Approaches: biological approach Flashcards
1
Q
what are the basic assumptions of the biological approach
A
- how biological structures and process within the body impacts on behaviour.
- much of human behaviour has a physiological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered.
- we should study the brain, nervous system and other biological systems, e.g. hormones, chemicals acting on the brain (neurochemicals).
2
Q
what are twin studies
A
- Psychologists are interested in studying twins in order to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour.
- Monozygotic (MZ): one zygote -> these twins are formed when a fertilised cell splits into 2 and forms 2 separate embryos.
- Dizygotic (DZ) 2 zygotes -> these twins are formed when 2 separate eggs both become fertilised by different sperm cells.
- concordance rates -> refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics.
- comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart.
3
Q
Explain Francis Galton’s take on the biological approach (family studies)
A
- 1869 -> Francis Galton: ‘all natural abilities are inherited’ -> this is a simplistic viewpoint -> Galton later had to agree that any resemblance between family relatives could be a result of both genes are shared environment.
4
Q
what are adoption studies
A
- involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological or adoptive parents.
5
Q
What is selective breeding
A
- this method involves artificially selecting male and female animals for a particular trait.
- These animals are then put together in order to breed and produce offspring.
- Selective breeding has been used to demonstrate how a number of behavioural characteristics may have a genetic basis, e.g. ‘maze bright’ rats.
6
Q
What is natural selection
A
- animals with specific traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce thereby passing on their ‘adaptive traits’ to their offspring.
- 3 principles:
-> the principle of diversity -> the variety within a species.
-> the principle of interaction -> which is how this variety of species adapt and fit in with the environment, e.g. animals that breathe air wouldn’t be able to permanently live under water.
-> principle of differential amplification -> those who adapt to their environment will reproduce and those that who do not will die out.
7
Q
What is sexual selection
A
- males have an abundance of sperm and can reproduce with as many females as they want.
- Females however, are limited by the amount of eggs she produces and the fact that she has to carry the baby for 9 months and then raise it till the age of 18.
- females therefore will be more particular about who fathers their children due to the investment they have to make.
8
Q
what are the strengths of the biological approach
A
- a scientific approach -> fMRIs, EEGs and twin studies lead to reliable data.
- scientific approach lends credence to study of psychology -> establishes psychology as a respectable science.
- biology on behaviour can lead to treatment and intervention to those suffering e.g. anti-depressants.
- measurements can be objective as it can be performed by machines which have no vested interest in the outcome e.g. PET scans, EEG etc -> use of complex machinery allows accurate and precise measurements.
9
Q
what are the limitations of the biological approach
A
- deterministic approach as it believes we are determined by our physiological, genetic or evolutionary make-up -> no free will.
- reductionist by stating all human behaviour can be explained through biological processes -> dehumanising to present humans as ‘biological machines’.
- biological approach ignores the role of the environment etc -> it should be used in combo which is known as the biosocial approach.
- research may focus on rare conditions that have little impact on the everyday lives of most people.
