Biological Approach Flashcards
1
Q
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
A
- all bhv is due to internal factors such as genes or neurochemicals
- all human bhv is biological, the mind lives in the brain
- physical factors such as our hormones, neuroanatomy, nervous system and the inheritance of genes all exp our bhv
- (argues that an indv genotype and phenotype will determine how we behave)
2
Q
What are the 4 features of the biological approach?
A
- the influence of genes on bhv
- influence of biological structures on bhv
- influence of neurochemistry on bhv
- evolution and bhv
3
Q
What does the biological approach argue?
A
- bhv should be studied scientifically
- using research techniques such as gene mapping , brain scans and using family studies
- this allows us to objectively study how biology can affect our bhv
4
Q
Describe the influence of genes on our bhv feature
A
- genetic exp argues behavioural characteristics like intelligence, personality and mental illnesses
- are genetically inherited the same way as physical characteristics like eye colour or height
- therefore bhvs will run in families
- e.g. OCD is due to inheritance of one or more maladaptive genes
- argues closer the genetic link to indv with OCD, the higher risk of inheriting OCD
5
Q
What are concordance rates and what is an example of a study investigating the influence of genes?
A
- (concordance = measure of similarity between 2 ppl on specific trait)
- the genetic probability of sharing a bhv is measured by concordance rates
- the higher the concordance rate, the stronger the evidence for a similar genetic link
- this is shown in the twin studies where monozygotic (identical) twins have been found to have a higher concordance compared to dizygotic twins (non - identical) for OCD
6
Q
Describe the influence of biological stuctures on bhv feature
A
- bio structures like brain, nervous system and endocrine system can influence bhv
- the brain is one biological structure that can influence bhv
- abnm in size, shape or function in certain areas of the brain can lead to certain bhvs
- e.g. enlarged ventricles in brain can increase likelihood of experiencing symptoms of sz
7
Q
Describe the influence of neurochemistry on bhv feature
A
- nts is a chemical messenger in brain that passes info from one synapse to the next to produce bhv/emotion
- when there is an imbalance, it can cause bhv
- imbalance of nts dopamine = linked with development of sz
- imbalance of nts seretonin.= linked with development of dep, anx and OCD
8
Q
Describe the evolution and bhv feature
A
- natural selection is when any genetically determined bhv increases indv chances of survival and reproduction + passed onto future generations thru genes e.g. intelligence and aggression
- happens coz indv who has certain beneficial traits will have increased chances of survival so able to pass traits on to offspring
- evolution can exp bhv such as aggression
- as being aggressive was to our ancestors advantage to survive + increase reproduction
- as it wouldve increased chances of hunting for food or resources which would be attractive to mate
- research has found one third of men have the warrior gene linked to aggressive bhv
9
Q
Define genotype (2)
(Could be asked to define in exam)
A
- specific genes indv has inherited from biological parents, their genetic makeup
- genotypes can give a predisposition to disorders
10
Q
Define phenotype (2)
(Could be asked to define in exam)
A
- indv is product of what happens when genotype interacts with env, combo of genes + env
- this is how our genes are expressed thru our physical and psychological characteristics
- they are observable traits or bhvs shown by indv
11
Q
What are three peels to evaluate the biological approach?
A
- weakness - biologically reductionist - genes + neurochemicals
- strength - prac apps - SSRIS
- strength - scientific methods
