Approaches - The biological approach Flashcards
What are the main discoveries of the biological approach?
The neurochemical and genetic basis of behaviour, genotype and phenotype and evolution and behaviour
What is the biological approach?
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
What does the biological approach look at?
The biological structures and processes within the body
From a biological perspective, where does the mind live?
In the brain meaning all thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis
What does neurochemistry refer to?
The action of chemicals in the brain
What does thought and behaviour rely on?
Chemical transmission in the brain
What does an imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain lead to?
A possible cause of a mental disorder, for example low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in OCD
What are twin studies used to investigate?
Whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis
What are concordance rates?
The extent to which twins share the same characteristics
How are twin studies achieved?
By analysing concordance rates
What happens if a characteristic is genetic?
We would expect all monozygotic (identical) twins to be concordant
What do dizygotic twins share?
About 50% of the same genes
What is a person’s genotype?
Their actual genetic makeup
What is phenotype?
The way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics
What is evolution?
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
What is the main principle of natural selection?
Any genetically determined behaviours that enhances an individual’s survival will continue in future generations
How does selection take place?
Naturally
What is one strength of the biological approach?
Real world application
What is an evaluation of the biological approach having real world application?
P: real world application
E: Psychoactive drugs
E: clinical depression using anti-depressant drugs
L: People with depression can live their lives
What is one limitation of the biological approach?
Biological determinism
What is an evaluation of the biological approach having biological determinism?
P: determinist
E: Sees human behaviour as governed by internal causes over which we have no control
E: Genotype is expressed heavily by the environment
L: Too simplistic and ignores the meditating effects of the environment
What is another strength of the biological approach?
Scientific methods
What is an evaluation of the biological approach having scientific methods?
P: Uses scientific methods of investigation
E: Highly objective methods
E: Possible to accurately measure phisiological processes that are not open to bias
L: Based on objective and reliable data
