biological approach Flashcards
assumptions of biological approach
everything psychological has a biological basis
we must study biological processes and structures to understand behaviour
the mind lives within the brain
what is the biological approach
a perspective that emphasizes the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural functions on behaviour
4 main topics of biological approach
neurochemical basis of behaviour
genetic basis of behaviour
evolution of behaviour
genotype and phenotype
what can low levels of serotonin lead to
OCD
what can high levels of dopamine lead to
schizophrenia
what does the neurochemical basis of behaviour suggest
chemicals in the brain regulate psychological functions. thought and behavior relies on chemical transmission
what has imbalances of neurotransmitters been linked to
mental disorders
what do twin studies analyse?
concordance
what is concordance ?
similarities in characteristics
what are monozygotic twins
share 100% of the same genes - identical
what are dizygotic twins ?
share 50% of the same genes - non identical
what are genes ?
consist of our DNA and make up for our psychological and physical features
what is genotype?
set of genes a person possesses and has inherited
what is phenotype?
gene that is expressed
what is evolution ?
changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over generations
what do genotype and phenotype illustrate
human behaviors dependency upon interaction between genes (nature) and environment (nurture)
evaluate biological approach.
+ scientific methods = highly precise tech and research methods such as FMRIs and twin studies. we can more accuratley asses biological and neural processes in ways that are less prone to bias. reliable date ^ validity
+ PA drug therapy that can treat serious mentall ilnesses such as depression. Useful sufferers can manage their condition
- deterministic
- reductionist
what is natural selection?
any behaviour that increases the likelihood of survival will continue in future generations. the posessor more likely to survive passes on traits so more of that specie have their traits.
for example, we need to continue future generations by reproducing so our mating stiles are enhanced in order to optimise reproduction. This is through specific selection named intra and inter sexual selection.
