Biological Approach Flashcards
What does the biological approach assume
That behaviour is caused by physical factors and is ultimately related to genetics and the physical structure of the brain
The biological approach assumes that everything psychological is at first…
Biological
Biological approach assumes that behaviour is a result of:
Genies, biological structures , biochemistry and evolutionary processes
What does DNA code for
Physical and psychological characteristics
What is your genotype
Your unique set of genes that is found in the nucleus of every cell in your body
What is your phenotype
The observed physical, psychological and behavioural characteristics that you display as a result of how your genes react with your environment
What are twin studies
Where the concordance rate of MZ twins are compared to the concordance rate of DZ twins
What is concordance rate
The rate at which the same trait is present in both members of a pair of twins
According to evolutionary theory, how would behaviour determined by genes have evolved
If it was naturally or selected in our evolutionary past
How is a trait naturally selected
If it enhanced your survival in some way
How is a trait sexually selected
If it enhanced chances of reproduction
How do new genes emerge
DNA mutations or descent with modification
Who is most likely to survive
Those who have beneficial mutations
What did Darwin find about male characteristics
That they possess no survival benefit but sexually attract the opposite sex
What is an example of a sexually selected trait
Hourglass figure in women
What are 2 positive evaluations of the biological approach
Uses scientific methods to examine behaviour and has led to effective therapies
What is an issue with twin studies
No 100% concordance rate has been found and higher rates found in MZ twins could be environmental
What does it not consider
Internal mental processes
Why is it reductionist
It examines complex behaviours by breaking them down into basic elements
Why is it deterministic
It assumes that all behaviour is caused by biology and can therefore be predicted
