APPROACHES- Biological Flashcards
What are the main assumptions of the biological approach?
-The biological approach (BA) assumes all psychological behaviours/functions have a biological root at their core
-To understand human behaviour it is necessary to look at the biological:
structures
functions
processes
-Examples of biological structures, functions and processes include
Genetics e.g. the role of inherited traits in behaviour
Neurotransmitters e.g. the role of serotonin in behaviour
Hormones e.g. the role of testosterone in behaviour
Brain structures e.g. the role of the hippocampus in behaviour
-The BA assumes a biological basis for behaviour e.g.
memory is a function of the hippocampus
depression is the result of irregular neurotransmission
aggression is a product of excess testosterone
What is a genotype?
a person’s particular set of genes that make up their DNA, it is made up of a combination of alleles that comprise a specific gene
What is a phenotype?
the characteristics displayed when a person’s genotype interacts with their environment
What are examples of psychological characteristics?
-intelligence
-schizophrenia
-OCD
-some personality traits
Does the biological approach come under nature or nurture?
Nature
Why are twin studies used?
to determine the involvement of genetic factors- If a characteristic is genetic, it would be expected that 100% of MZ twins would share that characteristic as they share 100% of their DNA
What is the difference between MZ twins (monozygotic) and DZ twins (Dizygotic)?
-MZ have the same genes (one egg splits in two)
-DZ share only 50%of their genes (two eggs fertilized by two sperms)
What does it mean if the concordance rate is higher in MZ twins than in DZ twins?
the characteristics are influenced by genetic factors
What is the concordance rate?
percentage of pairs of twins or other blood relatives who exhibit a particular trait or disorder
Why is it very difficult to separate the influence of genetic factors and social/environmental factors?
-Very rare to find a concordance rate the 100% in MZ twins which means environmental factors are involved
-genes are predisposing factors rather than determining factors
What does evolutionary psychology try to understand?
What is an example of this?
-human behaviour as a result of psychological;l adaption and natural selection
-this means that behaviours are genetically determined and passed on from generation to because they increase our chances of survival
attachment and aggression
What did Van ljendoorn and kroonenberg (1988) find ?
attachment behaviour was similar across multiple cultures which shows that behaviour is influenced by genetic factors
Why is attachment behaviour similar in humans and animals?
As we have common ancestors so we have passed on genes
Human memory has evolved because it provides advantages. Why?
-Remembering locations for food and water,shelter and predators
-useful techniques for hunting
Bowlby argued that attachment to a primary caregiver is adaptive. Why?
Food and comfort are the main reasons for attachment
There is evidence to suggest that some mental disorders such as OCD and phobias have a genetic basis therefore these genes must have come adaptive advantage. Why?
Survival instinct- can recognise danger
It could be argued that stress has evolved to have a survival advantage. Why?
Fight or flight response
What are the 2 strengths of the biological approach?
-Scientific methods are a strength which are largely objective-accurately measure biological and neutral processes in ways not open to bias such as brain scanning and measuring biochemical levels, reliable
-Has real-world application, leading to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses however these are not effective for everyone but people can manage their condition and live a relatively normal life
What are the 2 limitations of the biological approach?
-Determinist- human behaviour is governed by internal biological causes and don’t have control over their behaviour, certain genes such as MAOA can increase aggression
-It is difficult to separate nature and nurture when studying behaviour- does not take into account twins and family members are exposed to the same experiment, behaviour can be learnt through the environment or passed on through genes, reduces validity
What does the genetic basis of behaviour investigate
the extent to which behaviours are inherited
What is the genetic explanation for behaviour
genes influence all traits, characteristics and behaviours e.g. intelligence (psychological characteristic) is inherited in the same way as height and other physical characteristics
Genotype is set/fixed at the point of conception i.e. it can’t be changed unless 1._______________
Everyone has a unique genotype apart from 2.______________
2.MZ twins, who share 100% of their DNA)
1.a specific, spontaneous - and very rare - genetic mutation occurs
A person’s genotype may 1._______ them to specific behaviours e.g. criminality but if specific 2.______ are not in place then this aspect of their genotype may never be expressed in their 3._________
1.predispose
2.environmental factors
3.phenotype
What structures does the biological approach believe play a key role in behaviour
-CNS
-PNS
-Endocrine system
-Brain
What does the evolutionary approach look at
-how and why specific human traits have evolved via the process of natural selection e.g.aggression
-evolutionary usefulness to fight off predators and enemies
-memory-evolutionary usefulness to recall the location of food sources
-language-evolutionary usefulness to communicate with tribe members
-mate selection-evolutionary usefulness to select a mate who will bear healthy offspring
Why is natural selection useful for survival and reproduction
behaviours and traits which are useful for survival and reproduction are retained
Why are behaviours inherited through generations
Adaptive behaviours are those which increase the chances of survival and reproductive success
