Well, the simple answer would be the fact that it has science in its name would help in terms of credibility. Neuroscience is defined as the scientific study of the nervous system. Normally a sub-part of biology, it is also used as a part of psychology. This infusion of biology and hard science really helps to legitimize the claim that psychology is a science.
How do the brain and body work together to explain how humans think, feel and act?
The answer to this question depends on which school of thought you belong to in terms of mind/body relations. If you follow this link and look at the different types, you can infer that depending on the schools of thoughts the answers will vary. http://www3.niu.edu/acad/psych/Millis/History/2002/mindbody.htm
What is the difference between cognitive psychology and neuroscience?
Cognitive psychology studies the mental processes, including thinking and perceiving, while neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It deals with the physical part of the brain. However, they are often used together, cognitive psychologists typically use neuroscience to explain or back up their theories.
How do gender roles play a role in how we study human beings and how they think?
Well, basically the gender roles mean that for psychologists to get accurate measurements and accurate data they must construct experiments that take into account that males and females are different. There is definite proof that the male and female brains are different and this results in guys and girls thinking very differently. An excellent website for further reading is: http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n11/mente/eisntein/cerebro-homens.html
How does culture play a role in how people behave?
Culture basically determines one's lifestyle and lifestyle is a collection of behaviors and habits that one perpetuates. This basically means that one's culture determines ones behaviour. A good example of this is with food. in different cultures, belching is a good behaviour and one should belch to show apreciation. As most of us can attest, belching in our culture is not considered the most attractive behaviour. So, in reality our culture basically determine how we behave.
How do studies of twins help us to understand the genetics behind psychology?
Basically, I am going to put a link here because Psychology Today has two articles that anwser this question better than I can. So here they are: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200303/twin-observations-what-psychology-can-learn-twins, and http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/looking-in-the-cultural-mirror/201006/why-twin-studies-dont-separate-genetic-and-environmental-Basically, the main reason is that twins are useful in Pscyhology is for resolving the Nature vs Nurture debate.
Explain how evolution plays a role in Psychology?
Basically, by studying evolution psychologists are able to prove or disprove some of their theories. Also, since we have already determined that the brain and body have a lot to do with our personal psychology, and evolution is basically the creation of our bodies..., evolution plays a very large role in Psychology.
How does technology play a role in helping us understand the brain and its functions better?
Technology helped us develop machines like the MRI scan and such, this has revolutionized the study of the mind and how it works. Also, with computers and cell phones we are able to perform more surveys and have access to a greater number of people. Of course the technology is also changing how our brains work, so it might not be really as benefecial in the study of the brain.
Excellent use of research throughout--I know you think you are taking the "easy way out" by posting links...but it can be really beneficial to your peers if they choose to read your blog.
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