Biological Approach

Question 1

Assumptions (4)

Answer 1

• genotype influences behaviour and there is a physiological basis for behaviour (nature>nurture)
• most actions and reactions are generated by the CNS so brain function is highly studied in relation to behaviour.
• behaviours are adapted through evolution and natural selection to pass on the best characteristics.
• neurotransmitters (brain) and hormones (body) influence reactions to the environment and therefore determine a lot of behaviour.

Question 2

Inheritance

Answer 2

The process by which physical and biological characteristics are transmitted from the parent (or parents) to the offspring (physiological or psychological traits).

Question 3

Genotype

Answer 3

Genetic makeup/unique coding of an individual, created at conception and unique (apart from Mz twins).

Question 4

Phenotype

Answer 4

How genes are expressed in an organism and can be physical, behavioural or psychological (heavily Influenced by environment)

Question 5

Twin studies

Answer 5

Study concordance rates between mz and dz twins to work out if behaviour or disorder has a genetic basis. Mz share 100% of DNA. Dz share around 50% of DNA.

Question 6

Gottesman (1991)

Answer 6

Schizophrenia runs in families. Probability of schizophrenia = 48% between MZ twins and 17% between DZ twins.

Question 7

Natural selection

Answer 7

Characteristics that ensure survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations.

Question 8

Adoption studies

Answer 8

assess hereditary influence by examining the resemblance between adopted children and both their biological and their adoptive parents.

Question 9

Survival of the fittest

Answer 9

organisms that are most adapted to their environment survive e.g higher intelligence are more likely to survive and reproduce to pass on these characteristics.

Question 10

+ scientific method (AO3)

Answer 10

The biological approach uses precise and objective method e.g brain imaging (FMRI) that aren’t open to bias so the findings are based on objective and reliable data.

Question 11

+ Real world application (AO3)

Answer 11

The understanding of neurochemical processes has led to the use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders such as clinical depression. The drug increases the levels of serotonin at the synapse which reduces the depressive symptoms and allows patients to manage their condition and live a normal life without being constantly in and out of hospitals, due to our understanding of neurochemistry.

Question 12

Counter argument to real world application

Answer 12

However, the psychoactive drugs don’t work for every patient, suggesting the basis of mental disorders isn’t always neurological/biological.

Question 13

• biological determinism (AO3)

Answer 13

• see human behaviour as governed by internal genetic causes, over which we have no control
• genotype expression (phenotype) is heavily influenced by the environment
• too simplistic so ignores influence of environment on behaviour.

Question 14

What are the two components of the central nervous system?

Answer 14

• brain
• spinal cord

Question 15

Brain (CNS)

Answer 15

The centre of all conscious awareness, outer layer of cerebral cortex is highly developed and this is what distinguishes our higher order mental functions with animals.

Question 16

Spinal Cord (CNS)

Answer 16

An extension of the brain that is responsible for reflex action (e.g pulling hand away from hot surface). It passes messages to and from the brain.

Question 17

What are the 4 brain lobes?

Answer 17

frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal

Question 18

frontal lobe function

Answer 18

functions include speech, thought and learning

Question 19

temporal lobe function

Answer 19

hearing, memory, language, smell etc

Question 20

Parietal lobe function

Answer 20

sensory info such as touch, temperature and pain

Question 21

occipital lobe function

Answer 21

visual processing

Question 22

Automatic nervous system

Answer 22

governs vital functions in the body such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, sexual arousal and stress response. It is automatic, this is subdivided into two further systems involved in fight or flight.

Question 23

somatic nervous system

Answer 23

Controls muscle movement and receives information from sensory receptors.

Question 24

Endocrine system

Answer 24

• Works alongside the nervous system to control vital functions in the body through the actions of hormones.
• works more slowly than the nervous system.

Question 25

Glands

Answer 25

• secrete hormones
• pituitary gland = located in the brain, known and the “master gland” as it controls the release of hormones from other glands around the body.

Question 26

Hormones

Answer 26

Secreted into the bloodstream by glands and effect any body cell that has receptors for that hormone.

Question 27

sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight)

Answer 27

• Increases heart rate
• increases breathing rate
• dilates pupils
• inhibits digestion
• inhibits saliva production
• contracts rectum

Question 28

parasympathetic nervous system (fight or flight)

Answer 28

• decreases heart rate
• decreases breathing rate
• constricts pupils
• stimulates digestion
• stimulates saliva production
• relaxes rectum

Question 29

Neuron

Answer 29

the basic building blocks of the nervous system, neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals.

Question 30

Sensory neurons

Answer 30

carry messages from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. They have long dendrites and short axons.

Question 31

Relay neurones

Answer 31

connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons. They have short dendrites and short axons.

Question 32

motor neurons

Answer 32

connect the central nervous system to the effectors such as muscles and glands. They have short dendrites and long axons.

Question 33

synaptic transmission

Answer 33

Each neuron is separated from the next by an extremely tiny gap called the synapse.
Signals within the neurons are transmitted electronically, but the signals between neurons are transmitted chemically.

Question 34

excitatory neurotransmitters

Answer 34

Trigger nerve impulses in the receiving neurone and stimulate the brain into action e.g dopamine

Question 35

inhibitory neurotransmitters

Answer 35

Inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain and balance mood e.g serotonin.