Biological Approach

Question 1

Introduction to Biological Approach

Answer 1

• psychology + biology = physiology explanations for human behaviour
• to explain how we think, feel, behave using physical factors within body

Question 2

Basic Assumptions

Answer 2

biological structure + functions of brain = impact behaviour

• human behaviour has biological causes which can be genetically + environmentally altered

genes affect behaviour; genotypes + phenotypes

Question 3

Genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 3

• carried through DNA
• not always passed directly through parents (can be from older generations)
• more a trait is influenced by genetics, more heritability it has

Question 4

Influence of genes on behaviour

Answer 4

• carry instructions for characteristics e.g personality + IQ

further development depends of interaction of genes with other genes (environment) = nurture vs nature

Twin studies suggest IQ variance is affected 60-80% due to genes

Question 5

Golton (1869)

(Twin studies)

Answer 5

• ‘all natural abilities are inherited’

any resemblance between relatives could be a result of both genes + shared environment

e.g alcoholism - biological predisposition to addiction

MZ Twins - 100% genetically the same
DZ Twins - 50% genetically the same

Concordance rates = agreement between (recurring together)

Question 6

Biological Structure

Answer 6

• Destruction or degeneration of brain
  cells.
• Can result in possible behavioral
  changes.
• Frontal Lobe – parts of speech,
  reasoning, controlling facial
  expressions and emotions.

Question 7

Central Nervous System (CNS)

(neurotransmitters and hormones)

Answer 7

• neurotransmitters enable NS to function

abnormal levels of transmitters can lead to symptoms of mental illness

depression - low level of serotonin

schizophrenia - high levels of dopamine

excitatory NT’s trigger nerve impulses + stimulates brain into action

inhibtatory NT’s trigger nerve impulses + calms brain and balances mood

• neurotransmitters fired as electrical signals = quick + rapid
• hormones are chemical processes to regulate

hormones are excreted by glands and travel to target organs

Question 8

Evolution + Behaviour

(Charles Darwin, process)

Answer 8

Evolution = changed in inheritied characteristics in biological population over generations

1. Charles Darwin identified; sexual and natural selection
2. Evolution is development of living organisms
3. Any behviour that benefts species,wil be passed down generations = natural selection
4. Selection occurs when traits are desirable and give an advantage
5. They survive longer + pass traits on to offspring

Question 8

Genotype + Phenotype

(relationship between both)

Answer 8

Genotype = what we carry through a form of DNA

• inherit from parents (genetic information) shapes who we become
• genetics only predispose us (giving us potential)

Genotype + Interaction of environment = Phenotype

Genotype is GENETIC PROGAMMING that provides phenotype