Approaches & Biopsychology

Question 1

Biological approach

Question 2

What happens if there is an imbalance of neuro-chemicals in the brain?

Answer 2

It is a possible cause of mental disorder

Question 3

What type of studies are used to investigate whether psychological characteristics have a genetic basis?

Answer 3

Twin studies

Question 4

What type of twins share genetic characteristics?

Answer 4

Monozygotic (identical)

Question 5

What is a genotype?

Answer 5

A person’s genetic makeup

Question 6

What is a person’s phenotype?

Answer 6

The way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics

Question 7

What is natural selection?

Answer 7

Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival will continue in future generations

Question 8

What are two strengths for the biological approach?

Answer 8

-Real world application
- increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs used to treat serious mental disorders

       - counterpoint- 
              -antidepressants don’t work for everyone
              - challenges the value of the biological approach because it doesn’t account for all cases

• Scientific methods
  - uses precise and highly objective methods of investigation
  - biological approach is based on objective and reliable data

Question 9

What is a limitation of the biological approach?

Answer 9

-It is determinist
- it sees human behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes we have no control over
-However- a persons phenotype is influenced by the environment

• Suggests the biological approach is too simplistic and ignores the effects of the environment

Question 10

Cognitive approach

Question 11

What does the cognitive approach directly contrast?

Answer 11

The behaviourist approach

Question 12

What is a schema?

Answer 12

‘Packages’ of ideas and information that help interpret incoming information received by the cognitive system

Question 13

What does a schema enable us to do?

Answer 13

Process information quickly and stops us being overwhelmed by environmental stimuli

Question 14

What is the difference between theoretical and computer models?

Answer 14

Theoretical models are abstract
Computer models are physical things

Question 15

What are two strengths of the cognitive approach?

Answer 15

-Scientific methods
-Uses lab studies which produces reliable + objective data
-Biology + cognitive neuroscience combined to enhance scientific basis of study
-Counterpoint-
- relies on inference of mental processes rather than on direct observation of behaviour
- may not represent everyday experiences so lacks external validity

-Real world application
-Made important contributions to the development of AI and robots
-Applied to treatment of depression and improved the reliability of EWT

Question 16

What is a limitation of the cognitive approach?

Answer 16

-Machine reductionism
-there are similarities between the human mind and the operations of a ‘thinking machine’ (a computer)
-machine reductionism ignores the influence of human emotion and motivation on the cognitive system and how it may affect our ability to process information
-Suggests that machine reductionism may weaken the validity of the cognitive approach

Question 17

Endocrine system

Question 18

What are the glands in the endocrine system? What hormones do they release?

Answer 18

-Pituitary gland - doesn’t release a hormone- controls all other glands in the system
-Thyroid - Thyroxine
-Adrenal - Adrenaline
-Pancreas - Insulin
-Ovaries - Oestrogen
-Testes - Testosterone