Biological Approach

Question 1

What is concordance rate?

Answer 1

Percentage of pairs of twins or other blood relatives who exhibit a particular trait or disorder.
- Expected to be higher in MZ twins than DZ twins

Question 2

What is the difference between MZ and DZ twins?

Answer 2

MZ twins come from the same zygote and share 100% of their dna. DZ twins come from different zygotes and share 50% of their DNA.

Question 3

What are candidate genes?

Answer 3

A gene code for a particular behaviour trait (MAOA found on Y chromosome, -L version shows aggressive traits, -H version cannot)

Question 4

What are polygenic genes?

Answer 4

An attribute that is determined by numerous genes rather than only one. Polygenic traits can be influenced by the environment.

Question 5

What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 5

• Everything psychological is first biological
• Behaviour caused by genetics (twin studies and concordance rates) and the role of evolution (Darwin)
• Individuals compete with others for resources (food,mates etc) and those who are successful are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing their genes down to the next generation (natural selection)
• Biological approach stands on the nature aspect of the debate (genotype/phenotype)
• Direct link between brain activity and cognition, interactions between regions of the brain help to control different function, biological psychologists assume to be significant in determining our actions

Question 6

AO3 - Scientifc

Answer 6

P: scientifc methods of investigation, objective and precise
E: brain scanning techniques (MRI’s), blood or saliva samples to study neurological or hormonal influence on behaviour

E: highly controlled environment, enables research to replicate studies, increasing internal reliability

Question 7

AO3 - Nature debate

Answer 7

P: strong argument
E: comparison to other approaches, strong empirical evidence in validating key assumptions

E: tested for with twin studies, reinforce key assumptions

Question 8

AO3 - strongly biologically deterministic

Answer 8

E: behaviour as caused entirely by biological factors which we have no control over

E: allow individuals to not take responsibility for their actions and entirely blame their genetic make-up, not being punished for wrongful actions, having no free will

Question 9

AO1 - Twin Studies

Answer 9

• MZ and DZ twins, concordance rates used to determine if both twins will display a specific behaviour or characterisitic

Question 10

AO1 - Twin Studies

Answer 10

• MZ and DZ twins, concordance rates used to determine if both twins will display a specific behaviour or characterisitic

Question 11

AO3 - Diagnosis

Answer 11

P: determine if an MZ twin is likely to develop a disorder (like schizophrenia)
E: Gottesman (1991), 48% concordance rate in MZ twins, 17% concordance rate in DZ twins, genetic component to disorder.

E: possible to prevent problem occuring or begin treatment earlier, correct parenting, education and healthcare. Schizophrenia triggered by certain life events, keep away from alcohol and drugs as a trigger.