Biological Approach Flashcards
Biological approach?
- Perception that emphasis the importance of physical processes in the body, such as genetic inheritance and neural function
Biological approach → main assumptions?
- That our thinking + behaving ares strongly determined by biological factors.
- focuses on genetics, neurostemists, nervous + endocrine system,evolution and behavior
Key term: neurochemistry?
- Chemicals in brain that regulate psychological functioning
Key term: phenotype?
- characteristics of an individual
- determined by both genes + environment
Key term: genotype?
- Set of genes a person has
Key term: evolution?
- Changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
What is the key assumption of the biological approach?
All behaviour has a physical (biological) cause involving genes, neurochemistry, and the nervous system.
What do biological psychologists believe about the mind and body?
The mind and body are the same; the mind lives in the brain and so behaviour has a physical basis.
How does the biological approach explain behaviour in terms of evolution?
Behavioural traits have evolved via natural selection to enhance survival and reproduction.
What are concordance rates in twin studies?
The extent to which both twins share the same trait.
What is the genetic similarity of MZ (monozygotic) twins?
MZ twins share 100% of their genes.
What is the genetic similarity of DZ (dizygotic) twins?
DZ twins share about 50% of their genes.
What does a higher concordance rate for MZ twins suggest?
It suggests a genetic influence on the behaviour or trait.
What is the role of the frontal lobe?
The frontal lobe is involved in decision making, personality, and problem-solving.
What is the role of the amygdala?
The amygdala plays a role in emotion, particularly fear.
What are the two main parts of the nervous system?
The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.
What behaviour is linked to low serotonin levels?
Depression.
What behaviour is linked to high testosterone levels?
Aggression.
Name two scientific methods used in the biological approach.
Brain scans (e.g., fMRI) and drug studies.
What is natural selection?
The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population.
Give one strength of the biological approach.
Uses scientific and objective methods, such as brain scans and lab experiments.
Give another strength of the biological approach.
Has real-world applications, such as development of drug treatments.
Give one weakness of the biological approach.
It is deterministic – suggests we have no free will.
