5. APPROACHES (The Biological Approach) Flashcards
What does the Biological Approach believe about behaviour?
The Biological Approach believes that behaviour is rooted in the physiology and biology of the body, including genetics, evolution, the nervous system, and biochemistry.
What are the core assumptions of the Biological Approach?
Behaviour is affected by:
1. Genetics
2. Evolution
3. The central nervous system
4. Biochemistry
How does genetics influence behaviour in the Biological Approach?
Genetics influence behaviour by passing traits from one generation to the next. Biological psychologists believe that traits like intelligence and personality are inherited like physical traits such as height.
What is the genotype and how does it relate to behaviour?
The genotype is an individual’s genetic makeup. It determines traits like personality and intelligence, which are inherited from biological parents and can influence behaviour.
How do twin studies help in understanding the genetic basis of behaviour?
Twin studies compare the concordance rates (the likelihood of both twins having a behaviour) between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. Higher concordance rates in MZ twins suggest a genetic component to behaviour.
What did Gottesman’s study on schizophrenia show about genetics?
Gottesman (1991) found that MZ twins had a 48% concordance rate for schizophrenia, while DZ twins had a 17% concordance rate, suggesting a genetic link to the disorder.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype is an individual’s genetic makeup, while phenotype is the expression of those genes, influenced by environmental factors.
How does evolution relate to human behaviour in the Biological Approach?
Evolution explains that behaviours and physical traits evolve through natural selection. Behaviours that increase survival or reproduction are more likely to be passed down.
What is natural selection and how does it apply to human behaviour?
Natural selection is the process by which traits that increase survival and reproductive success become more common in a population. This applies to behaviours such as aggression, mate preferences, and parental care.
How might aggression be an adaptive behaviour in the context of evolution?
Aggression can improve survival by protecting resources or territory and increase reproductive success by attracting mates.
How does neurochemistry influence behaviour?
Neurochemistry refers to the role of neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain. Imbalances in these chemicals, such as high dopamine in schizophrenia, can influence behaviours and psychological disorders.
What role does dopamine play in behaviour according to the Biological Approach?
Dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter. High levels of dopamine are associated with conditions like schizophrenia, influencing behaviour like delusions and hallucinations.
What are the strengths of the Biological Approach?
Strengths include:
* Successful treatments, like antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) for depression.
* Scientific methods, using objective techniques like brain scans, increasing reliability.
* Contributions to understanding psychological disorders.
What is a limitation of the Biological Approach in terms of the use of animals in research?
A limitation is that biological psychologists often use animals like rats and mice in experiments. This may not provide valid explanations for human behaviour, as human behaviour involves more complex factors like culture and cognition.
How does the Biological Approach relate to the nature vs. nurture debate?
The Biological Approach is rooted in the “nature” side, emphasizing the role of genetic and biological factors in behaviour while largely ignoring environmental influences.
