approaches Flashcards
what is the main assumption of the biological approach
we must look at biological structures such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system to understand behaviour
how do genes influence behaviour
believe our genes carry instructions for particular characteristics such as intelligence, personality and mental disorders.
what is genotype
genotype is an individual’s actual genetic make-up which occurs at conception and provides the genetic code
what is phenotype
phenotype of an individual is the product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment.
How do we study genetic basis of behaviour?
twin studies
family history studies
adoption studies
what are M/Z twins
monozygotic twins who share 100%of their genes
MZ twins share a behaviour more than DZ twins do
suggesting there is a strong genetic component
what are concordance rates
concordance rates – a percentage that shows the probability of a characteristic being genetic
what are the main assumptions for the biological approach
Internal mental processes direct and shape our behaviour
Mental processes are studied indirectly by making inferences on the basis of their behaviour
Individuals use schema to help interpret incoming information quickly
The mind works in the same way as a computer – computer and theoretical models are used to explain human mental processes
what is inference
the method where cognitive psychologists draw conclusions on mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour
describe the computer model
The cognitive approach also uses computer models, where the mind is compared to a computer by suggesting that there are similarities in the way information is processed.
describe theoretical method
Theoretical models are used to illustrate specific mental processes (e.g. memory)
Examples from memory
Working memory model
what is a schema
a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing .
They are developed by experience
