4.5 Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the biological approach?
Explains behaviour in terms of biological structures and processes, including genes, hormones and neurotransmitters
What is neurochemistry?
Relates to chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that regulate psychological functioning e.g serotonin in OCD and dopamine in schizophrenia
What are genes?
Segments of DNA molecules that code physical features and make up chromosomes
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype is a persons actual genetic make-up whereas phenotype is the way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics
What are twin studies used for?
To investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis
What are concordance rates?
The likelihood that a trait present in one twin, is also found in the other
What is the principle of the theory of natural selection?
Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival (and reproduction) will continue in future generations - proposed by Charles Darwin
AO3 for biological approach
1. Real-world application
Understanding of neurochemical processes associated with use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders e.g treatment of clinical depression with antidepressants, increase levels of neurotransmitter serotonin, reduce depressive symptoms, patients able to better manage conditions
2. Scientific methods
Genetic and biological basis of behaviour uses precise and objective methods, Includes scanning techniques e.g FMRI’s and EEG’s, measure processes in ways not open to bias, approach based on objective and reliable data
3. Biological determinism
Views human behaviour as governed by internal genetic causes which we have no control, however phenotype heavily influenced by environment, not even identical twins with same genes think the same, approach too simplistic, ignores mediating effects of environment
