Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the BA?
Everything psychological is at first biological, so to understand human behaviour we must look to biological structures and processes within the body. The mind lives within the brain- thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a physical basis. Cognitive approach that sees mental processes of mind as separate from physical brain.
What is the neurochemical basis of behaviour?
Neurochemisty refers to the action of chemicals in the brain. As our thought and behaviour relies on chemical transmission occurring through neurotransmitters and imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been implicated as a cause of low levels of serotonin in OCD and overproduction of dopamine in schizophrenia.
What is the genetic basis of behaviour?
Psychological characteristics such as intelligence are inherited in the same way such as eye or height colour. Twin studies are used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have genetic basis achieved by analysing concordance rates. Non identical are dizygotic whereas identical are monozygotic, environment assumed to be constant in both.
What are genotypes and phenotypes?
Genotype- actual genetic makeup
Phenotype- the way the genetic are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics.
- Identical twins phenotype is difference, human nature depends upon interaction between inherited factors (nature) and nurture (environment).
What are evolution and behaviour?
Main principles are that any genetically determined behaviour enhances an individuals survival and reproduction continuing in future generations. In nature the selection is natural, the possessor of advantageous traits are more likely to survive to pass on these traits.
Brief evaluation of BA?
- RWA [CA: Antidepressants don’t work for everyone]
- Scientific methods
- Biological determinism
What are the strengths of the BA?
Real world application, increased understanding of neurochemical processes is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental health disorders. Such as SSRI’s meaning those with depression may be better able to manage their condition. HOWEVER, they do not work for everyone Cipriani et al compared 21 antidepressants finding variations is effectiveness challenging value as brain chemistry does not account for all cases
Scientific methods used they investigate biological and genetic behaviours through using precise and objective methods including scanning techniques fMRIs. Biological approach based on objective and reliable data.
What are the weaknesses of the BA?
It is deterministic, it sees human behaviour as governed by genetic causes which we have no control, however phenotype is heavily influenced by environment not vein twin with same genes look and think the same- we cannot guest those who commit crime had a “crime gene” which cause their behaviour. Basis often too simplistic and ignores mediating effects of the environment.
