Biological Approach

Question 1

what does the biological approach focus on?

Answer 1

biological structures and processes inside our bodies which are said to be responsible for our thoughts and behaviour

Question 2

what are the types of traits?

Answer 2

• psychological traits = personality, intelligence, mental disprder
• physical traits = height, eye colour

these are all inherited

Question 3

what is the extent to which a certain trait has a genetic basis can be explored?

Answer 3

twin studies can explore the extent to which a trait has a genetic basis

Question 4

how can we use twin studies to explore genetic basis?

Answer 4

comparing concordance rates of monozygotic twins and dizygotic twins

Question 5

what is an example of using twin studies?

Answer 5

• concordance rate of MZ twins is higher than DZ twins for depression
• you can conclude there is a genetic basis as MZ twins share 100% of their genes whilst DZ only share 50%

Question 6

what is the genotype?

Answer 6

actual genetic make-up

Question 7

what is the phenotype?

Answer 7

the way those genes are expressed through physical and psychological characteristics

Question 8

what is a person’s phenotype influenced by?

Answer 8

• their genotype
• their environment

= referred to as the interactionist approach

Question 9

what is natural selection?

Answer 9

• any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival and reproduction will continue in future generations

Question 10

what are the evaluations of the biological approach?

Answer 10

+ reali-life applications
- deterministic
+ emphasises scientific methods of investigation