NCERT Solutions Class 11 Psychology Chapter 3 The Bases of Human Behaviour
NCERT Solutions Class 11 Psychology Chapter 3 The Bases of Human Behaviour : National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Class 11 Psychology Chapter 3 Solutions – The Bases of Human Behaviour .
Board |
NCERT |
Class |
11 |
Subject |
Psychology |
Chapter |
3 |
Chapter Name |
The Bases of Human Behaviour |
Topic |
Exercise Solutions |
Review Questions
1.) How does the evolutionary perspective explain the biological basis of behaviour?
The premise that behaviours have evolved over time to increase organisms’ chances of survival and reproduction is one of the fundamental tenets of the evolutionary perspective on behaviour.
By adopting this perspective, we may consider acts in terms of how they affect an organism’s capacity to adapt to its environment and preserve its species.
According to the theory of evolution, a creature’s behaviour is significantly influenced by the genes it gets from its parents. Natural selection favours genetic variations that are more likely to boost an organism’s fitness for survival and reproduction over the course of many generations.
Therefore, for example, a bird’s tendency to build a nest to raise its young is likely specified by its genetic makeup, and this behaviour may have evolved because it helps the bird’s young to be protected and survive.
The environment in which an organism lives can have an impact on its behaviour in addition to its genes. A few examples of how an organism may adapt to its environment include the capacity to find food, avoid predators, and reproduce successfully in its ecosystem.
These habits may eventually develop into something more sophisticated and pertinent to the environment since animals learn from their experiences and alter their behaviour in response to changing circumstances.
The biological basis for behaviour, according to the evolutionary perspective, is provided by the interaction of genes and environment. Analyzing a behavior’s adaptive function can provide light on its inception and growth.
2.) Describe how neurons transmit information?
Information is exchanged between neurons through a process known as neurotransmission. The electrical impulse that a neuron produces after being activated is known as an action potential. The neuron’s axon conducts this impulse until it reaches the axon terminal. Once there, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers. The synapse, sometimes referred to as the space between one neuron’s dendrite and the following neuron’s axon terminal, is where neurotransmitters are transported. The succeeding cell generates an electrical impulse as a result of the neurotransmitters attaching to the exact receptors found on the dendrite. It will keep going like this until the intended recipient of the information receives it.
Neurons are responsible for transmitting information not only among themselves but also between the brain and the muscles and glands as well as between the brain and the sense organs. We are able to understand our environment and respond appropriately to varied stimuli as a result.
Depending on the kind of neuron, different types of neurons execute a range of distinct jobs. This specialisation extends to both the structure and function of neurons.
For example, although certain neurons are responsible for controlling muscle movement, others are responsible for transmitting sensory information. The two networks of neurons are linked.
One must first get an understanding of the basic brain functions that allow neurons to communicate with one another in order to understand the biological basis of behaviour. The main part of a nerve cell is the soma, commonly referred to as the cell body. Along with other elements found in all types of living cells worldwide, it is made up of the cell’s nucleus. The genetic material of the neuron is stored in the nucleus, and the nucleus actively participates in the processes of protein synthesis and cell division.
3.) Name the four lobes of the cerebral cortex. What functions do they perform?
The four lobes of the cerebral cortex are:
Frontal lobe: The frontal lobe, which gets its name from being located at the front of the skull, is the largest of the brain’s four lobes. Developing decisions, making plans, and solving problems are just a few of the higher-level cognitive processes it is in charge of. In addition, it helps to control our muscles, which enables us to move our limbs in a coordinated and deliberate manner.
Parietal lobe: Located just under the frontal lobe at the very top of the brain, the parietal lobe plays a crucial role in emotion and memory. It participates in the processing of sensory data, such as touch and temperature data, that is received from the body.Additionally, it helps us be more spatially aware, which helps us navigate our environment and understand the position and three-dimensional motion of our bodies.
Occipital lobe: The occipital lobe is the smallest and the most posterior of the four brain lobes. Its main job is to analyse the visual information that the eyes provide, which helps us see and understand the environment around us.
Temporal lobe: The temporal lobe is a portion of the brain that is located in the centre of the temporal area, on the sides of the brain, and directly above the ears. Besides the auditory information that is acquired through the ears, it also contributes to the processing of language information and memory. Our capacity to experience and understand what we’re going through is also influenced by it; it plays a role in our emotions.
4.) Name the various endocrine glands and the hormones secreted by them. How does the endocrine system affect our behaviour?
