Approaches: The biological approach Flashcards
what is the biological approach?
attempts to explain behaviour in terms of different biological processes, including genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc.
what are the assumptions of the biological approach?
- suggests that everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully understand human behaviour, we must look at biological structures and processes within the body.
- contrasts cognitive approach
what is genotype?
- the particular set of genes that a person possesses.
what is phenotype?
- a persons characteristics expressed through their genetics and environment.
what are concordance rates?
The percentage to which twins share the same characteristic.
What does monozygotic mean?
- identical twins that share 100% of their genetics.
(environment is assumed to be constant)
What does dizygotic mean?
- non identical twins that share 50% of their genetics.
(environment is assumed to be constant)
Explain the ‘Twin study’ research.
-In a study of depression, a researcher investigated the genetic basis of the disorder.
- Compared concordance rates for identical twins(monozygotic) who have exactly the same genes with non identical twins(dizygotic) who share 50% of their genes.
-Both twins grew up in similar environments
Following mean concordance
rates found by researcher:
Monozygotic twins = 49%
Dizygotic twins = 17%
Ordinary siblings = 9%
(The 49% figure means that if one identical twin has depression, there is a 49% chance that the other identical twin will also have depression. This indicates a strong genetic link, as identical twins share all their genes.)
research showed there is a strong genetic link for behaviour in indetical twins but not 100%
Evaluation of the biological approach.
Strength:
POINT: The biological approach has had many useful real world applications.
EVIDENCE: For example, the biological approach has allowed for the development of many biological treatments (e.g. drug treatments) of disorders such as depression, anxiety etc.
EXPLAINATION: This means that people with depression may be better able to manage their condition and live their lives in the community, rather than remain in hospital.
EVALUATION: Therefore, this is a strength because it shows that the approach has been put to good use and has been applied to help people and improve people’s lives.
Weakness:
POINT: The biological approach may oversimplify the complexity of mental health disorders.
EVIDENCE: While the twin study highlights genetic influences, it does not account for environmental factors, such as life experiences and socio-economic conditions, which also significantly affect mental health.
EXPLAINATION :By emphasizing genetics, the biological approach might neglect the interplay between biological and environmental influences, leading to a limited understanding of depression. For instance, two identical twins may have different life experiences that impact their mental health, regardless of their genetic similarities.
LINK: Therefore, while the biological approach offers valuable insights, it is crucial to integrate it with psychological and environmental perspectives for a more holistic understanding of mental health disorders.
What is Evolution?
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
What is natural selection?
- theory proposed by Charles Darwin
- suggests that individuals with the most favourable characteristics are most likely to survive, reproduce and pass of these traits.
apply the natural selection theory to a real life example.
Memory - human memory evolved because it provided advantages.
eg. individuals who remember important information like food sources are more likely to survive and reproduce
Attachment - Bowlby argued that attachment to a primary caregiver evolved to ensure safety and survival
Mental disorder - some disorders like anxiety, while often disruptive, those who are more anxious may avoid dangerous situations, enhancing chance of survival
