biological approach Flashcards
what are the key assumptions of the biological approach?
(x5)
- highly objective & scientific methods
- everything psychological is first biology
- behaviour is determined by various biological processes
- brain physiology & biochemical imbalances can affect behaviour
- behaviour can be inherited
what is meant by evolution?
the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
how does evolution link to behaviour?
all animals & plants evolve through natural selection, behaviour today was determined by adaptations made by past generations
what are genes?
genes carry information that determines you traits.
what are twin studies used for?
to investigate heritability of behaviour by investigating concordance rate
what is concordance rate?
the likelihood of both twins developing a characteristic
what are the different kinds of twins?
Monozygotic twins share 100% of DNA
Dizygotic twins share 50% of DNA
what is genotype?
the particular set of genes that a person posseses
what is phenotype?
the characteristics of an individual determined by genes and the environment
what is meant by brain structure?
different parts of the brain have different functions and work together to influence behaviour
what is meant by neurochemistry?
certain neurotransmitters influence feelings & behaviour
how do the NS and ES influence behaviour?
NS transmits signals to and from the brain to control actions
ES releases hormones which affect physiological response
AO3 - RS
scientific and objective methods, high levels of validity
AO3 - RWA
drug therapy developments for mental disorders, such as OCD. antidepressants (SSRIs), prevent reabsorbtion os serotonin, increasing serotonin levels. anti-anxiety drugs (BZs), enhance action of neurotransmitter GABA, quieting effect on the brain.
AO3 - biological reductionism
reduces behaviour to genetic processes over which we have no control, ignores influence of environmental factor on behaviour.
