Biological appraoch outline

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

1. humans –> biological beings
2. behaviour explained with biology e.g. gentics
3. all psychological functionings have a physical basis

Question 2

influence of genes on behaviour

Answer 2

heredity –> passing down characteristics to next generation
genes –> physical unit of heredity (made up by DNA)

Question 3

genotype

Answer 3

genetic makeup of a person
can only predispose you to certain beahviour

Question 4

phenotype

Answer 4

observable characteristics
due to combined effect of genetics and environment
w.g. MAOA -L + physically abusive parents = aggressive bahviour

Question 5

twin studies

Answer 5

MZ twins 100% genetic simmilarity; 100% environmental simmilarity; 68% OCD concordance rates

DZ twins 50% genetic simmilarity; 100% environmental simmilarity; 31% OCD concordance rates

Question 6

adoption studies

Answer 6

want to find out if coorelation between adoptive parents is higher than with genetic

Question 7

evoltion and behaviour

Question 8

Theory of natural selection (charles darwin)

Answer 8

Key adaptive behaviour –> survival –> reproduction –> genes passed on –> key behaviour in gene pool

Question 9

evolution and behaviour

Answer 9

argues that genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and therefore increases the chance of reproduction will be passed on to future generationd and remain in the gene pool

individuals compete for resources –> those who survive reproduce

Question 10

brain structure

Answer 10

pariental lobe : processes sensory info
occipital lobe:processes visual info
temporal lobe: processes auditory info
frontal lobe: decision-making, problem-solving

motor cortex - controls movement opposite side of body
Broca’s area - speech functioning

Question 11

other biological structures that influence behaviour

Answer 11

neurons –> fundamental unit of brain and nervous system; responsible for receivingseonsory input, sending motor commands to muscles and transforming and relaying electrical signals

synapse –> site of transmission of electric nerve impulses between two neurons/a neuron and gland or muscel cell

Question 12

neurochemistry

Answer 12

= actions of neurotransmitter in the brain
nervous system carries around signals via neurons
impulses are transmitted between neurons and synapses where neurotransmitter are released (excite or inhibit other neurons)
neuronal imbalances are associated with mental illnesses
e.g. low serotonin –> depression and OCD
e.g- high dopamine –> schizophrenia