biological approach

Question 1

define the biological approach
- what must we do to understand behaviour

Answer 1

The biological approach assumes that all human behaviour has a biological origin
→ look at biological structures and processes in the body, such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system

Question 2

The genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 2

• Twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing the concordance rates between pairs of twins
• E.g. MZ have a higher concordance rate of developing schiz than DZ
• If 1 identical twin has depression then there is a 46% chance the other will also have depression
• Suggests there is a genetic component

Question 3

Evolution and behaviour - natural selection

Answer 3

Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection
● natural selection = ensures that characteristics providing an evolutionary advantage, are passed from one generation to the next, whilst the other don’t die out
● For instance, attachment behaviours in newborns promote survival and are therefore adaptive and naturally selected

Question 4

Genotype and phenotype

Answer 4

The genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual - fixed from birth
The phenotype is the way the genes are expressed by an individual = observable characteristics of a person
- and this is influenced by environmental factors
- both might have the gene to be 6 foot but environmental factors didn’t alow one to be tall e.g. nutrients
An example of the difference between genotype and phenotype is PKU - a rare genetic disorder which causes severe learning difficulties. However, if a child is placed on a restricted diet they will develop normally without complications.

Question 5

the role of genes

Answer 5

Genes are passed from one generation to the next = carry information in the form of DNA, which carry instructions for characteristics