Biological approach

Question 1

What is the biological approach

Answer 1

A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 2

Define Genes

Answer 2

make up chromosomes and consist of DNA, which codes the physical features of an organism (eyecolour/height) and psychological features (mental disorder, intelligence). Genes are transmitted from parent to off spring

Question 3

Define biological structure

Answer 3

An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing

Question 4

Define neurochemistry

Answer 4

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning

Question 5

What is evolution

Answer 5

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 6

Assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 6

Everything psychological was at first biological.
To fully understand human behaviour, must look at biological structures and processes
The mind lives in the brain and all thoughts, feelings, behaviours have a physical basis
Contrast to cognitive approach- mental processes are separate from the brain

Question 7

The Neurochemical basis of behaviour

Answer 7

Refers to the action of chemicals in the brain (neural=brain)
Much of thoughts and behaviours rely of chemical transmission in the brain
Occurs using Neurotransmitters. (an imbalance of neurotransmitters a possible cause of mental illness)

Question 8

The Genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 8

Psychological characteristics (eg intelligence), inherited the same as height/eyecolour
If a characteristic (musical ability, schizophrenia etc) is genetic, we would expect all identical (monozygotic)
twins to share 100% of the same gene
Same would not be the same for non identical (Dizygotic) twins who share 50%.

Question 9

genotype and phenotype

Answer 9

Despite having same genes, the way identical twins are expressed (the phenotype) is different
Eg. eventho MZ twins have same genotype, their phenotype may be different (look/behave different)
Argued that behaviour depends on the interaction between our genes (nature) and the environment (nurture)

Question 10

Evolution and behaviour

Answer 10

19th century- CHARLES DARWIN Theory Of Natural Selection (Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival/reproduction will continue for future generations

Question 11

Natural selection

Answer 11

A natural LONG process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment.
No-one ‘decides’, Selection occurs bc same traits gives the posseser certain adv… More likely to survive and reproduce
If an individual survives but doesn’t reproduce the traits don’t remain in gene pool for generations

Question 12

Define concordance rate

Answer 12

The percentage% of twins sharing a disorder or trait.
A measure of similarity between 2 individuals on a given trait

Question 13

Define monozygotic twins

Answer 13

Identical twins, they share 100% of their genes

Question 14

Define dizygotic twins

Answer 14

Non- identical twins, they share 50% of their genes

Question 15

ADVANTAGE#1 of biological approach

Answer 15

REAL WORLD APPLICATION- Inc understanding of neurochem process associated with serious mental disorders
Ppl with depression manage their condition outside hospital
Promotes clinical depression ( Anti-depressant inc level of neurotrans serotonin at synapses in brain) However don’t work for everyone

Question 16

ADVANTAGE#2 of biological approach

Answer 16

SCIENTIFIC METHODS- Precise and highly objective methods (scanning techniques, EEGs+FMRIs)
Not open to Bias as based on objective and reliable data
Advanced technology to accurately measure

Question 17

LIMITATION #1 of Biological Approach

Answer 17

BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM- Sees human behaviour as governed by internal genetic causes which we have no control over.
Genotype is influenced by environment
Giving criminals an excuse for their actions by claiming their behaviour was controlled by a gene.
Sugg Biological view is too simplistic

Question 18

LIMITATION #2 of Biological Approach

Answer 18

NATURAL SELECTION- Critics of Darwin (Karl Popper) Claim not possible to falsify theory of natural selection, it cant show evidence of evolution happening

Question 19

What is PKU?

Answer 19

Represent metabolic disorder of the proteins in an infant
(test is one of the first tests to be done on a newborn)
Illustrates how children may be born with a particular Genotype that predesposes them to the disorder. Effects can be overidden by an environmental intervention (placed on diet) and how phenotype is influenced by nature (PKU) and the envrionment (Diet)