biological Flashcards
What is the biological approach?
The biological approach combines psychology and biology to provide *physiological explanations for human behaviour.
Biological psychology tries to explain how we think, feel and behave in terms of physical factors within the body.
what are the assumptions
> the Biological approach suggests everything psychological is at first biological so to fully understand human behaviour we must look to biological structures & processes within the body such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system. An understanding of brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour
The mind lives in the brain and all our thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis
Twin studies - key terms
> Monozygotic (MZ)
One zygote – these twins are formed when a fertilised cell splits into two and forms two separate embryos
Dizygotic (DZ)
Two zygotes – these twins are formed when two separate eggs both become fertilised by different sperm cells
Concordance rates: agreement between the twin pairs; This refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics.
Twin studies AO1 -
> It is used to show how likely it is these characteristics are inherited by comparing concordance rates between twin pairs
If MZ twins have a higher concordance rate expected to be 100% than DZ twins it would suggest a genetic basis
Family studies
Francis Galton (1869) - all natural abilities are inherited, any resemblance between family relatives could be a result of both genes and shared environment
Adoption studies
These studies involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological or adoptive parents.
Genetic basis of behaviour
> There is evidence from twin, family and adoption studies to suggest that certain behaviours, for example, intelligence, are genetically determined
Selective breeding studies have demonstrated how a number of behavioural characteristics, for example aggression, can have a genetic basis.
However research has shown that the environment can play more of a role in determining behaviour than genetics
What is a Genotype?
> The actual set of genes an individual has, or is made up of, is a genotype.
The genetic material is made up of DNA, for sexually reproducing organisms, which are given by the sperm and egg of the parents.
What is a Phenotype?
> The observable characteristics of an individual (phenotype) depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
An individual’s anatomical features or observed traits, such as behavioural and physical characteristics (shape, metabolic activities, size, and colour, etc.), fall under an individual’s phenotype.
These behavioural characteristics and physical attributes are what determines an individual’s ability to reproduce and survive in the environment.
twins genotypes and phenotypes
> Identical twins are another good example of the interaction between inheritance (genotype) and environment.
They have the same genetic makeup and they look alike, but they possess different phenotypes.
Identical twins have differences that allow those who are close to them to tell them apart. Also, their fingerprints are different.
Twins are genetically the same - any differences you may see between them – for example in personality, tastes and particular aptitudes – are due to differences in their experience or environment.
Darwin Evolution and behaviour
Charles Darwin proposed his theory of natural selection. The principle is that any behaviour that benefits a species, and help it to survive and reproduce will continue in future generations. In some animals they can be bred to have certain desirable characteristics. In nature though, the selection takes place naturally. The selection occurs because the traits are desirable and give the species an advantage. Therefore they survive and pass on these traits to their offspring.
Bowlby evolution and behaviour
Bowlby suggested that attachment to a primary caregiver (usually the mother) had evolutionary survival value. In the wild this would normally be the mother but Lorenz discovered that his geese would imprint to anything from inanimate objects to himself!
Evolutionary theory would claim that attachment behaviours such as imprinting would be naturally selected and passed on, equipping the newborn baby (or animal) with a survival advantage the closer and longer it stays with its mother.
Eval -
Scientific methods of investigation: To investigate these ideas, a number of precise and highly scientific methods are used. These include scanning techniques, such as fMRIs and EEGs, family and twin studies and also drug trials. With advanced techniques it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias. This means the approach is based on reliable data.
Real-life application: Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain, have led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. These drugs have revolutionised treatment, however they don’t work on all patients. This is a strength of the approach as it helps sufferers live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital.
Determinist view of behaviour: The biological approach is seen to be determinist that is that it states that all behaviour is determined by internal processes that we have no control over. This has implications for the legal system and wider society. One of the rules of law is that offenders are seen to be legally and morally responsible for their actions. The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’ may complicate this principle.
IDA FOR COMPARISON -
> . Biological Determinism: The biological approach suggests that behaviour is controlled (biologically determined) by factors such as: genes, neurotransmitters, hormones and brain structures.
Nature: The biological approach argues that behaviour is determined by biological factors such as: genes, neurotransmitters, hormones and brain structures.
Biological Reductionism: The biological approach reduces behaviour to biological structures/processes and ignores the whole.
Nomothetic: The biological approach suggests that humans share similar physiology and that we can make universal laws regarding behaviour. Laboratory experiments are used to generate quantitative data to make generalisations.
Scientific: The biological approach promotes scientific methods of investigation.
real world app -The biological approach has led to the development of numerous drug therapies to treat disorders like: OCD, Schizophrenia, etc.
