Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
Behaviour is due to physical cause, everything psychological is first biological.
Due to genetics, neurochem & neuroanatomy
Neuroanatomy studies using brain exams
Genetics studied using concordance rates
Explain Genes
Make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical & psychological features of an organism
They are inherited
What is a concordance rate?
The extent to which two genetically related individuals share the same characteristic
May be expressed as a percentage or fraction
Explain the twin studies evidence for concordance rates
Compare concordance rates for MZ & DZ twins, if behaviour/characteristic was solely due to genetics then we would expect the CR to be 100%
(Nestadt) supporting research for the genetic basis behaviour
68% for OCD in MZ
31% for OCD in DZ
Suggests that there is genetic basis for OCD as more genetics are shared, the higher the likelihood of having OCD
Explain Phineas Gage’s as evidence for localisation of function.
An Iron rod went through his left frontal lobe that was associated with decision making and personality
Before injury : smart business man, kind and gentle
After injury : lacked respect and kindness, got into a lot of conflicts
Explain Neurochemistry.
Neuron - info messengers
Synapse - Gap between the neurons
Neurotransmitter - Molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons
Imbalances in the number of neurotransmitters are associated with atypical behaviour i.e low levels of serotonin is associated with depression
What is Evolution?
Genes are the mechanism through which evolution takes place.
Those that are better equipped are more likely to survive and pass on this trait
What is Genotype and Phenotype?
Genotype - the genetic code that is written in the DNA of an individual’s cells
Phenotype - the observable characteristics of an individual because of the interaction of genotype with the environment.
What are the two strengths of the biological approach?
Real world applications - Drug therapies like SSRI’s for people with depression and OCD
Scientific methods of investigation - Brain scans more accurate measure of internal processes. Evidence less susceptible to misinterpretation
What is the weakness of the biological approach?
Deterministic approach - A persons phenotype is heavily influenced by their environment. MZ twins don’t always look the same or think the same. Approach ignores free will
