Approaches - Biological approach to psychology

Question 1

What are the features of the biological approach to psychology?

Answer 1

• Genes
• Biological Structures
• Neurochemistry
• Genotype & Phenotype
• Evolution’s effect on behaviour

Question 2

What is a genotype?

Answer 2

An individual’s genetic make up

• from birth
• determines things like eye colour

Question 3

What is a phenotype?

Answer 3

The combination of someone’s genotype & the environment

e.g. build/weight

Question 4

Examples of behaviours that have been linked to genes?

Answer 4

• depression
• schizophrenia
• aggression

Question 5

Why do psychologists study twins?

Answer 5

• they provide a natural experiment opportunity
  without the need for additional control groups
• MZ & DZ twins share environmental
  upbringing but vary in genetic similarity so
  genetic factors can be investigated
  (MZ = 100%, DZ = 50%)

Question 6

Evidence supported genetic explanations of behaviour

Answer 6

McGuffin: Twins & Depression 
- concordance rate for MZ twins = 46%, 
  DZ = 20% 
- genes play some role 
- not 100% so environmental factors also 

Nestadt: Twins & OCD
- concordance rate MZ = 68%, DZ = 31%

Question 7

What are hormones & how do they link to behaviour & psychology?

Answer 7

• …..
• control the activity of the body, such as behaviour

e.g. Testosterone is linked to aggression

Question 8

What is a neurotransmitter & how do they link to behaviour & psychology?

Answer 8

• Chemicals that allow messages to be sent
  between brain cells

e.g. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation.
- low levels are thought to influence
depression

Question 9

How is evolution thought to be involved in psychology?

Answer 9

• animals have evolved to be the way they are
  & have adapted for survival, protection &
  reproduction
• behaviours that are useful in survival are
  passed on to the next generation so we may
  display certain behaviours as they have
  provided evolutionary advantages

e.g. Agression = self defence, protection,
security & competition for
food/mates

  Fear of snakes = leads to avoidance of 
                               dangerous animals

Question 10

Strengths of the biological approach to psychology

Answer 10

• Uses scientific methods of investigation
• leads to practical applications
  e. g. drugs for depression

Question 11

Weaknesses of the biological approach to psychology

Answer 11

• overly simple
  
  • humans have conscious thought & aren’t
    just a product of genes
• research suggests environmental factors are
  involved in our thoughts & behaviours
• could be deterministic
  
  • some people may feel like genes have more
    control over their lives than they do
    e.g. if parent suffers from depression