Biological Approach

Question 1

What is the definition of the biological approach?

Answer 1

Views humans as biological organisms & sees all psychological functioning (thoughts, feelings, behaviour) as having biological cause
Therefore, anything psychological is first biological

Question 2

What is the comparative method?

Answer 2

Different species of animal can be studied & compared
Can help search to understand human behaviour

Question 3

What is a genotype?

Answer 3

Genetic configuration of individual (genetic code written into DNA)

Question 4

What is a phenotype?

Answer 4

Expression of person’s genetic makeup (height, skin) as it interacts with environment
Can have impact on physical characteristics & psychological behaviour

Question 5

Explain the nature/nuture debate

Answer 5

Argument over influence of biology & environment on characteristics of individual

Question 6

How do genes impact psychology?

Answer 6

Passed on through generations if individuals can survive & reproduce

We differ in terms of personality, intelligence, etc. Based on unique code & interaction with environment

In line with evolution, it might also follow that genes form basis of behaviour, as both behaviour & genes appear inheritable

Question 7

What is the process of natural selection?

Answer 7

Characteristics not suited to species’ environment will die out in struggle to survive
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Characteristics evolve over generations, so only adoptive characteristics remain in future offspring
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Species compete with each other for resources
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Those who survive & reproduce more likely to pass on desirable characteristics to next generation
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These behaviours passed onto offspring & become more widespread in population they’re selected in

E.g. caveman wife chooses aggressive male to mate with as he can keep family safe by fighting threats

Question 8

What are neurons?

Answer 8

AKA Nerve cells & nerve fibres

Electrically excitable cells in nervous system that process info

Question 9

What is the function of electrical impulses?

Answer 9

Enable important internal communication that directs behaviour, travels around brain & to/from body via nervous system

Transmitted at synapses

Question 10

What are synapses?

Answer 10

Junctions where neurotransmitters released that inhibits & excite other neurons to different responses

Question 11

Central nervous system

Answer 11

Consists of brain & spinal cord

Place of analysis of info

Question 12

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 12

Consists of neurons & parts of neurons found outside CNS, includes sensory & motor neurons

Sensory neurons bring signals to CNS
Motor neurons carry signal out of CNS

Question 13

What is the definition of the endocrine system?

Answer 13

Slower-acting communication system that regulates circulation of hormones, released by glands into bloodstream

Regulatory system like Nervous system

Hormones travel through bloodstream & control actions of cells & organs

Question 14

How does the endocrine system impact psychology?

Answer 14

Release Cortisol & adrenaline - key hormones that facilitate fight/flight response

Question 15

How does the endocrine system work?

Answer 15

Regulated by negative feedback mechanisms that work to maintain homeostasis

Controls concentration of hormones & how they effect other body systems

Question 16

How does neurochemistry work?

Answer 16

Nerve impulse reaches end of neuron
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Chemical called neurotransmitter released
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Travels from one neuron to next across synapse

There’s many types of neurotransmitters:
Some trigger neuron to send impulse (excitatory) - dopamine plays role in our drive, attention, addiction
Some stop it from doing so (inhibitory) - serotonin maintains/regulates mood, sleep, memory

Question 17

Evaluate the biological approach

Answer 17

Strength - Scientific methods of investigation
E.g. - To investigate genetic basis of behaviour, biological approach uses range of precise & highly scientific methods, e.g. scanning techniques (fMRIs) & twin & family studies.
Ex. - With technological advances like these, it’s possible to accurately measure biological & neural processes without bias, meaning biological approach is based on reliable data

Strength - Real-life application
E.g. - Increased understanding of biochemical processes in brain led to development of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental illness like depression. Don’t work for everyone but have revolutionised treatment for many.
Ex. - Sufferers able to manage condition & live relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital

Limitation - Casual conclusions
E.g. - BA offers explanations for mental illness in terms of actions of neurotransmitters in brain. Evidence for this relationship comes from studies that show particular drug reduces symptoms of mental disorder & thus assumed neurochemical in drug causes disorder - (like assuming cause of headache is lack of paracetamol simply bc taking it reduces symptoms)
Ex. - BA claiming to have discovered causes where only association exists.