Mat's Psychology Revision

BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS Any change in physiological activity that repeats periodically CIRCADIAN - Lasts 24hrs like the sleep/wake cycle, body temperature, hormones INFRADIAN - Lasts more than 24hrs like menstruation, hibernation and SAD ULTRADIAN - Lasts less than 24hrs like the stages of sleep, feeding  INFRADIAN RHYTHMS (24hrs+) There is a psychological disorder called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in which sufferers experience depression in only the winter months.  Another example is the mensuration cycle which starts with The follicular phase is between 10-14 days where oestrogen and progesterone levels are low. Endometrium grows and prepares for pregnancy and the size of the eggs triple. Ovulatory phase where oestrogen levels increase and by day 14 the largest egg is released into fallopian tubes ULTRADIAN RHYTHMS (-24hrs) Feeding patterns of animals, and the patterns of human sleep which go through differen...

THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH ASSUMPTION is that all behaviour is driven by physiological factors like genetics, biological structures and neurochemistry. Focuses on NATURE shaping our behaviour. EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOUR (suggested by Charles Darwin) Evolution - Gradual change within a species over time in response to environmental pressures Natural Selection - Inherited characteristics which enhance survival, passed on to the next generation Adaption - A behaviour or trait which increases successes or survival and reproduction Survival of the Fittest - Only those best suited to the environment will survive and reproduce Sexual Selection - When individuals possess features that make them attractive to the opposite sex and helps them compete with the same sex for mates, increases reproductive success Phobias such as arachnophobia can be seen to be adaptive as it increases survival. Living as a social species offers advantages, survival would decrease ...