Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological Approach:

Answer 1

A perspective that emphasises the importance of biological processes such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 2

Genes:

Answer 2

DNA that codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features.

Question 3

Biological structure:

Answer 3

An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.

Question 4

Genotype:

Answer 4

The particular set of genes that a person possesses.

Question 5

Phenotype:

Answer 5

The individual characteristics that are determined by both genes and the environment.

Question 6

Evolution:

Answer 6

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological over successive generations.

Question 7

Assumptions:

Answer 7

1. Genetics influences behaviour and it evolves the same way as physical characteristics.
2. The brain is the main focus when explaining behaviour.
3. Biochemistry. Varying levels of chemistry in the body are related to an individual’s behaviour.

Question 8

Concordance rates:

Answer 8

Both people share a particular attribute.

Question 9

Types of twins:

Answer 9

1. Monozygotic- identical twins share 100% of their DNA.
2. Dizygotic twins- non identical share 50%.

Question 10

What is natural selection?

Answer 10

Animals with particular traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce and pass those traits to their offspring.

Question 11

Principal of diversity:

Answer 11

The variety within a species

Question 12

The principle of interaction:

Answer 12

The variety of species adapt and fit with the environment.

Question 13

The principle of differential amplification:

Answer 13

Those who adapt to their environment will reproduce and those that do not will die out.

Question 14

Practical Application:

Answer 14

An increased understanding of the biological processes that underpin mental health disorders has led to the development of psychoactive drugs. These may target specific candidate gene. Unlike CBT, they are non-invasive and not time-consuming.

Question 15

Biological Determinism:

Answer 15

Suggests that all behaviour is caused by internal biological that we have no control over. If a ‘criminal gene’ were to be found, this could lead to ‘diminished responsibility’ Economical impact could be that if information could be made public, denied jobs.

Question 16

Twin Studies cannot differentiate between the effects of nature and nurture:

Answer 16

1. MZ show higher concordance rates than DZ twins.
2. MZ twins are more likely to grow up in the same household, exposed to similar experiences and parenting styles.
3. This could explain why DZ twins have higher concordance rates than ordinary siblings.

Question 17

Scientific Rigour and Methods:

Answer 17

1. Uses EEG, PET and fMRI scans to objectively and systematically measure the biological or neural basis of behaviour.
2. Drugs are developed on this basis, and the studies can lead to an increased understanding of concordance rates.
3. Gives it greater scientific credibility, through the strict control of extraneous and confounding variables.