Biological Flashcards
Assumptions of biological approach
Mind and body are one and the same
Describe the neurochemical basis of behaviour
Refers to action of chemicals in the brain. Thought and behaviour rely on chemical transmission and use of neurotransmitters.
Eg. An imbalance of neurotransmitters are a possible cause of OCD.
Describe the genetic basis of behaviour
Psychological characteristics eg. Intelligence are inherited same way as eye colour is. Twin studies are used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis. We expect MZ twins to be concordance as they share 100% genes. Assume environment constant.
What is genotype?
Genetic makeup a person possesses
What is phenotype
Characteristics of an individual determined by genes and environment (interaction between nature and nurture)
Explain evolution and behaviour linked to the biological approach
Natural selection of genes based on survival value and reproductive success. Most likely to pass on favourable characteristics to offspring.
Describe the real word application of biological approach (AO3)
Increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain —> drugs used to treat mental illness eg. Antidepressants increasing serotonin to help with depression.
People with depression may be able to manage their condition
Counterpoint of the real world application (AO3)
Although antidepressants are successful for most patients they do not work for everyone.
Ciproani: 21 antidepressant drugs and found wide variations in effectiveness. Although drugs more effective than placebos. Effect of antidepressants mainly modest
Another strength (AO3)
Scientific methods
To investigate it uses a wide range if precise and objective methods eg. Scans (FMRI and EEGs). Advances in technology it is possible to accurately measure physiological and neural processes in a way not open to bias.
