Approaches: The Biological Approach

Question 1

Outline the Biological Approach:

Answer 1

• Assumptions
• The genetic basis of behaviour
• Genotype and Phenotype
• Evolution and Behaviour

Question 2

Outline the Biological Approach:

- Assumptions

Answer 2

Everything psychological is at first biological
Must look at biological structures and processes to understand human behaviour
All thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a physical basis

Question 3

Outline the Biological Approach:

- The genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 3

Study whether behaviour is inherited in the same way as intelligence etc.
Twin studies used to deter concordance rates between pars of twins
MZ (identical 100%) have higher concordance rates than DZ (non-identical 50%)
suggesting genetic basis

Question 4

Outline the Biological Approach:

- Genotype and Phenotype

Answer 4

GENOTYPE - actual genetic makeup
PHENOTYPE - physical expression of the gene
Genetically identical twins may look slightly different due to different phenotype as the environment influences that

Question 5

Outline the Biological Approach:

- Evolution and behaviour

Answer 5

Natural selection
Behaviour that enhances survival will continue in future generations
Survival of the fittest

Question 6

Evaluate the Biological Approach

Answer 6

+ Scientific methods
+ Real life application (understanding brain leads to drug therapy)
- Causation vs correlation
- Determinist (criminal gene)
- Twin studies don’t seperate nature and nurture