Biological Approach Flashcards
Assumptions of the biological approach
Most of human behaviour has a biological cause which can be genetically or environmentally altered
Genes cause individual differences between people
The NS (hormones and neurotransmitters) affect behaviour
Infection of the brain may result in mental illness
Natural selection affects common behaviour
How do genes affect behaviour?
Genes can cause people to act in specific ways of which may be altered by a persons environment as seen in the nature-nurture debate. Genes can give someone natural talent but also cause someone to be predisposed to alcoholism as an example
What did twin studies find?
Twin studies found that genes have a massive affect on people as the separated twins often had the same interests and often things such as religion. This being said with different environments they will never be completely identical as genes are affected in differing ways from birth
How can the biological structure of a brain be altered?
Destruction (tumours/strokes or physical injury)
What does the frontal lobe control?
Speech, reasoning, facial expressions and emotion
What could happen if the frontal lobe was damaged?
It could cause hostility and violence, errors in speech etc
What is a main example of physical damage of the biological structure of the brain?
Phineas Gage
What do hormones control?
Emotions
What can abnormal levels of hormones cause?
Mental illness
How does neurochemistry affect behaviour
Excited neurotransmitters stimulate the brain into action
Dormant neurotransmitters calm the brain and balance moods
What controls hormones in the body?
The endocrine system
