Biological Approach Flashcards
Biological approach in a few words
Looking at genes, twins and neurochemistry
assumption 1
• We have to focus on biological structures and processes to understand behaviour.
How do genes influence behaviour?
Biological psychologists carry out family history studies and twin studies to investigate the effect of genes on behaviour. MZ twins (identical) are found to have a higher concordance rate than DZ twins (non-identical) which suggests genes do have a genetic influence on behaviour.
what is the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour?
Neurochemistry is the study of chemical processes which take place in the nervous system. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are essential for transmission of nerve impulses across the synapse and are therefore involved in all aspects of behaviour.
How do biological structures influence behaviour?
Research has shown that in some mental disorders there are differences in brain structure. For example, abnormality to areas of the brain like the ventral striatum can cause avolition, which is a symptom of schizophrenia.
How are evolution and behaviour linked?
Darwin identified 2 mechanisms by which gradual changes to species could take place.
1. survival of the fittest
2. natural selection
apply to behaviours such as hunting.
Strength- scientific methods
The biological approach takes a nomothetic approach to research. For example, they use brain scans and lab experiments to investigate the physical causes of behaviour. This is a strength as data from such methods is very reliable and has good internal validity. However, an issue is that the methods used may lack ecological validity because the results may not apply to real life behaviour.
Strength -practical applications
Principles of the approach, such as how our behaviour is caused by neurotransmitters, have led to the development of successful drug treatments for mental illness. However, drug treatments are not always successful for all people, so some people may benefit from treatments developed by other approaches.
Weakness- deterministic
It sees behaviour as being controlled by physical causes like genes or hormones, implying no free will over our behaviour. This could be classed as pessimistic and unrealistic as people feel that they have free will. Also, all criminal behaviour could be blamed on a person’s biology and therefore people wouldn’t take responsibility for their actions.
assumption 2
•The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the main focus for explaining behaviour.
assumption 3
• Neurochemistry is also important because varying levels of chemicals and hormones are thought to be related to behaviour.
assumption 4
•Behaviour evolves the same way as physical characteristics through the process of evolutionary adaptation.
what is genotype?
Genotype-a person’s genetic make-up
what is phenotype?
Phenotype-the way that genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics as a result of the interaction between genes and the environment.
what is concordance?
Concordance means the extent to which they share similar traits or characteristics.
