biological approach Flashcards
what is the biological approach?
- everything psychological is at first biological.
- to fully understand human behaviour we must look into biological structures and processes within the body, such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system.
what are two assumptions of the biological approach?
- genes affect behaviour and influence individual psychological differences between people.
- everything psychological is at first biological. the approach investigates how biological structure and processes within the body impacts on behaviour.
what are invasive techniques?
involve physically gaining access to t he brain in order to study its function e.g. post mortems
what are non-invasive techniques?
work by studying the brain through the skull e.g. EEG’s, FMRI’s and PET scans.
what are family studies?
investigating the genetic basis for behaviour can be done through family, adoption and twin studies. twin studies involve the use of monozygotic and dizygotic twins to determine the influence of genetic factors on behaviour.
what is a genotype?
the genetic make-up of an individual.
what is a phenotype?
the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
what are two strengths of the biological approach?
- impact of biology on behaviour can lead to treatmenet and intervention to those suffering.
- it is a scientific approach which suggests that we can find cause and effect relationships of both physiology and behaviour.
what are two limitations of the biological approach?
- research may focus on rare conditions that have little impact on the everyday lives of most people.
- it is a deterministic approach as it believes that we are determined by our physiological, genetic or evolutionary make-up. thus stating that there is no free will.
what is neurochemistry?
relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.
