approaches -biological approach

Question 1

what is the main concept behind the biological approach?

Answer 1

.everything psychological is at first biological
.the mind and body are one, the mind lives in the brain therefore all thoughts have physical basis

Question 2

how do genes play a role in the biological approach?

Answer 2

.psychological characteristics are inherited, so specific genes are implicated in disorders eg: gene 9

Question 3

how are genes researched?

Answer 3

twin studies -concordance rates between MZ and DZ twins are calculated

Question 4

what is a genotype?

Answer 4

.a persons genetic makeup

Question 5

what is a phenotype?

Answer 5

.expression of genes -characteristics resulting from interaction between genes and the environment

Question 6

what is the theory of evolution?

Answer 6

.genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction is naturally selected, Darwin (1859).

Question 7

how does neurochemistry play a role in the biological approach?

Answer 7

can affect thinking and behaviours. Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters and hormones can affect mood.

Question 8

what is a strength to the biological approach?

Answer 8

.scientific -uses scientific methods eg: FMRI which directly and objectively measure data, this improves validity and credibility

Question 9

what are the negatives to the biological approach?

Answer 9

.biological determinism -people have no free will as people’s behaviour affected by internal genetic causes over which we have no control. Problematic as its at odds with the legal system as it implies no responsibility.
.nature and nurture are difficult to separate -twin studies, twins often share the same environment so it’s hard to say wether behaviour is due to genetics or similarity in environment