Biological Approach Flashcards
Biological approach main assumption
Our Behaviour is determined by biological factors: structure and functioning of the nervous system
Genotype
genetic makeup of an organism
Phenotype
physical expression of a gene
what does phenotype refer to and what is it affected by?
refers to psychological and behavioural traits, controlled by both genotype and environmental factors
what is meant by a MZ twin?
twins from one zygote (identical)
what is meant by a DZ twin?
twins from two different zygotes (non-identical)
describe the similarities in MZ and DZ twins’ environment
both have similar shared and non-shared environment
what two things about the environment do twin studies assume?
- impact of environment on phenotype is same for both sets of twins
- MZ and DZ have similar amounts of shared environment
Define concordance rate
the extent to which 2 people share the same characteristic)
evolution and behaviour
based on natural selection, behaviour evolves in the same way as physical characteristics, all behaviour has a survival benefit
Weakness of the biological approach (deterministic)
- All thought and behaviour are caused from factors outside our control
- behavior is caused by our genes and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain
- it ignores the idea of free will and that we as humans have control over our behaviour we are not simply pre-programmed by genes.
Strength of the biological approach (real life application)
Has much useful practical application
- Has led to development in biological treatments like depression and anxiety
- strength because it shows that the approach has been put to good use and has been applied to help people and improve people’s lives.
Strength of the biological approach (scientific methods)
- Uses highly scientific methods of research
- ## MRI/CAT scans are used to investigate the brain and the areas of the brain that are responsible for certain disorders/behaviours
