biological approach Flashcards
How can biology determine behaviour?
-genetics
-inherited characteristics
-predisposed to behaviour
Summarise the biological approach?
-Nature debate (how we are born)
-emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neutral functions
Can both behaviours and physical characteristics be inherited?
Yes, they can be inherited but they need an environmental trigger
What are genes?
Genes are chromosomes and DNA which codes physical features of an organism
What is genotype?
Genetic code of an individual- all the information found in the nucleus
What is Phenotype?
Phenotype is the visible expression of genotype, also influenced by environment
What is PKU?
- Rare genetic disorder
-cause severe learning difficulties
-if detected early can be placed on a restricted diet- low protein diet
What is evolution?
-Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival will continue in future generations- they will be naturally selected
examples of evolution
-memory
-attachment-attachment or bond to a main care giver helps us to survive and provides positive behaviour for the next generation
-mental disorders -ocd inherited - daily lives becomes a struggle- hyper focused
-giraffes with the longer necks survived whereas the giraffes with the shorter necks didn’t survive
How does natural selection influence behaviour?
-Survival of the fittest, certain behaviours are advantageous
what are the strengths of biological approach?
-precise and scientific methods of investigation, empirical evidence, high control can control, extraneous variables
- real life applications -treatments such as depression and ocd have a biological basis such as medication- therefore have benefitted society.
What are the weaknesses of the biological approach?
-deterministic, no free will, behaviour has only been decided through genetics
-nature vs nature
-ignore influence of nurture based only on genetics
