Biological approach

Question 1

Gene

Answer 1

A part of the chromosome of an of an organism that carries info in the form of DNA

Question 2

The influence of genes on behavior

Answer 2

.

Question 3

Genotype

Answer 3

The genetic make-up of an individual. This is inherited (height). Cannot simply be determined by observing the phenotype.

Question 4

Phenotype

Answer 4

The observable characteristics of an individual. This is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment. (growing tall due to diet)

Question 5

Twin studies

Answer 5

MZ (identical twins 100% shared genes)

DZ (Non-identical twins about 50% shared genes)

Question 6

Concordance rate

Answer 6

The likelihood of one twin having the same characteristic as another

Question 7

Example of twin study.

Answer 7

Mz twins blue eyes= 100% concordance and schizophrenia has 48% concordance rate.
Dz twins= 4%concordance rate for schizophrenia
This shows a possible genetic component to behaviour.

Question 8

Evolution and behaviour

Answer 8

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Question 9

Evolution

Answer 9

refers to the change over successive generations due to adaption to the environment.

Question 10

Darwin (1858) Natural selection theory

Answer 10

The variancy of species most adapted to the environment has an advantage in survival (aggression) and reproduction (relationships)

Question 11

Attachment

Answer 11

Lorenz

Question 12

The 3 biological structures that influence behaviour

Answer 12

The brain, the endocrine system and the nervous system.

Question 13

The endocrine system

Answer 13

A chemical messaging system that releases hormones throughout the body.

Question 14

the nervous system

Answer 14

carries messages throughout the body using neurons..

Comprised of the PNS and CNS

Question 15

Hormones

Answer 15

Chemical from the pituitary glands secreted into the blood stream, influencing many different processes including mood

Question 16

Strength 1 (importance of a scientific method)

Answer 16

• Experiments are in highly controlled environment so it is easily replicated adding to validity.
• Case studies used to be the go to studies for brain functioning but involved research bias and lack of control.
• Sophisticated imaging and recording has increased the precision and objectivity of the experimental method.

Question 17

Strength 2 (Applications of the approach)

Answer 17

• Provides clear predictions . e.g the effects of neurotransmitters to those who are genetically related.
• real world applications e.g neurochemical imbalances leading to drug treatments for depression.
• e.g research into cardiac rhythms and their effect on mental well-being

Question 18

Weakness 1 (reductionist)

Answer 18

• e.g explanations of mental disorders being reduced to gnes and chemical imbalances.
• This doesnt allow for a full understanding of behaviour as it doesnt take other factors into account.
• Factors such as cognitive, cultural and emotional.

Question 19

Weakness 2 (problems withn evolution explanation)

Answer 19

• Most human behaviours can be transmitted by both genetic and cultural routes which complicates the evolutionary exlanation of behavior.
• many argue patterns of human behavior was purely based on culture and not the need to survive.
• e.g incest existing in most societies.
• • However most most cultures have strict moral codes at an attempt to remove such taboos.