Biological approach

Question 1

biological approach

Answer 1

a means of understanding the mind and behaviour focused upon the physiological mechanisms of the body, such as genes, neurochemical imbalances or brain abnormalities

Question 2

basic assumptions?

Answer 2

behaviour is affected by:
genes (biopsychologists believe genes influence behaviour)
the CNS (origin of how the world is seen and acted upon by individual)
biochemistry of the body (varying levels of hormones and neurotransmitters, influence reaction to environment)

Question 3

genotype

Answer 3

genetic makeup, dictates characteristics e.g. eye colour, has genetic potential for behaviours like aggression.

Question 4

Phenotype

Answer 4

physical expression of genotype, phenotype outlines physical capacity and then environmental factor play a role on whether or not that capacity is reached

Question 5

twin studies

Answer 5

monozygotic twins share 100% of their DNA the likelihood of them both having a disorder compared to dizygotic twins who share 50% of DNA like all siblings gives indicator how much it is genetic

Question 6

evolution and behaviour

Answer 6

believe intelligence and aggression was mutated into our genes as pat of an evolutionary process

Question 7

studies

Answer 7

schizophrenia research by Gottesman MZ: 48% DZ: 17%
bipolar depression research by Craddock and Jones MZ: 40% DZ: 5-10%
anorexia disorder research by Walters and Kendler MZ: 23% DZ: 9%

Question 8

strengths

Answer 8

uses experimental methods = reliability
provides clear predictions

Question 9

limitations

Answer 9

reductionist
problems for evolutionary explanation (can be out down to cultural reasons)