Biological Flashcards
What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?
Genes influence an individual’s behaviour.
There is also a belief in evaluation; behaviour evolves in the same way as physical characteristics through evolutionary adaption.
The brain is seen as the main focus when explaining behaviour.
Neurotransmitters and hormones can be related to an individual’s behaviour.
Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
How many chromosomes does a human have?
46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
Outline the process of evolution.
Initially, a random mutation occurs in the genetic makeup of an individual which leads to a behaviour/ characteristic developing.
If that characteristic means that the chance of survival and/ or reproduction is increased, then the gene is passed on.
What is the phenotype and genotype?
Genotype = a person’s genetic makeup.
Phenotype = (expressed) observable characteristics.
Why do scientists use twin (genetic) studies?
Scientists often use twins in genetic studies, (as both are genetically identical), to see indications as to whether a particular behaviour may or may not be genetic.
However, twin studies are based on false or questionable assumptions, including that monozygotic twins share 100% of their genes and equal assumptions in environments.
What are monozygotic and dizygotic twins?
Monozygotic = twins that are identical.
Dizygotic = twins that are non-identical.
Outline the central nervous system?
Consists of brain and spinal cord.
Transfers messages to and from our surrounding environment.
Acts as the centre from which all physiology is controlled.
This is why bio-psychologists look at the brain.
Outline the peripheral nervous system?
Sends and receives information from the CNS.
Important for survival, affects reactions to threat.
Important in movement and detecting change.
Outline the endocrine system?
Important in terms of biochemistry.
Maintains hormone levels in the blood, this is done using glands.
E.g. adrenaline, noradrenaline.
Neurones relay information throughout both of what?
The CNS and the PNS.
Outline Carre et al’s study from 2006.
(Supports the idea that testosterone influences behaviour)
(Endocrine system)
Supports the idea that testosterone influences behaviour.
Studied a Canadian ice hockey team over the course of a season, finding evidence of a surge in levels of testosterone whenever the team played in their home stadium.
This suggests that the hormone energised the players to defend their home territory.
In the nervous system, how are chemicals transmitted?
The transmission of chemicals is via the cerebral fluid.
Chemicals can be transmitted via the cerebral fluid. What are these called? Why are they significant?
Neurotransmitters.
These are very significant as they are thought to affect behaviour (according to biopsychologists).
Give an example of how NTs are significant in affecting human behaviour.
For example, high levels of the NT dopamine are thought to be related to schizophrenia; with low levels of serotonin are thought to be linked to depression.
What is the diathesis-stress theory?
Diathesis-Stress is the theoretical explanation that shows that both nature and nurture are factors that affect the likelihood of a person forming a psychological disorder.
