biological approach

Question 1

biological approach main assumptions

Answer 1

• everything that is psychological is simultaneously biological, to fully understand behaviour we have to look at biological structures and processes such as genes, neurochemistry, neuroanatomical differences or the CNS

Question 1

genotype definition

Answer 1

• genetic make-up of an individual, occurs at contraception and provides genetic code for how the individual will develop - each person has an individual genotype apart from MZ twins

Question 2

phenotype definition

Answer 2

• physical or behavioural characteristics of an individual, results of an individuals genotype interacting with the environment

Question 3

twin studies main points including definition of concordance rate

Answer 3

• concordance rate = presence of same trait in both members of a pair of twins - can compare concordance rate of MZ twins to both having a disorder with likelihood of both DZ twins having a disorder which gives us an indication as to whether the behaviour is genetic

Question 4

adoption studies main points

Answer 4

can look at whether the adoptee shows similar characteristics with either biological or adoptive parents seperating biology and the environment (nature v nurture)

Question 5

evolution main points

Answer 5

• a random change (mutation) in genetic makeup leads to a characteristic which is then passed on if it increases likelihood of survival and reproduction

Question 6

central nervous system main points

Answer 6

brain controls many of our actions and behaviours - certain parts are responsible for different functions = damage could cause a different behaviour

Question 7

neurochemistry main points

Answer 7

neurons communicate by passing neurotransmitters, each have different functions

Question 8

evaluations of biological approach

Answer 8

• use of precise, scientific, objective methods - scanning techniques e.g EEG+FMRI allow us to precisely identify brain areas responsible for behaviours = improves credibility of psychology however, animal research raises questions on generalisability
• deterministic, removes free will suggesting behaviour is outside of our conscious control = problems for legal system as hard to punish and may cause problems for those recovering from mental health as balieve they cant change - however this gives it credibility as X causes Y