Biological

Question 1

what is the focus of the biological approach

Answer 1

suggests that everything psychological is at first biological

Question 2

name 4 research methods used by the biological approach

Answer 2

• fMRI
• EEG
• twin studies
• drug trials

Question 3

explain fMRI

Answer 3

functional magnetic resonance imaging is a brain scanning technique that measures blood flow in the brain when a person performs a task

Question 4

explain EEGs

Answer 4

an electroencephalogram works on the premise that information is processed in the brain as electrical activity. EEG scanners measure this electrical activity through electrodes attached to the scalp and is graphed over a period of time

Question 5

explain twin studies

Answer 5

they involve comparing the characteristics of monozygotic and dizygotic twins allowing the contribution of genetics to be measured as oppposed to the environment

Question 6

explain drug trials

Answer 6

behaviour can be manipulated by altering an individuals biochemistry, a research method that can ultimately lead to developing drug applications to improve health and wellbeing

Question 7

what is the largest part of the brain

Answer 7

cerebrum

Question 8

the cerebrum is divided into two halves, known as …… which is then divided into four different sections known as ……

Answer 8

hemispheres
lobes

Question 9

explain the case study of phineas gage

Answer 9

• while working on a rail road, he caused an explosion to ignite
• this sent a metre long pole through his left cheek
• passing through his left eye and exiting his skull, taking a portion of his brain
• he survived but experinced a change in personality, he became violent and uncontrollable

Question 10

what are neurochemicals

Answer 10

chemical messengers that transmit information between neurones

Question 11

1. higher levels of dopamine are associated with ……..
2. lower levels of serotonin are associated with ……

Answer 11

1. schizophrenia
2. depression

Question 12

what are genes

Answer 12

they make up chromosomes and consist of DNA that codes for the physical features of an organism

Question 13

what does genotype mean

Answer 13

a persons genetic make-up

Question 14

what does phenotype mean

Answer 14

the observable characteristics of an individual determined by the interaction between genes and the environment
(the way genes are expressed through characteristics)

Question 15

what is evolution

Answer 15

the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 16

what did charles darwin propose in the theory of evolution

Answer 16

• the main principle is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival and reproduction will continue in futue generations

Question 17

give an example of an evolutionary behaviour in humans

Answer 17

The rooting reflex

• in new born babies, they turn their heads towards anything that strokes or touches their cheeks or mouth
• this aids breastfeeding and hence survival

Question 18

give a strength of the biological approach

PEEL

Answer 18

• uses scientific methods of investigation
• eg, scanning techniques such as fMRI and EEG
• this accurately measures physiological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias
• this provides objective and reliable data

Question 19

give a limitation of the biological approach

PEEL

Answer 19

• biological treatments may not work for everyone
• eg, Cipriani et al compared 21 antidepressant druvgs and found wide variation sin their effectiveness
• this means not all people can be treated
• this suggets brain chemistry alone may not acoount for all cases od for example depression