Biological Approach

Question 1

Overview of the Biological Approach

Answer 1

• Biological Approach: Emphasizes the influence of biological structures and processes on behavior, including genetics, neurochemistry, and the nervous system. It assumes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors ultimately have a biological cause.
• Key Focus Areas: Genetics, brain structures, neurotransmitters, and hormones.

Question 2

The Influence of Genes

Answer 2

• Genotype vs Phenotype:
  o Genotype: The genetic makeup of an individual.
  o Phenotype: The expression of the genotype influenced by the environment (e.g., height is determined by genes but influenced by nutrition).
• Heritability: The extent to which behavior is influenced by genetic factors. Twin studies are often used to study heritability, with concordance rates being higher in monozygotic (MZ) twins than in dizygotic (DZ) twins.

Question 3

Evolution and Behaviour

Answer 3

• Natural Selection: Proposed by Charles Darwin, this principle states that genetically determined behavior that enhances survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations.
• Example: Aggression may have evolved as an adaptive behavior to protect resources and ensure survival.

Question 4

Biological Structures – The Brain

Answer 4

• Cerebral Cortex: The outer layer of the brain responsible for complex functions such as thought, perception, and planning.
• Limbic System: Involved in emotions and memory.
• Neurotransmitters: Chemicals in the brain that transmit signals across synapses. For example, dopamine is linked to pleasure, and serotonin is associated with mood regulation.

Question 5

Neurochemistry and Behavior

Answer 5

• Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that play a key role in mood, arousal, and behavior.
  o Serotonin: Low levels are associated with depression.
  o Dopamine: High levels are associated with schizophrenia; low levels are linked to Parkinson’s disease.
• Hormones: Chemical substances produced by glands that affect behavior.
  o Testosterone: Linked to aggressive behavior.
  o Cortisol: Released in response to stress.

Question 6

Twin Studies and Adoption Studies

Answer 6

• Twin Studies: Compare the concordance rates of traits and behaviors between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins to assess the genetic basis of behavior.
• Findings: MZ twins tend to show higher concordance rates for disorders like schizophrenia, suggesting a genetic component.
• Adoption Studies: Examine whether adopted children are more similar to their biological or adoptive parents. If a behavior is more common in biological relatives, it suggests a genetic influence.

Question 7

Evaluation of the Biological Approach – Strengths

Answer 7

1. Scientific Methods: The biological approach uses scientific, objective methods such as brain scans (fMRI, PET) and genetic analysis, enhancing reliability and validity.
2. Practical Applications: It has led to the development of effective biological treatments for mental illnesses, such as drug therapies (e.g., SSRIs for depression).
3. Nature and Nurture: The approach acknowledges the interaction between biological factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture), such as the role of genotype and phenotype.

Question 8

Evaluation of the Biological Approach – Limitations

Answer 8

1. Determinism: The biological approach is criticized for biological determinism, implying that behavior is pre-determined by genes and biology, which undermines free will and the role of the environment.
2. Reductionism: It reduces complex human behavior to biological components, such as genes or neurochemistry, ignoring psychological and social factors.
3. Ignores Individual Differences: The approach tends to generalize findings without accounting for individual experiences and environmental factors, which also shape behavior.

Question 9

Real-Life Applications of the Biological Approach

Answer 9

• Drug Treatments: Based on the understanding of neurotransmitters, drug therapies (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics) are used to treat mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia.
• Forensic Psychology: Biological explanations, such as the link between testosterone and aggression, have been applied to understanding criminal behavior.

Question 10

Key Exam Points

Answer 10

• Define: Biological Approach, genotype and phenotype, role of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetic influence on behavior.
• Research: Be familiar with twin and adoption studies.
• Evaluation: Provide a balanced evaluation, focusing on the scientific strengths and the criticisms of reductionism and determinism.