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Psych (1.4) Key Approaches > Biological > Flashcards

Biological Flashcards

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1
Q

Assumptions of the Biological approach: (all behaviour is…)

A
  • 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.
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2
Q

Features of the Biological approach:

A
  • Genetic basis
    - > Twin, family and adoption studies.
    - > Concordance rates.
  • Genotype and phenotype
    - > genes and expression.
  • Evolution
    - > Charles Darwin.
    - > genetic behaviours increase survival.
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3
Q

Key term: Genes

A

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical and psychological features of an organism.

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4
Q

Key term: Neurochemistry

A

Relating to the chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.

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5
Q

Key term: Genotype

A

The particular set of genes that a person possesses.

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6
Q

Key term: Phenotype

A

The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.

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7
Q

Key term: Evolution

A

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.

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8
Q

What are MZ and DZ twins?

A 
MZ = monozygotic
DZ = dizygotic
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9
Q

What type of twins are likely to have better concordance rates?

A

Monozygotic (MZ) twins as they share 100% of their genes rather than 50% like DZ twins.

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10
Q

What significance does Charles Darwin have to the approach?

A

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.

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11
Q

What evidence is there to suggest that traits such as musical ability, schizophrenia and depression are genetic?

A

Twin studies show that the similar two people genes are, the more likely they are to be concordant for these traits (among others).

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12
Q

What are the research methods for the Biological approach?

A

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.
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13
Q

What is the scientific name for identical twins?

A

Monozygotic (MZ) twins.

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14
Q

What is the scientific name for non-identical twins?

A

Dizygotic (DZ) twin.

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15
Q

What is the largest layer of the brain, making up roughly 85% of brain mass?

A

The cerebrum.

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16
Q

What is the outer layer of the brain called?

A

The cerebral cortex.

17
Q

What is the function of the cerebral cortex?

A

It is used for higher cognitive function.

18
Q

How is the cerebrum split?

A

Into two hemispheres.

19
Q

What are neurotransmitters?

A

Chemical messengers in the body.

20
Q

What are the two types of neurotransmitters, with an example for each.

A 
Excitatory = dopamine.
Inhibitory = seratonin.
21
Q

What type of neurotransmitter is dopamine?

A

Excitatory.

22
Q

What type of neurotransmitter is seratonin?

A

Inhibitory.

23
Q

Hormones make up which bodily system?

A

The endocrine system.

24
Q

How do hormones travel round the body?

A

In the bloodstream.

25
Q

What is the function of hormones?

A

To stimulate cells to cause a reaction and alter activities such as metabolic rates.

26
Q

Where is the approach on the scale:

Reductionist Holism

A

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.

27
Q

Where is the approach on the scale:

Determinist Free will

A

The approach is determinist, behaviour is governed by internal, biological processes over which we have no control.

28
Q

Where is the approach on the scale:

Nature Nurture

A

The approach is strongly nature, it breaks behaviour down into its genetic and biological roots, ignoring the influence of cognition and nurture.

29
Q

Recent research has suggested criminal behaviour is genetic, why is this problematic to the approach?

A

This can lead to discrimination as the approach only sees the basic biology not any socio-cultural factors affecting crime rates.

30
Q

The approach has significant real-life applications, list the main development:

A
  • psychoactive drugs to treat depression (SSRIs etc.) (among other mental illnesses)

Psych (1.4) Key Approaches (9 decks)

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