Approaches: Biological Approach

Question 1

Define Biological Approach.

Answer 1

• A perspective that emphasises the importance if physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 2

Define Genes.

Answer 2

• They make up chromosomes and consists of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features.
• They are transmitted from parents to offspring (inherited).

Question 3

Define Biological Structure.

Answer 3

• An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.

Question 4

Define Neuro-Chemistry.

Answer 4

• Relating to chemicals in the brain to regulate psychological functioning.

Question 5

Define Genotype.

Answer 5

• The particular set of genes that a person posses.

Question 6

Define Phenotype.

Answer 6

• The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.

Question 7

Define Evolution.

Answer 7

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.

Question 8

Biological Approach Assumptions.

Answer 8

• Everything psychological was first biological.
• To fully understand human behaviour need to look at biological structures and processes such as genes, neurotransmitters, and the nervous system.
• Mind lives in the brain, all thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis. This is a direct contrast to cognitive approach that views the brain and mind are separate.

Question 9

The Influence Of Genes On Behaviour.

Answer 9

• Genes are inherited from one generation to the next (from each parent) and carry instructions for a particular characteristics such as intelligence,
• The characteristics develop partly due to the gene and partly due to the environment.

Question 10

Behaviour Genetics - Twin Studies.

Answer 10

• The likelihood that certain behaviour traits have genetic basis is determined by comparing concordance rates between twins (the extent to which both twins share the same characteristics).
• MZ (identical) twins share 100% of each other’s genes whilst DZ (non-identical) twins share 50%.
• If MZ twins are found to have higher concordance rates than DZ twins it suggests the characteristics being investigated has a genetic basis.
• Never found 100% of concordance rate as environment influences it meaning that no behaviour is purely genetic.

Question 11

Difference Between Genotype And Phenotype.

Answer 11

• The genotype is the genetic code in the DNA and the phenotype appearance that results from the inherited information (genotype + environmental influence).
• The phenotype shows that human behaviour depends upon interaction between inherited factors (nature) and the environment (nurture).

Question 12

Evolution And Behaviour.

Answer 12

• Natural selection is the idea that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival and reproduction will continue in further generations.
• It is ‘natural’ as no one decides the traits, the selection occurs simply because some traits give the possessor certain advantages.
• Particularly interested in human behaviours that are innate and why they have evolved in humans.

Question 13

Strength: Scientific Methods.

Answer 13

• The biological approach uses scientific methods.
• The approach uses experimental methods as its main method of investigation which involves highly controlled and sophisticated imaging and recording techniques, including PET and fMRIs.
• Experimental studies are easy to replicate, therefore adding validity to the original findings if they can be reproduced.

Question 14

Strength: Application - Treatments For Psychological Disorders.

Answer 14

• The biological approach has been successful in developing treatments for psychological disorders.
• For example SSRIs stop the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse and increase the level of serotonin being absorbed by the post-synaptic neuron, alleviating the symptoms of OCD.
• Research into the role in the of neurotransmitters imbalances in depression has led to the development of drug treatments which correct this imbalance.
• The biological approach has therefore helped improve the lives of many sufferers of a range of disorders by providing suitable drug treatments.

Question 15

Weakness: Reductionist.

Answer 15

• The biological approach is reductionistic.
• It explains behaviour by breaking it down into genes, hormones and neurotransmitters but ignores cognitive and factors.
• For example, the biological approach explains OCD through low levels of serotonin only.
• However, there are other factors can contribute to OCD and the biological approach does not consider these other factors.

Question 16

Weakness: Can’t Fully Determine Correlations.

Answer 16

• The biological approach often implies casual conclusions when the findings are based on correlations.
• This approach often explains the cause of mental illness such as OCD through a deficiency in certain neurotransmitters in the brain, reaching this conclusion because drugs that increase/decrease a neurotransmitters reduce symptoms in the sufferer.
• However, discovering an association between two factors does not mean one causes the other.

Question 17

Weakness: Deterministic.

Answer 17

• The biological approach is deterministic.
• It sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes which we do not have control of.
• This means that individuals are not in control of their behaviour and have no free will to make any decisions.
• This has implications for the legal system and wider society as one of the rules of the law is that offenders are seen as legally and morally responsible for their actions.
• The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’, if there were such thing, would complicate this principle.