| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Psychology |
| What age group | College |
| What topic | Biological approach |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Opening Scenario:
Imagine you wake up one morning and find that your dreams have been infused with vibrant colours, your thoughts are racing faster than ever before, and your emotions are swirling wildly. You feel invigorated, but also slightly overwhelmed. What if I told you that these experiences may not solely stem from your life's events, but could be traced back to the intricate workings of your brain, genetics, and the very biology that makes you, you.
As you settle into your seats, I invite you to ponder this question: How much of our behaviour and psychological processes can be traced back to our biology? Is there a clear line separating our biological predispositions from our experiences, or do they intertwine to shape who we are?
Today, we will embark on an exploration of the Biological Approach in Psychology—a perspective that examines the interplay between our physiological processes and psychological functioning. This approach will provide insight into how our brain structure, neurotransmitters, hormones, and even our genetic code can influence our behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
To kick off our discussion, let's do a quick Think-Pair-Share:
Think: Take a minute to reflect silently on the opening scenario and write down any thoughts or insights related to how biology might influence behaviour.
Pair: Turn to the person next to you and share your thoughts. Consider how aspects like heredity, brain structure, or even neurochemistry could play a role in your daily experiences.
Share: After a few minutes, we’ll come together as a class and share highlights from your discussions.
Through this engaging exercise, we will set the foundation for understanding how the Biological Approach offers a unique lens through which we can interpret human behaviour and mental processes. Armed with this perspective, we will delve deeper into key concepts such as the structure and function of the nervous system, the role of neurotransmitters, and the effect of genetics on behaviour.
Let’s begin our journey into the fascinating connection between biology and psychology!