Biological Approach

Question 1

What does the BA believe about human behavaviour?

Answer 1

We must look at biological structures and processes within our body, such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system
An understanding of our brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour

Question 2

How does the BA differ from the CA?

Answer 2

CA sees mental processes of the mind as being separate from the physical brain

Question 3

What do behaviour geneticists study?

Answer 3

They study whether behavioural characteristics such as intelligence, personality, mental disorders etc are inherited the same way as physical characteristics like height or eye colour

Question 4

What are twin studies used for?

Answer 4

Used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis, by comparing concordance rates between twins

Question 5

What are monozygotic twins?

Answer 5

Identical - share 100% of each other’s genes

Question 6

Which type of twins have the higher concordance rates?

Answer 6

Monozygotic - genetic basis

Question 7

What are dizygotic twins?

Answer 7

Non-identical - share 50% of each other’s genes

Question 8

What are concordance rates?

Answer 8

The rate of probability that 2 people with shared genes will develop the same disorder

Question 9

What is a genotype?

Answer 9

A persons genetic makeup

Question 10

What is a phenotype?

Answer 10

Observable characteristics influenced by environmental factors