Biological Approach

Question 1

What are genes?

Answer 1

A part of the chromosomes of an organism that carries info in the form of DNA which codes for physical and psychological features of an organism

Question 2

What are hormones?

Answer 2

Chemicals that are produced by endocrine glands.

Question 3

What do hormones do?

Answer 3

They cause a physiological reaction in the cell, altering it’s activity and therefore our behaviour.

Question 4

What is neuro chemistry?

Answer 4

The study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system that regulate psychological functioning. This includes the role of neurotransmitters and hormones

Question 5

What is a neuron?

Answer 5

A cell of the nervous system that transmits nerve impulses in the form of electrical signals. Like breathing, eating and sexual behaviour.

Question 6

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 6

Chemicals that travel across the synapse to transmit messages.

Question 7

An assumption of the biological approach is that every psychological has an what?

Answer 7

Innate biological basis

Question 8

An assumption of the biological approach is that it emphasises the importantce of what?

Answer 8

Physical processes in the body (genetics)

Question 9

An assumption of the biological approach is that the mind and Brain are what?

Answer 9

The same thing

Question 10

An assumption of the biological approach is that genes affect what? And influences what

Answer 10

Behaviour and psychological differences between people

Question 11

An assumption of the biological approach is that we can use animal research to identify what?

Answer 11

Genetic traits and thus explain human behaviour

Question 12

What is genotype?

Answer 12

Refers to an individuals genetic make up

Question 13

What is phenotype?

Answer 13

Refers to the observable traits or characteristics shown by an individual

Question 14

What is phenylketonuria?

Answer 14

A genetic disease caused by a lack of a specific hormone

Question 15

Is PKU is not diagnosed it can develop what?

Answer 15

Abnormally

Question 16

Is PKU is diagnosed, a special diet, so a lack of phenylalanine and can develop normally.

Question 17

What is evolution?

Answer 17

When the genetic makeup changes of a particular population changes over successive generations

Question 18

What is natural selection?

Answer 18

Random physical and behavioural changes to a species either enable it to adapt to its environment and survive

Question 19

What is sexual selection?

Answer 19

The idea that physical characteristics or behaviours that make up an individual more attractive and so increase reproductive success are passed on and maybe become exaggerated over succeeding generations.

Question 20

Social releasers….

Answer 20

Bowbly suggested that babies are born with a set of innate ‘cute’ features and behaviours that encourage attention from adults. These activate the innate adult attachment system - the tenancy of adults to care for them.

Question 21

Aggression…

Answer 21

Men are at risk of cuckoldry and so displaying aggression acts as a deterrent so that a partner is less likely to cheat. Additionally, aggression is symbolic of strength and so may be more attractive to females.

Question 22

Evaluating via the comparative method…

Answer 22

Research has found that mice reared alone showed a tendancy to attack other mice when first exposed to them. Aggression has a biological bias.