Biological

Question 1

(Assumption) Which characteristics are said to be influenced by genes?

Answer 1

Certain aspects of personality, psychological disorders and gender differences.

Question 2

(Assumption) Define genotype.

Answer 2

The particular set of genes an individual possesses

Question 3

(Assumption) Define phenotype.

Answer 3

The expression of the genotype within the environment.

The genotype interacts with the environment to produce the phenotype

Question 4

(Assumption) Why do neurotransmitters influence our behaviour?

Answer 4

Chemical processes in the brain are responsible for psychological functioning and a chemical imbalance can cause certain types of mental disorders

Question 5

(Assumption) Why does the approach believe it is sensible to generalise from animals to humans?

Answer 5

All species have evolved through natural selection and humans have evolved from the same primitive ancestors

Question 6

(Assumption) What is sexual selection and examples in humans?

Answer 6

Male species display certain characteristics (e.g. bright plumage) to attract a mate and reproduce
wearing certain clothes and make up, musclular

Question 7

(Assumption) What is the rooting reflex?

Answer 7

Babies turn their head towards anything that touches their cheek or mouth, the reflex aids breastfeeding and survival

Question 8

(Assumption) What are some of the highly scientific research methods used?

Answer 8

Brain scans, experimentation with chemicals known to have an effect on the brain, selective breeding of animals to determine behaviours with a genetic basis

Question 9

(Assumption) Why are biological structures such as the brain and nervous system important in behaviour production?

Answer 9

All thoughts, feelings and behaviour are primarliy controlled by biological structures

Question 10

(Evaluation) Why are the research methods used and the evidence they produce a strength?

Answer 10

More evidence that is more likely to be correct and valid

Question 11

(Evaluation) Why is the practical application of helping to develop drugs a strength?

Answer 11

theory more likely to be correct if it can treat things

Question 12

(Evaluation) Why is being reductionist a weakness?

Answer 12

Tries to explain all behaviour in terms of cells and chemicals which is oversimplistic and not a full explanation

Question 13

(Evaluation) Why is the neglection of other factors e.g. the environment a weakness?

Answer 13

Oversimplistic

Question 14

(Evaluation) Why does not being able to explain consciousness and self awareness a weakness?

Answer 14

It cannot explain everything so cannot be the only explanation

Question 15

(Evaluation) Why is the denial of free will a weakness?

Answer 15

Suggests we have no choice in how we behave which is pessimistic as it suggests we cannot change our behaviour

Question 16

(Evaluation) Why is research conducted on animals a weakness?

Answer 16

not generalisable