8- biological approach (neurochemistry)

Question 1

describe neurotransmitters

Answer 1

• released when impulse reaches end of one neuron and travels across the synapse to the next neuron
• different types = excitatory (trigger nerve impulses to stimulate brain into action) and inhibitory (inhibit nerve impulses to calm brain and balance mood)

Question 2

give examples of the two types of neurotransmitters

Answer 2

• excitatory = dopamine = associated with motivation
• inhibitory = serotonin = adequate amounts necessary to to maintain stable mood (low levels lead to increased aggression)

Question 3

describe hormones

Answer 3

• chemicals produced by endocrine glands which are secreted into the bloodstream where they travel to target cells and exert influence by stimulating receptors on/in cells to alter activity
• Canadian ice hockey team players had surge in levels of testosterone when playing in their home stadium, suggests hormone helped energise players to defend home territory

Question 4

positive evaluation of the biological approach (3)

Answer 4

+ uses scientific methods so experiments are done in highly controlled environments so studies can be replicated which increases reliability
+ provides clear predictions about behaviour which has led to practical applications e.g. chemical imbalance in depression has led to development of drugs to correct this
+ if people know they have a genetic predisposition for mental disorder then they can avoid situations which trigger this and develop coping skills to protect from potential influence

Question 5

negative evaluation of the biological approach (3)

Answer 5

• reductionist as we can’t fully understand behaviour without taking all different factors into account such as cognitive, emotional and cultural
• critics of evolutionary explanations claim behaviours are entirely cultural and have no survival/reproductive value
• research about genetic basis of criminal behaviour has led to concern about the use of this info as genetic screening of populations to identify susceptibilities could lead to discrimination against those with a predisposition to crime