral changes, allowing
him to identify which brain regions were responsible for
different functions, essentially pioneering the study of
brain localization through a process of removing and
observing the effects of removing brain tissue.
Paul Broca and Localization of Function

 Paul Broca and Localization of Function (1860s)

 The French physician Paul Broca discovered that
damage to a specific part of the left frontal lobe (now
known as Broca’s area) resulted in difficulty producing
speech, a condition known as Broca’s aphasia. This
finding provided the first solid evidence for the
localization of specific cognitive functions in distinct
areas of the brain, a key concept in neuropsychology.
 Rise of Neurology and Psychopathology

 Functionalism: William James studied that how mind play role in adaptation of
environment. He was the great contribution in developing functionalism.
 Helmholtz's physiological experiments were the first to reasonably estimate the speed
of nerve transmission.
 Sir Charles Sherrington was the first person who discovered the synapses.
 Phineas Gage (1848): The case of Phineas Gage, a railroad worker who survived a severe brain
injury when a metal rod pierced his skull and damaged his frontal lobe, provided early evidence
of how changes in the brain could alter personality and behavior. After the injury, Gage
exhibited profound personality changes, suggesting that the frontal lobe plays a key role in
personality and social behavior.
 Birth of Modern Neuropsychology

 The Mid-20th Century: Neuropsychology as a distinct scientific discipline began to

take shape in the early to mid-20th century. The combination of advances in brain
imaging, neurophysiology, and psychological theory laid the groundwork for a more
formal understanding of brain-behavior relationships.
 The Case of Patient H.M. (1950s): One of the most important developments in
neuropsychology came from the study of Henry Molaison (H.M.), a patient who
underwent surgery to remove parts of his hippocampus in an effort to treat his
epilepsy. While the surgery was successful in controlling his seizures, it resulted in
severe anterograde amnesia—the inability to form new memories. The study of H.M.’s
case significantly advanced our understanding of the hippocampus' role in memory
formation.
 Neuroimaging and Brain Mapping

 The advent of technologies such as fMRI (functional magnetic

resonance imaging) and CT scans in the late 20th century allowed
for non-invasive observation of brain activity and structure. These
technologies revolutionized the field, enabling scientists to map
brain activity during various cognitive tasks and leading to more
precise theories of brain function.
Integration of Psychology and Neuroscience

 In the latter half of the 20th century, the field of

neuropsychology expanded to include research on brain
injuries, developmental disorders, and neurodegenerative
diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
 The emergence of cognitive neuroscience—which combines
psychology, neuroscience, and brain imaging—provided new
insights into how cognitive functions like attention, perception,
and memory are influenced by brain structures and processes.
 Approaches in Neuropsychology

Cognitive Neuropsychology
 Cognitive neuropsychology investigates how specific brain damage or dysfunction impacts cognitive
abilities like memory, attention, language, perception, and problem-solving. This approach focuses on
understanding the cognitive processes that are disrupted when certain areas of the brain are
damaged.
 Example: Studying patients with aphasia (language impairment due to brain damage) to understand
how different areas of the brain are involved in language processing.
Neuroimaging and Brain Mapping
 This approach utilizes advanced imaging techniques to observe brain activity in real-time and map how
different brain areas are involved in cognitive and emotional tasks. Functional MRI (fMRI), positron
emission tomography (PET), and electroencephalography (EEG) are some of the most common
methods.
 Example: Using fMRI to study which brain regions are activated when individuals engage in tasks related
to memory or emotion processing.
 Approaches in Neuropsychology

Behavioral Neuropsychology
 Behavioral neuropsychology Linking brain dysfunction with observable changes in behavior,
such as motor impairments, memory problems, or changes in personality.
 Example: Examining how brain lesions in the frontal lobe can affect executive functions like
decision-making and impulse control.
Clinical Neuropsychology
 Clinical neuropsychology applies knowledge from research to the assessment and treatment of
individuals with brain injuries, neurological diseases, or psychiatric disorders. It involves
diagnosing conditions, assessing cognitive impairments, and developing rehabilitation
strategies.
 Example: Evaluating cognitive abilities in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or
Alzheimer’s disease.
Approaches in Neuropsychology

Developmental Neuropsychology
 Developmental neuropsychology examines how the brain and cognitive
functions evolve throughout the lifespan, including childhood, adolescence,
and aging. It looks at how early brain development or childhood injuries impact
later cognitive outcomes.
 Example: Studying children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
to understand the role of specific brain regions in attention and behavior
regulation
 Applications of Neuropsychology

Assessment and Diagnosis

 Neuropsychologists often use standardized tests and neuropsychological assessments to evaluate
cognitive functions, diagnose neurological conditions, and determine the impact of brain injury or
disease.
 Example: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) or the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test may be
used to assess cognitive deficits in patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury, dementia, or
stroke.
Rehabilitation and Treatment
 Neuropsychology plays a crucial role in developing rehabilitation programs for individuals who have
suffered brain injuries or cognitive impairments. These programs often involve cognitive rehabilitation,
where individuals engage in exercises designed to improve or compensate for lost cognitive functions.
 Example: In patients with stroke-related aphasia, speech therapy, cognitive exercises, and strategies to
improve communication are used to facilitate recovery and adaptation.
 Applications of Neuropsychology

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Recovery

 One of the key applications of neuropsychology is in the assessment and rehabilitation of
patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuropsychologists work to understand how damage
to specific areas of the brain affects cognition and behavior, providing treatments that target
memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
 Example: Patients with TBI may undergo therapy that includes neurofeedback, cognitive
exercises, and emotional support to help them regain independence and adapt to cognitive
changes.
Psychiatric Disorders
 Neuropsychology is increasingly involved in the study and treatment of psychiatric disorders,
such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Neuropsychologists
investigate how these disorders may be linked to specific brain regions or neurochemical
imbalances, and they develop therapeutic interventions.
 Applications of Neuropsychology

Forensic Neuropsychology
 Forensic neuropsychologists evaluate brain injury or dysfunction in legal cases, providing expert
testimony regarding the cognitive and behavioral impacts of brain injuries or conditions.
 Example: In a case where an individual has committed a crime and has a history of brain injury,
a forensic neuropsychologist might assess whether the injury impaired cognitive function or
decision-making ability.
Educational Neuropsychology
 Educational neuropsychologists work in schools and educational settings to assess how brain
function impacts learning. They assess cognitive strengths and weaknesses in children and
adolescents, providing recommendations for educational strategies and accommodations.
 Example: A neuropsychologist might evaluate a child with dyslexia to determine the impact on
reading and language processing and develop specific strategies to support their learning.