Physiological Approach (1)
Assumptions: The main assumption of the physiological approach is therefore that behaviour and experience can be explained by physiological changes. This approach investigates the brain, the nervous system and other biological factors such as hormones.
Describe how the physiological approach explains navigational ability: The hippocampus plays a vital role in spatial awareness/navigation. The brain shows plasticity which is the ability to change. These changes can occur in the structure of the hippocampus as a result of navigational experience (tested here using taxi drivers).
Describe how the physiological approach explains sleep and dreaming: There are several stages of sleep; n-REM Stages 1-4 and REM sleep. All participants went through REM sleep and most dreams occur in REM sleep (although not exclusively). Patterns of eye movements in REM were associated with dream content.
Describe how the physiological approach explains localisation of function in the brain: The brain comprises of two hemispheres; left and right. Different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions – the left being more scientific, and the right being more creative function. Language is located in the left hemisphere.