Biological approach Flashcards
biological assumptions
- physiological processes (genes, hormones, brain structure) influence human behaviour
- all thoughts feelings and behaviours have a physiological basis
influence of genes
- behavioural characteristics are inherited in the same way as physical characeristics
genotypes
genes written in DNA
phenotype
physical appearance of genetic code, influenced by environmental factors e.g. exercise, dying hair
how is the biological approach tested?
through twin and adoption studies
concordance rates
% 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
influences of biological structures
- abnormal behaviour may occur if the structure of the brain is damaged
Central nervous system
brain and spinal cord
peripheral nervous system
- automatic nervous system: sympathetic (flight or fight) + parasympathetic (normal situations) NS
- somatic nervous system
neurotransmitters
electrochemical impulses that travel across a synapse transmitting messages from neurone to next
- some are excitatory (triggers an impulse) or inhibitory
hormones
chemically produced by endocrine glands e.g. pituitary
- directly secreted into your bloodstream and travel to target cells
characteristics
- those aiding survival are adaptive
- less successful characteristics are maladaptive
sexual selection
physical and psychological traits have been passed down due to their advantages in attracting a mate
natural selection
physical and psychological traits e.g. aggression, attachment, fight or flight, have been passed down due to their advantages in survival
strengths of the biological approach
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
limitations of the biological apporoah
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