Biological approach Flashcards
What are the four influences of biology on behaviour?
genes - inherited from parents
neurochemistry - neurotransmitters
neuroanatomy - structure of nervous system
evolution - natural selection, adapting to environment
2 assumptions of the biological approach
- Everything psychological is at first,
biological meaning that everything is caused
by something physical in the body. - We are the result of our genes which have
come from parents and evolution
What is a gene?
The instructions for physical and
psychological characteristics. They consist of
DNA and make up 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Define genotype and phenotype
Genotype: the actual genetic makeup of an
individual
Phenotype: what the characteristic looks
like/is after being influenced by both genes
and the environment.
Which gene determines the sex of a baby?
The SRY gene
sex determining region y gene
What chromosome pairs do males and females have
female: XX
male: XY
What does the SRY gene do in males?
It leads to the development of testes by
switching on other genes. These testes then
release testosterone which causes further
masculine development.
Strength of the concept of genotype and phenotyype
It has real-life application because it is
understood how disorders such as OCD and
disease such as cancer develop. Now we
know it is an interaction between the genes
and environment, one of these can be
controlled to reduce the risk of the illness.
Weakness of genes as an explanation for behaviour
some research oversimplifies the influence of
genes. There is never ‘one’ gene responsible
for a behaviour. For example with OCD there
are 230 different candidate genes showing
that to try and pinpoint one gene is too
simple.
What are traits?
characteristics that make up personality
What are the two influences of biology on traits?
extraversion - outgoing and sociable, extraverts inherit an underactive nervous system, need to arouse it
introversion - withdrawn and shy, introverts inherit overactive nervous system, need to avoid arousal
Evaluate the influence of biology on behaviour and traits.
Practical applications - criminals are often extroverts and not put of by punishments, so reduce with different approach (drugs)
Research support - Twins studies show E-I partially genetically determined (57% Sanchez -Roige et al 2018)
Role of non-biological factors - Learning experiences and environment may be more important in E - I than genes
Evaluate genetics and inheritance.
Practical application - A genetic predisposition (genotype) is triggered by an environmental factor (stress), so change environmental factors
Research support - Variants in SRY gene show its usual function is to masculinise XY embryos
Risk of oversimplification - E.g. genes increase risk of depression but do not cause it, many interacting genes needed
What is neuroanatomy?
Structure of brain and nervous system
What are the localised areas of brain function?
Motor area - controls movement of opposite side of body
Somatosensory area - represents skin sensitivity of body (hands)
Visual area - receives information from left and right visual fields
