PSYCH 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1.3: Evolutionary Psychology, Cultural Evolution, Psychological Science
Document Summary
New knowledge accumulates through the systematic study of questions raised by what is already known. Biology is increasingly emphasized in explaining psychological phenomena: three major advances that have helped further the scientific understanding of psychological phenomena: Hundreds of substances play critical roles in mental activity and behavior. Research has made clear that there is some localization of function: some areas are important for specific thoughts, feelings, and actions. A greater understanding of brain connectivity may be useful for understanding how brain circuitry changes in psychological disorders. The human genome: the basic genetic code, or blueprint, for the human body: represents the foundational knowledge for studying how specific genes affect thoughts, actions, feelings, and disorders. Very few single genes cause specific behaviors; almost all biological and psychological activity is affected by actions of multiple genes. Evolutionary thinking is increasingly influential: the mind has been shaped by evolution.
