approaches 1.4

Question 1

biological approach

Answer 1

to be able to fully understand human behaviour, we must look at biological structures and processes in the body

Question 2

6 key findings of biological approach

Answer 2

everything psychological is at first biological

the mind and body are one and the same

neurochemical basis of behaviour

genetic basis of behaviour

difference between genotype and phenotype

theory of evolution is used by the biological approach to explain behaviour

Question 3

the mind and body are one and the same

Answer 3

from the biological approach, the mind lives in the brain - meaning that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis

Question 4

neurochemical basis of behaviour

Answer 4

neurochemistry refers to the action of chemicals in the brain - neurotransmitters transmit messages

an imbalance of neurotransmitters may be a cause of some mental disorders e.g. underproduction of serotonin in OCD

Question 5

which studies are used to investigate genetic influences?

Answer 5

twin studies

concordance rates between twins are calculated (the extend to which twins share the same characteristic)

higher concordance rates among identical (monozygotic, MZ) twins than non identical (dizygotic, DZ0 twins is evidence of a genetic basis

Question 6

the difference between genotype and phenotype

Answer 6

a person’s genotype is their actual genetic make up

phenotype is the way that genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics

the expression of genotype (phenotype) is influenced by environmental factors

e.g., phenylketonurca (PKU) is a genetic disorder that can be prevented by a restricted diet

this suggests that much of behaviour depends on the interaction of nature and nurture

Question 7

theory of evolution

Answer 7

Darwin (1859) proposed the theory of natural selection

any genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations

profitable behaviours are selected in mates and therefore reproduced

such genes are described as adaptive and give the possessor and their offspring advantages

for instance, attachment behaviours in newborns promote survival and are therefore adaptive and naturally selected

Question 7

Gottesman (1991) support of genetics

Answer 7

in 1991, Gottesman reviewed over 40 studies in Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia and the UK by looking through medical records for schizophrenia

he went on to state that if both your parents have schizophrenia, there was a 46% chance of you developing it

Question 8

heredity

Answer 8

refers to the idea that characteristics are ‘passed on’ from one generation to the next through out genetics

these characteristics can be physical or psychological

Question 9

genotype

Answer 9

the genes an individua possesses which is an individual’s genetic make up

Question 10

phenotype

Answer 10

refers to the observable characteristics shown by the individual, traits are due to genes and environment

Question 11

neurons and nervous system

Answer 11

the nervous system carries messages around the body through neurons

they transmit nerve impulses as electrical neurons

there are many behaviours under this control e.g. eating

CNS - brain and spinal cord

PNS - somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system