Biological Apporach

Question 1

Assumption of the biological approach

Answer 1

Physical factors such as our hormones, neuroanatomy, nervous system and inheritance of genes can all explain our behaviour

Question 2

Feature 1 influence of genes on behaviour

Answer 2

Behavioural characteristics such as intelligence, personality and mental illnessss are genetically inherited

Same way physical characteristics e.g hair, eye colour or height thus behaviours run in families

Genetic explanation would argue the Closer genetic link with OCD greater the risk a person would inherit OCD

Question 3

Genetic probability is measured how ?

Answer 3

By concordance rates , higher it is stronger evidence is for genetic basis of behaviour

Question 4

What is the percentage of concordance in twin studies ?

Answer 4

monozygotic 87%

dizygotic twins 47%

Question 5

Define genotype

Answer 5

Specific set of genes that individual has inherited from their biological parents is unique to them

Can give a predisposition to disorders

Question 6

Define phenotype

Answer 6

Product of what happens when genotype interacts with environment

(Combination of genotype and environment)

This is expressed through physical, behaviour and psychological characteristics

Observable traits/ behaviours shown by an individual

Question 7

Feature 2 influence of biological structures on behaviour

Answer 7

Biological structure is organ e.g brain , or system such as nervous system such or endocrine system

Brain is one biological structure that can influence behaviour

Abnormalities in size shape or function in certain areas of the brain can lead to certain behaviours

E.g enlarged ventricles in brain increase likelihood of experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia or abnormal functioning of the parahipocampal gyrus links to ocd

Question 8

Feature 3 influence of neurochemistry on behaviour

Answer 8

Neurotransmitter is chemical messenger in brain passes information from one synapse to another to produce behaviour/emotion

Imbalance of neurotransmitters can cause abnormal behaviour

Question 9

Feature 4 evolution and behaviour

Answer 9

Behaviours like physical characteristics are passed through generations

Through process of natural selection where only adaptive (beneficial ) behaviours are passed to future generations

Question 10

Evolution and behaviour

Answer 10

Things that makes behaviour beneficial:

Increase reproductive success greater chance of getting a mate

Increases survival chance help individuals adapt and thrive in there environment

E.g aggression