Biological Approach

Question 1

What are the three assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

1. Can only fully understand behaviour if we look to biological structures and processes within the body
2. Our genes, neurochemistry and nervous system are the basis of any psychological processes/ behaviour
3. Human behaviour is genetically determined through the process of evolution and natural selection

Question 2

What is a genotype?

Answer 2

Someone genetic make up chick provides the genetic code for how that person will develop

Question 3

What is a phenotype?

Answer 3

The product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment

Question 4

What are monozygotic twins?

Answer 4

Twins that have developed from the same egg and are 100% genetically similar

Question 5

What are dizygotic twins?

Answer 5

Twins that have formed from two separate eggs and share 50% of the same genes

Question 6

What is concordance?

Answer 6

The presence of the same trait in both members of a pair of twins

Question 7

What are 4 biological influences on behaviour?

Answer 7

1. Genes
2. Nervous system
3. Evolution
4. Neurochemistry

Question 8

What is an example of neurotransmitters on our behaviour?

Answer 8

Increased level of dopamine leading to schizophrenia

Question 9

What is an example of behaviour that could have become wide spread due to evolution?

Answer 9

Aggression

Question 10

What are the two strengths of the biological approach?

Answer 10

Scientific Methods- Adopts scientific methods in order to investigate the genetic and biological basis of behaviour. E.g. brain scanning techniques (fMRIs and EEGs), family and twin studies and drug trials. This means the data obtained is not open to bias and is highly objective.

Real-life application- Psychoactive drugs- increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses (depression, schizophrenia, OCD)= has revolutionised treatment for many.

Question 11

What are the two limitations of the biological approach?

Answer 11

Lack of casual conclusions- A lot of evidence from biological research shows a relationship between two factors but this does not mean they necessarily cause one another. e.g. Theory states that the action of neurotransmitters is the cause of certain mental disorders- they have based this conclusion on studies which have shown a particular drug which aims to lower the levels of a neurotransmitter reduces symptoms of a mental disorder therefore assumes that that neurotransmitter that was lowered by the drug has caused the disorder. Discovering an association between 2 factors doesn’t mean that one is a cause.

Deterministic view of behaviour- Sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes over which we have no control. Implications for legal system- if there is a discovery of say a ‘criminal gene’ this may complicate the principles of law that states offenders are legally and morally responsible for their actions.
Counter- However, this may be a positive because if individuals discover they have a genetic predisposition for criminality this gives them the opportunity to avoid environmental situations likely to trigger this predisposition or to develop coping skills that would protect them from its influence.