The various endocrine glands and the hormones that each one of them secretes are listed as follows:
- The pituitary gland is in charge of secreting several hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
- The thyroid gland, which is in charge of generating hormones like triiodothyronine and thyroxine.
- Adrenal: A pair of glands that are situated above each kidney and that create hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- The pancreas, which is in charge of producing hormones like glucagon and insulin.
- Gonads: The synthesis of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone is carried out by the ovaries. the testosterone-producing testicles, which are in charge of hormone production.
Hormones are the chemical molecules that the endocrine system secretes. These hormones have an impact on how the body works, how it develops, and how personality develops. When there is an excess of sugar in the blood, some ductless glands produce insulin, which brings the blood sugar level back to normal. Endocrine glands also govern and regulate an individual’s behaviour. The body’s actions are coordinated in part by the endocrine glands. Similar to when we are suddenly afraid or in danger, the endocrine system’s secretion is combined with blood, bringing in a wide range of responses to assist us in dealing with the circumstance. To maintain homeostasis and coordinate bodily processes, the various endocrine glands collaborate closely.For instance, if one gland is secreting more hormone than it should, the other gland may release a hormone to balance the body by reducing the surplus hormone.
5.) How does the autonomic nervous system help us in dealing with an emergency situation?
The autonomic nervous system supports our ability to respond to emergencies in the following ways:
The element of the nervous system referred to as the autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls uncontrollable processes including the pace at which the heart beats, blood pressure, and digestion. The “fight-or-flight” response, which primes the body for action when confronted with a potentially lethal situation, is brought on by the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is what sets off the fight-or-flight reaction. The stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline are stimulated to release, and the heart rate and pupils dilate as a result of this reaction. By increasing blood flow to the muscles, these physiological modifications aid the body in quickly and effectively adapting to the emergency situation and allowing it to respond swiftly and decisively. The parasympathetic nervous system begins to function once the threat has passed. This makes it possible for the body to resume its natural resting condition, which encourages calm and quick recovery from the trauma. The autonomic nervous system, in general, plays a key role in helping us respond correctly to dangerous situations and in maintaining our physical and mental health.
6.) Explain the meaning of culture and describe its important features.
Culture refers to a group’s or society’s ideals, values, customs, behaviours, and artefacts that are distinctive to that group or civilisation. It consists of the teachings, customs, and material objects that are passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, those who belong to the group experience continuity in time as well as continuity in identity.
Some crucial cultural elements include the following:
- People learn about cultures and pass them on by taking part in social activities and intellectual discourse.
- Culture is alive and always changing because people and groups are constantly adapting to new situations and experiences.
- The culture of a civilization is influenced by a broad variety of factors, including history, geography, religion, political ideologies, and economic situations.
- Our culture influences how we think about and interact with the world around us, which in turn shapes our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours.
- Strong senses of identification and a sense of belonging, both of which are fostered by culture, are prerequisites for people feeling connected to their community and culture.
- Since it has such a big impact on how our individual and communal experiences are formed, culture is generally considered to be a fundamental feature of human behaviour.
7.) Do you agree with the statement that ‘biology plays an enabling role, while specific aspects of behaviour are related to cultural factors’? Give reasons in support of your answer.
These biological components undoubtedly enable human behaviour by influencing it. The main limiting elements are biological, although human behaviour is more complicated than that of animals.
One of the main causes of the intricacy is how culture influences how people behave.
Using two examples, we may clarify the idea. Hunger is a basic need shared by both humans and animals, but how it is satisfied in humans is incredibly complex. Different individuals in different cultures consume various foods in various ways, such as with their hands alone or with the use of spoons, forks, and knives.
Another indication that sex is a physiological requirement is sexual behaviour. The biological process determines the structure and functioning, although the expression varies depending on the culture.We find support for the dual inheritance theory at the human level. Genetic inheritance occurs through genes, but cultural inheritance occurs through memes.
The former occurs “top-down” (i.e., from parents to offspring), whereas the latter may also occur “bottom-up” (i.e. from children to parents). The idea of dual inheritance also demonstrates that while biological and cultural factors may affect people in distinct ways, they nevertheless operate in tandem and interact to explain behaviour in people.
8.) Describe the main agents of socialisation.
The key determinants of a person’s socialisation are their family, school, peers, and the media:
Families are the primary facilitators of children’s socialisation since they are the first social group to which they are exposed. The environment of a child’s family provides them with their first opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions, and expectations of their culture, which also helps shape their sense of who they are as individuals and the roles they play in society.
