Biological approach Flashcards

1
Q

biological assumptions

A
  • physiological processes (genes, hormones, brain structure) influence human behaviour
  • all thoughts feelings and behaviours have a physiological basis
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2
Q

influence of genes

A
  • behavioural characteristics are inherited in the same way as physical characeristics
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3
Q

genotypes

A

genes written in DNA

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4
Q

phenotype

A

physical appearance of genetic code, influenced by environmental factors e.g. exercise, dying hair

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5
Q

how is the biological approach tested?

A

through twin and adoption studies

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6
Q

concordance rates

A

% chance of one twin having a particular characteristic of the other twin has it
- rarely 100% meaning environmental factors are involved and genes are pre-disposing factors rather than determining ones

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7
Q

influences of biological structures

A
  • abnormal behaviour may occur if the structure of the brain is damaged
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8
Q

Central nervous system

A

brain and spinal cord

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9
Q

peripheral nervous system

A
  • automatic nervous system: sympathetic (flight or fight) + parasympathetic (normal situations) NS
  • somatic nervous system
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10
Q

neurotransmitters

A

electrochemical impulses that travel across a synapse transmitting messages from neurone to next
- some are excitatory (triggers an impulse) or inhibitory

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11
Q

hormones

A

chemically produced by endocrine glands e.g. pituitary
- directly secreted into your bloodstream and travel to target cells

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12
Q

characteristics

A
  • those aiding survival are adaptive
  • less successful characteristics are maladaptive
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13
Q

sexual selection

A

physical and psychological traits have been passed down due to their advantages in attracting a mate

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14
Q

natural selection

A

physical and psychological traits e.g. aggression, attachment, fight or flight, have been passed down due to their advantages in survival

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15
Q

strengths of the biological approach

A

uses scientific method
- takes place in highly controlled environments, can be replicated
- precision and objectivity is high, explanations have more validity, and reliable results
treatment of psych disorders
- research into neurochem imbalances in OCD led to drugs, helping to improve the lives of sufferers

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16
Q

limitations of the biological apporoah

A

reductionist
- focus on genes and chem imbalances, other factors not accounted for (environmental etc.)
- not full explanation can lead to misdiagnosis
problems w/ evolutionary explanations
- traits have evolved w/ no reproductive or survival benefit
- not all behaviours are caused by biological adaptiveness so can’t use evolutionary explanations