Biological Flashcards
Assumptions of the Biological approach: (all behaviour is…)
- Determined by biological structures and processes in the body, such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system.
- All thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis as the mind lives within the brain.
Features of the Biological approach:
- Genetic basis
- > Twin, family and adoption studies.
- > Concordance rates. - Genotype and phenotype
- > genes and expression. - Evolution
- > Charles Darwin.
- > genetic behaviours increase survival.
Key term: Genes
They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical and psychological features of an organism.
Key term: Neurochemistry
Relating to the chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.
Key term: Genotype
The particular set of genes that a person possesses.
Key term: Phenotype
The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.
Key term: Evolution
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.
What are MZ and DZ twins?
MZ = monozygotic DZ = dizygotic
What type of twins are likely to have better concordance rates?
Monozygotic (MZ) twins as they share 100% of their genes rather than 50% like DZ twins.
What significance does Charles Darwin have to the approach?
He composed the theory of evolution which explains how natural selection occurs and changes the genes of animals and plants to survive better. This shows that certain genes make it easier o survive as they display certain characteristics and behaviours to aid survival.
What evidence is there to suggest that traits such as musical ability, schizophrenia and depression are genetic?
Twin studies show that the similar two people genes are, the more likely they are to be concordant for these traits (among others).
What are the research methods for the Biological approach?
Highly scientific and precise methods, (high internal validity, low eternal validity), not open to bias and based upon reliable data.
- > fMRIs, EEGs and PET scans.
- > Twin / family (and adoption) studies.
- > Drug trails.
What is the scientific name for identical twins?
Monozygotic (MZ) twins.
What is the scientific name for non-identical twins?
Dizygotic (DZ) twin.
What is the largest layer of the brain, making up roughly 85% of brain mass?
The cerebrum.
What is the outer layer of the brain called?
The cerebral cortex.
What is the function of the cerebral cortex?
It is used for higher cognitive function.
How is the cerebrum split?
Into two hemispheres.
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers in the body.
What are the two types of neurotransmitters, with an example for each.
Excitatory = dopamine. Inhibitory = seratonin.
What type of neurotransmitter is dopamine?
Excitatory.
What type of neurotransmitter is seratonin?
Inhibitory.
Hormones make up which bodily system?
The endocrine system.
How do hormones travel round the body?
In the bloodstream.
What is the function of hormones?
To stimulate cells to cause a reaction and alter activities such as metabolic rates.
Where is the approach on the scale:
Reductionist Holism
The approach is reductionist, it breaks down behaviour into its simpler parts, it assumes all higher level phenomena can be understood through basic biological reasons.
Where is the approach on the scale:
Determinist Free will
The approach is determinist, behaviour is governed by internal, biological processes over which we have no control.
Where is the approach on the scale:
Nature Nurture
The approach is strongly nature, it breaks behaviour down into its genetic and biological roots, ignoring the influence of cognition and nurture.
Recent research has suggested criminal behaviour is genetic, why is this problematic to the approach?
This can lead to discrimination as the approach only sees the basic biology not any socio-cultural factors affecting crime rates.
The approach has significant real-life applications, list the main development:
- psychoactive drugs to treat depression (SSRIs etc.) (among other mental illnesses)
