Biological approach Flashcards
1
Q
Biological approach
A
Suggests everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully understand human behaviour we must look to biological structures + processes within the body
2
Q
Neurochemical basis of behaviour
A
- Neurochemistry = action of chemicals in the brain
- lots of our thoughts and behaviour relies on chemical transmission in the brain - occurs using neurotransmitters
- an imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been implicated as a possible cause of mental disorders - e.g low levels of serotonin in OCD
3
Q
Genetic basis of behaviour
A
- Twin studies used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis
- achieved by analysing concordance rates (extent to which twins share the same characteristic)
- If characteristic is genetic we would expect all MZ twins to be concordant and DZ twins to be about half concordant - this is if the environment is the same
4
Q
Genotype and phenotype
A
- Genotype is person’s actual genetic makeup
- Phenotype is the way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics
- Despite having the same genes, MZ twins may still express genes differently (phenotype)
5
Q
Evolution and behaviour
A
Suggests any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival will continue in future generations i.e be naturally selected
6
Q
Biological approach - evaluation - strength
A
- Real world application
- increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain so we can treat with psychoactive drugs - e.g use of antidepressants which increase serotonin levels
- means these drugs improve people’s quality of life
7
Q
Biological approach - evaluation - limitation
A
- Biological determinism
- sees behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes which we have no control over
- however we have already seen that phenotypes are heavily influenced by the environment
- suggests biological view is too simplistic and ignored environmental effects
