Biological approach Flashcards
1
Q
biological approach
A
- combines psychology and biology to provide physiological explanations for human behaviour
- biological psychology tries to explain how we think, feel and behave in terms of physical factors within the body
2
Q
assumptions
A
- investigates how biology, especially neurobiology impacts on behaviour
- much of human behaviour has a physiological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered
- genes affect behaviour and influence individual physiological differences between people
- evolutionary psychology considers genetic influences in common behaviours
- the mind lives in the brain- meaning that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis
3
Q
genetic basis of behaviour
A
- study of genetic make up of organisms and how this influences physical and behavioural characteristics
- twin studies are used to compare concordance rates between twins (the extent to which both twins share the same characteristics)
- if identical twins have a higher concordance rate than non-identical twins then there is a genetic basis
4
Q
genotype and phenotype
A
genotype- a genetic makeup of a person
phenotype- the way genes are expressed
- the expression of genotype is influenced by environmental factors
- some biological psychologists accept that human behaviour depends upon inherited factors and the environment (nature and nurture)
5
Q
evolution and behaviour
A
- human beings have evolved, so have our genes which have been passed down through generations
- genes are in the nucleus of the cell
- evolutionary psychology attempts to explain behaviour in the way we adapt
- genes are responsible for physical and physiological characteristics
6
Q
biological evaluation (+)
A
- uses highly scientific and precise methods, scientific methods
- real world application, medicines
7
Q
biological evaluation (-)
A
- determinist, does not take into account of free will and environmental influences
- casual conclusions
