Divisions
of Biopsychology
The
field of biopsychology is divided into various concentrations; physiological
psychology, psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience,
comparative psychology, and psychophysiology.
Although all of these are applicable, psychophysiology is best equipped
to examine the overall science. In
effort to support this belief, the terms must be defined and the advantages and
disadvantages of each must be discussed.
First, physiological
psychology refers to the method of using controlled experiments to directly
manipulate the brain in effort to examine the neural mechanisms of behavior
(Pinel, 2011). This explains the process
and conjunction between how the subject psychically behaves and the brain’s
operations.
- Advantages: - It is a thorough scientific
methodology.
- It has a plethora of
practical applications and effective treatment
- Effective treatment
of mental illness.
- Supports the aspect
of nature in the dispute, nature verses nurture.
- Disadvantages: - It is too simplistic and inadequate to
conclusively explain complex emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (Revision World,
2004).
Second, psychopharmacology
takes into consideration the affects drugs have on neural activity and behavior
(Pinel, 2011). It examines how drugs
influence and manipulate an individual’s brain and conduct.
- Advantages: -
Illustrates the benefit of medication.
- Treats disorders which therapy is rendered
ineffective / inappropriate.
- Cost effective, versus therapy.
-
Disadvantages: - Side effects may be
hazardous.
- May be ineffective in the long term.
- May result in brain damage.
- May be addictive (Answers Corporation,
2012).
Third, neuropsychology enables
practitioners to focus on the ways in which brain damage affects the human
psyche (Pinel, 2011).
- Advantages: - Enhances
self-awareness.
- Identify
cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
- Objective,
valid, and reliable methodology.
- Disadvantages: - Environmental factors, mood, attitude,
fatigue, pain, medication, or language barriers may impede test or study
interpretation (Foran, Goodinson, & Associates, 2009).
The fourth division
of biopsychology is cognitive neuroscience.
This method considers the mechanisms of the nervous system in relation
to human cognition or intellectual processes (Pinel, 2011).
- Advantages: - Through the use of brain imaging
techniques, exceptionally detailed illustration of brain injury and information
concerning acute and even temporary, pathological modifications in brain
function may be linked to variance in behavior (Fellows, Stark, Berg, &
Chatterjee, 2008).
- Disadvantages: - Relies heavily on human examination
rather than animal testing, thus omitting penetration or direct brain
manipulation (Pinel, 2011).
Next, comparative psychology employs the comparative
method in effort to explore behavior in terms of evolution, genetics, and
adaptation (Pinel, 2011). By comparing
varying species in laboratory or natural settings, practitioners determine
behavioral phenomena.
- Advantages: -
Exposes a greater comprehension of human psychology.
-
Evaluates modern species to ancient species.
- Disadvantages: - It is considered by many as inefficient in
the assumption that animal behavior is capable of determining human behavior
(Cherry, 2012).
Lastly, psychophysiology ought to be considered the
most applicable division of biopsychology.
This method is utilized to determine the connection between physical
activity and mental processes (Pinel, 2011).
- Advantages: - Is a conclusive methodology granting
consideration to psychical and neural mechanisms.
- Measures / Identifies muscles
reaction and bodily movement, as well as attention, emotion, and info
processing.
- Easily recordable results.
- Disadvantages: - Stress, arousal, or individual specificity
may alter behavior or reaction (Pinel, 2011).
References:
Answers Corporation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of psychopharmacology?
Retrieved April 12, 2012, from
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_psycho
pharmacology.
Cherry, K. (2012). What is comparative psychology?
Retrieved April 12, 2012, from
http://psychology.about.com/od/comparativepsychology/f/comparative.htm.
Fellows, L.K., Stark, M., Berg, A., & Chatterjee, A.
(2008). Patient Registries in Cognitive
Neuroscience
Research: Advantages, Challenges, and Practical Advice [Electronic version]. Journal
of Cognitive Neuroscience
20:6, 1107–1113.
Foran, A., Goodinson, R. &
Associates. (2009). Neuropsychology and Mental Capacity
Assessments.
Retrieved April 12, 2012, from
http://www.publictrustee.sa.gov.au/uploads/Mental_Health_Conference/NEUROPSYCH
OLOGY%20powerpoint.pdf.
Pinel, J.P.J. (2011). Biopsychology
(8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
