5.5 The biological approach

Question 1

Who/what inspired the biological approach in psychology?

Answer 1

Charles Darwin.

Behaviour can be explained by evolution and biology

Question 2

explain the biological approach briefly?

Answer 2

views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning

Question 3

define the term evolution

Answer 3

refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make-up of a particular population.
the central proposition of an evolutionary perspective is that the genotype of a population is changeable rather than fixed, and that this change is likely to be caused by the process of natural selection

Question 4

define gene

Answer 4

a part of a chromosome of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA

Question 5

define genotype

Answer 5

the genetic make-up of an individual.

the genotype is a collection of inherited genetic material that is passed from generation to generation

Question 6

what is natural selection?

Answer 6

the process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individual’s reproductive success (or ‘fitness’) are passed onto the next generation, and so become more widespread in the population over time.

Question 7

what is neurochemistry?

Answer 7

the study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system

Question 8

define phenotype

Answer 8

the observable characteristics of an individual.

this is the consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment.

Question 9

when looking at the biological approach, nature and/or nurture?

Answer 9

Both.
Nature: primarily nature in that biological systems such as the CNS and the endocrine system are the product of innate factors.
nurture: however, experience (nurture) can modify and change these systems to best suit the environment.

Question 10

List three basic assumptions of the biological approach.

Answer 10

Physiological and/or inherited factors determine behaviour

Biological influences on behaviour:

• genes: genotypes and phenotypes, genetic basis of behaviour, heredity genes
• biological structures: neurons and the CNS, the brain
• neurochemistry: hormones, neurotransmitters

Question 11

when looking at the biological approach, scientific or nonscientific? (methods and theories; explain)

Answer 11

biological psychology aligns itself strongly with the scientific method.
experimental study. e.g the influence of neurotransmitters in a behaviour can be investigated by administering drugs which alter the levels of a particular neurotransmitter in the brain and then measuring any change in that behaviour.

Question 12

when looking at the biological approach, determinism or free will?

Answer 12

Determinism:
Behaviour is determined by physiological (neurochemical and hormonal) factors and/or inherited genetic factors, both of which are outside of our control.

Question 13

when looking at the biological approach, reductionism or holism?

Answer 13

Biological reductionism:

Behaviour is broken down into biological structures and processes

Question 14

negative evaluations/limitations of the biological approach.

Answer 14

Biological approach is reductionist
Evolutionary explanations stress importance of biological evolution, but ignores the possibility of cultural evolution
Identifying a genetic basis for behaviour may lead to discrimination of the basis of a particular genotype

Question 15

positive evaluations/strengths of the biological approach.

Answer 15

Uses the scientific method, makes replication easier

Biological approach provides clear predictions which can be tested

Question 16

What are the weaknesses considered when using biology to explain psychology?

Answer 16

Ethics, can we state that ‘your biological makeup determines who you are’? Is this too broad a statement to make?
Determinist, what about the environment(upbringing) etc…

Question 17

Biological influences on behaviour…

Answer 17

Genes carry the instructions for a particular characteristic from one generation to the next
Relative role of genes or environment = nature/nurture debate
Genotype is the genetic code written in the individual’s DNA
Phenotype is physical manifestation of this inherited information
Heritability = the amount of variability in a trait within a population attributed to genetic differences
The nervous system = central and peripheral nervous system
The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, divided into four lobes
Neurotransmitters enable nerve impulses to cross the synapse
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters stimulate or inhibit a receiving nerve cell
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
Hormones - produced by endocrine cells and stimulate target cells
Evolution and behaviour - through natural selection

Question 18

function of the frontal lobes?

Answer 18

are involved with functions such as speech, thought and learning

Question 19

function of temporal lobes?

Answer 19

are involved with hearing and memory

Question 20

function of parietal lobes?

Answer 20

process sensory information such as touch, temperature and pain

Question 21

function of occipital lobes?

Answer 21

process visual information

Question 22

What are the strengths considered when using biology to explain psychology?

Answer 22

Application in treatment using drugs.

Replicable, objective results. scientific

Question 23

define nature.

Answer 23

behaviour is seen as a product of innate (biological or genetic factors)

Question 24

define nurture.

Answer 24

behaviour is a product of environmental factors

Question 25

Where is cortisol released from?

Answer 25

The adrenal glands

Question 26

To put it simply, how are all of our moods/feelings created?

Answer 26

Neurotransmitters, they carry signals between synapses all over the body

Question 27

What are the 4 types of tropic hormones?

Answer 27

Oxytocin
serotonin
dopamine
cortisol

Question 28

When is cortisol released?

Answer 28

In response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration

Question 29

When is oxytocin released? What is oxytocin known as?

Answer 29

During skin-to-skin contact.

Known as the bonding chemical and allows us to bond to other people

Question 30

What is serotonin known as? When is it released?

Answer 30

The satisfied hormone.
Stops you eating, often used in the treatment of depression as it makes you feel calm and content.
Related to the production of melatonin which helps put you to sleep.

Question 31

What common food is serotonin found in?

Answer 31

Wine
Chocolate
white meat

Question 32

When is dopamine released?

Answer 32

Sport, sex etc

Question 33

What is dopamine know as?

Answer 33

A steroid hormone. reward hormone

Question 34

What effect does dopamine have on the body?

Answer 34

Makes you excited, dopamine is addictive as a ‘reward’ hormone. Makes activities addictive, making you more likely to repeat the activity.
Too much dopamine causes symptoms of a schizophrenic nature.

Question 35

What can dopamine be used as a treatment for?

Answer 35

Parkinsons disease

Question 36

What is cortisol known as?

Answer 36

Stress hormone

Question 37

What effect does cortisol have on the body?

Answer 37

Causes your cells to release energy.