Biological Approach

Question 1

assumptions

Answer 1

• behaviour has evolved through evolutionary adaptation
• the genes an individual possesses influences their behaviour

Question 2

evolution

Answer 2

• according to Charles Darwin
• our behaviour has adapted + changed over time
  = through natural selection
• this is where profitable behaviours are selected in mates + reproduced
• over time, advantageous behaviours will continue
  = continually increase out ability to survive

Question 3

influence of genetics

Answer 3

• heredity = refers to the idea that characteristics are ‘passed on’ from one gen to the next through our genetics
• either physical or psychological characteristics
• to examine this = research often carried out on pairs of twins
• studies involve comparing the likelihood of behaviour/ disorder occurring in identical twins (100% genetically similar) to non-identical twins (50%)
• if MZ twins show a higher concordance rate of shared behaviour, argues to a genetic component
• genotype = refers to the genes an individual possesses e.g. an individual’s genetic makeup
• phenotype - refers to the observable traits/ characteristics shown by an individual that are due to the combined effect of genes + environment

Question 4

biological structures

Answer 4

• nervous system - divided into CNS + PNS
• CNS (central nervous system):
• brain + spinal cord
• acts as the centre from which the individual is controlled
• PNS (peripheral nervous system):
• comprises of the somatic ns (controls movement)
• autonomous ns (involved in the fight or flight response)
• endocrine system - maintains levels of hormones in the blood that are released by glands

Question 5

neurochemistry

Answer 5

• neurotransmitters - chemicals that are released by neurons communicating w/ each other
• argue that neurotransmitter levels can affect the behaviour of an individual e.g. low serotonin levels linked w/ depression
• hormones - released as part of the endocrine system through glands
• e.g. testosterone levels have been linekd to aggressive behaviour

Question 6

ads

Answer 6

• scientific + reliable
• practical applications
• genetic predisposition

Question 7

disads

Answer 7

• biologically reductionist
• criminal behaviour

Question 8

scientific + reliable - ads

Answer 8

• uses scientific method - experimental method as its main source of investigation
• take place in highly controlled environments
  = other researchers are able to replicate research studies under the same experimental conditions
  = reliable

Question 9

practical applications - ads

Answer 9

• has practical applications
• e.g. knowledge about the neurochemical imbalance in depression has led to the development in SSRI’s
  = corrects this imbalance

Question 10

genetic predisposition - ads

Answer 10

• if people know they have a genetic predisposition for a mental disorder e.g. SZ
• gives them an opportunity to avoid environmental situations likely to trigger this predisposition
• or develop coping skills that would protect them from this

Question 11

biologically reductionist - disads

Answer 11

• approach is biologically reductionist
• reduces complex human behaviour into smallest components e.g. hormones, neurotransmitters etc…
• argue that we can’t fully understand behaviour without taking account of all the different factors which influence it
  e.g. cognitive, emotional + cultural factors which all have major influence on behaviour

Question 12

criminal behaviour - disads

Answer 12

• recent studies suggesting a genetic basis for criminal behaviour has led to concerns about how this info can be used
• it could lead to genetic screening of populations to identify genetic susceptibilites
• subsequent discrimination against those w/ a genetic predisposition to crime