Biological Approach Flashcards
Assumptions of the approach
- Much of behaviour has a biological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered
- Genes affect behaviour; genotypes and phenotypes which influence individual differences between people
- Infections of the brain can play a role in mental illness
Genetic basis of behaviour
- We differ from each other due to other genetic instructions (genes)
- Heritability refers to the amount of variation in a trait (behaviour) within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences
- Genetics are thought to influence risk of mental illness
Twin studies
- Twin studies are used to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour
- Comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart
- Concordance rate refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits and characteristics
Holland et al- supporting research for twin studies
- Carried out research into link between genes and anorexia
- He used identical and non identical twins where one of them had the disorder
- He found concordance rate of 56% of MZ, and only 5% of DZ
- Shows that susceptibility to anorexia has a significant genetic component
Adoption studies
- These involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological adoptive parent
Genotype
This is the genetic make-up of an individual
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an individual that depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors
Twins and their phenotypes
- They have the same genetic makeup and they look alike, but they possess different phenotypes
- Identical twins have differences that allow those who are close to them to tell them apart
- Twins are genetically the same, however any differences you see between them are due to differences in their experience or environment
Evolution
These are the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
Natural selection
- Animals with particular traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing on their adaptive traits to their offspring
- Natural selection is when resources are limited, so those better equipped to find food or run from predators are more likely to survive and pass on their genes
Evaluation of biological approach
Strengths:
- It is scientific, meaning we can find cause and effect of biology on behaviour
- Use of highly scientific methodology allows replication and increases validity
- Impact of biology on behaviour can lead to treatment e.g drugs, such as SSRIs to treat OCD and depression
Negatives:
- It is a deterministic approach, stating there is no free will
- reductionist approach, by saying all behaviour can be explained through a single biological process
- Dehumanising to present humans as biological machines
- Dangers of looking for a biological cause of all behaviour may lead to problems e.g looking for a criminal gene
- It ignored the role of the environment
- Lab experiments lack ecological validity