The Place of Physiological Psychology in Neuroscience
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1984
Abstract
Addresses the identity crisis of physiological psychology by focusing on the concept of the localization of function in the explanation of brain–behavior relationships. The physiological psychologist, dependent upon the reductionistic assumption that behavior can be explained by reduction to some brain event, and the notion that there is a firm understanding of behavioral events and processes, has turned to neuroscience for both academic identity and research sustenance. Is is maintained that neuroscience lacks a molecular framework, and the consequence of the flight into neuroscience has been the deterrence of integrative theorizing about brain–behavior relationships. It is thought that only through a return to the basic intellectual tradition of the discipline can this trend be negated. By attempting to identify and understand the natural fracture lines of complex adaptive behavioral functions, physiological psychologists can begin to develop the integrative theories that will foster an understanding of brain–behavioral relationships.