Biological approach

Question 1

Assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 1

the BA suggests that to fully understand human behaviour you must look at the biological structures + processes in the body.

• the mind lives in the brain - all thoughts , feelings and behaviour ultimately has a physical basis

contrast to cognitive approach sees mental processes of mind being separate from physical brain

Question 2

neurochemical basis of behaviour

Answer 2

neurochemistry - action of chemicals in the brain

a lot of our thought and behaviour relies on chemical transmission in the brain - using neurotransmitters

imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been implicates as a possible cause of mental disorder

e.g. low levels of neurotransmitter serotonin in OCD and overproduction of dopamine in schizophrenia

Question 3

genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 3

twin studies used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis

this is done by analysing concordance rates - the extent to which twins share the same characteristic

if a characteristic is genetic, we would expect all identical twins (monozygotic) twins to be concordant - 100% same genes

same would not be true for non identical twins (dizygotic - share around 50% of genes)

in both cases environment is suggested to be constant

Question 4

genotype and phenotype

Answer 4

genotype- persons genetic makeup

phenotype - the way the genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristic

e.g. a twins phenotype would be different

this illustrates what many biological psychologists would accept , that much of human behaviour depends on interactions between inherited factors (nature) and environment (nurture)

Question 5

evolution and behaviour

Answer 5

Darwin proposed natural selection theory

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

the selection takes place naturally because some traits give the possessor certain advantages.

person is more likely to survive , reproduce and pass on these traits. if an individual does not reproduce the traits do not remain in the gene pool for successive generations