Biological Approach Flashcards

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1
Q

Assumptions of the approach

A
  • 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
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2
Q

Genetic basis of behaviour

A
  • 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
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3
Q

Twin studies

A
  • 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
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4
Q

Holland et al- supporting research for twin studies

A
  • 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
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5
Q

Adoption studies

A
  • These involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological adoptive parent
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6
Q

Genotype

A

This is the genetic make-up of an individual

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7
Q

Phenotype

A

The observable characteristics of an individual that depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors

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8
Q

Twins and their phenotypes

A
  • 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
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9
Q

Evolution

A

These are the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

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10
Q

Natural selection

A
  • 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
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11
Q

Evaluation of biological approach

A

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

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