Because they offer a framework within which kids may learn and develop, schools are another crucial component in the process of socialising youngsters. Since they are simultaneously studying intellectual skills at school, children are better equipped to interact with their peers and build their social abilities.
Peer groups play a crucial role in socialisation because they provide kids the chance to interact with and learn from their peers. Peer groups provide kids these opportunities. Peer groups may have an impact on a child’s social development since they help shape a child’s opinions, beliefs, and behaviour.
The media is an extra important component in the socialisation process since it imparts fresh knowledge and perspectives about the world to children. The media may have an impact on children’s attitudes and beliefs, and it may also help shape their viewpoints on a variety of issues.
9.) How can we distinguish between enculturation and socialisation? Explain.
Even though they are intertwined, enculturation and socialisation should be viewed as independent processes.
The process of becoming enculturated involves becoming aware of the customs, beliefs, and values of a particular culture and then assimilating those elements into one’s own. It is a process through which individuals join their social circle and pick up the values and expectations of the society in which they were reared.
The process of learning and acquiring the skills, knowledge, and habits necessary for participating in society is referred to as “socialisation,” which is a more thorough process. People learn the social norms and expectations through this process, and they also pick up the abilities and knowledge necessary to carry out their social obligations. It goes by the name of socialisation as well.
Think of socialisation as the process of learning how to operate in society to distinguish between enculturation and socialisation. Enculturation is the process of learning a specific culture. Socialization is the process of learning how to function in society more generally. Enculturation is different from socialisation in that socialisation is the process of gaining social skills and competencies, whereas enculturation is the process of transmitting cultural information and norms.
10.) What is meant by acculturation? Is acculturation a smooth process? Discuss.
The process of assimilating into a new culture or social group, also known as acculturation, involves taking on its cultural norms, beliefs, and behaviours.
Being assimilated into a new social group is another definition of acculturation. Frequently, the phenomenon under discussion is referred to as acclimation.
Cultural assimilation is the process by which individuals who are native to one culture or group come into contact with and are influenced by those from another culture or group.
When people move to a new place or culture or join a minority group within a more advanced civilization, acculturation—a natural process that takes place in the brains of individuals—occurs.
Being exposed to several cultures over the course of a lifetime can also lead to acculturation. People may modify the way they talk, their daily routines, their beliefs, and the activities they engage in as part of the process of adapting to their new surroundings and culture.
Acculturation is a process that isn’t always easy or enjoyable because it might involve obstacles and conflicts.
People may struggle to adjust to new cultural norms and expectations, as well as struggle to maintain a balance between their original cultural identity and their new cultural environment.
They could experience problems in their daily life as a result of this. Because there is a chance they may encounter prejudice or discrimination from members of the new culture or group, acculturation may be a difficult and unpleasant process for the person.
The process of acculturation may become more challenging as a result. Acculturation, in its broadest meaning, can be a difficult process, but it eventually has beneficial outcomes since it lays the way for people to develop intellectually and emotionally as a direct result of their interaction with components of many cultures.
11.) Discuss the acculturative strategies adopted by individuals during the course of acculturation.
Acculturation is the process through which individuals create new behavioural and coping strategies in order to adapt to and successfully navigate their new cultural environments. Several well-liked acculturative techniques are:
Adopting the cultural norms, values, and behaviours of the dominant culture is the process of assimilation. One may consider this to be a form of cultural colonisation. If they choose to employ this strategy, people may give up their previous cultural practises and identities in favour of the new culture, which has a substantial impact on cultural transition.
Integration is the process through which individuals of a minority culture adopt some of the cultural norms, beliefs, and behaviours of the majority culture while simultaneously retaining some of their distinctive cultural traditions and identity. This strategy involves a level of cultural change that is between between minimal and moderate because people may adapt to some aspects of the new culture while still maintaining their cultural heritage.
Separation: The practise of maintaining cultural norms, beliefs, and behaviours of the original culture while refusing to incorporate any elements of the society to which one has been exposed. This method only needs a little level of cultural adaptation from the target group since people are able to maintain their prior cultural practises and identities without being influenced by the new culture.
Marginalization is characterised by a lack of engagement with either the old or the new culture, as well as a refusal to acquire any cultural practises or distinguishing traits of either. People who use this strategy must undergo a large amount of cultural acculturation since they face the danger of rejecting both their own culture and the new culture, as well as of feeling alienated from both.