biological approach

Question 1

About the biological approach?

Answer 1

3 assumptions
Explanation for relationship formation
Psychosurgery (therapy)
Classic evidence: Raine, Buchsbaum, La Casse(1997) methodology, procedures, findings, conclusion
Classic evidence: Raine, Buchsbaum, La Casse(1997) evaluation of methodology, ethical and social issues, alternative evidence
Contemporary debate: Ethics of Neuroscience (Unit 2)
Evaluating the biological approach

Question 2

Introduction to the Biological Approach

Answer 2

The key assumption of the biological approach is that all behaviours can be explained at the level of functioning of our biological systems.
There are several strands to this approach:
The physiological approach: This approach believes that all human behaviour is due to the functioning of internal body parts, e.g., the brain, nervous system, hormones, and chemicals.
The nativist approach: It’s based on the assumption that all behaviour is inherited, i.e., it’s passed down through our genes from one generation to the next.
The medical model:This refers to the treatment of psychological disorders. It’s based on the same principles used to treat physical diseases. The argument is that psychological problems have a physical cause which can be treated using physical or medical methods.

Question 3

The 3 assumptions of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 3

Evolutionary influence
the brain

Question 4

Assumption 1?

Answer 4

Evolution means to change over time.
Within psychology, the theory of evolution has been used to explain how the human mind and behaviour have changed over millions of years.
It explains how it has adapted to the demands of our environments.

Question 5

The theory of natural selection?

Answer 5

The concept of adaptiveness stems from Darwin’s theory of natural selection, which posits that genetically determined behaviors that improve an individual’s survival and reproduction are favored. Natural selection operates at the gene level. For example, altruistic behavior, such as parents risking their lives for their offspring, is viewed as an inherited, adaptive trait since it enhances the survival of the individual’s gene pool.

Question 6

Environment of Evolutionary adaptiveness?

Answer 6

A key concept in the evolutionary approach is the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA), which refers to the environment to which a species is adapted and the selective pressures of that time. Evolutionary psychologists recognize that not all behaviors are adaptive; they focus on those that enhance individual survival in specific contexts. For humans, significant evolutionary changes occurred around 2 million years ago when we transitioned from forest to savanna environments. The EEA helps explain our relatively large brains, suggesting they evolved to support complex social structures. Individuals with skills in forming alliances and relationships are more likely to survive, leading to the passing on of genes associated with these behaviors.

Question 7

Assumption 2: the brain?
localisation of brain function?

Answer 7

This principle states that different brain areas are responsible for specific functions. The cerebral cortex, which covers the brain, is crucial for higher-order cognitive functions.

Question 8

the 4 lobes?

Answer 8

the cerebal cortex is divided into 4 regions
thee frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital

Question 9

the function of the frontal lobe?

Answer 9

These are involved in thinking and creativity. They have been linked to our personalities.

Question 10

Parietal lobe?

Answer 10

They receive sensory information, e.g., temperature, touch, and pain.

Question 11

Temporal lobes?

Answer 11

This is responsible for our memory processing. It also processes auditory information (speech).

Question 12

Occipital lobes?

Answer 12

It’s concerned with visual processing. It receives information directly from the eyes.

Question 12

Localisation of language?

Answer 12

Certain brain areas are linked to language processing, a concept established in the mid-19th century. French neurosurgeon Paul Broca studied patients with language issues and identified damage to a specific area in the left hemisphere, now known as Broca’s area, which is associated with speech production and located in the posterior frontal lobe. Similarly, German neurologist Karl Wernicke discovered Wernicke’s area, located in the posterior left temporal lobe, which is involved in understanding language. Patients with Wernicke’s area damage could speak but struggled to comprehend language.

Question 13

Assumption 3: neurotransmitters?

Answer 13

Assumption 3: Neurotransmitters

Neurons, the cells of the nervous system, communicate through electrical signals and are connected by dendrites at synapses, where chemical messengers called neurotransmitters transmit signals. These neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and either stimulate or inhibit the next neuron.

Neurotransmitters and Mental Health: Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are crucial to mental health. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, and antidepressants often work by increasing serotonin availability. High dopamine levels are associated with schizophrenia, and drugs that block dopamine can help reduce its symptoms.

Question 14

Biological explanation for relationship formation?

Answer 14

Biological Explanation for Relationship Formation

Evolutionary theory suggests that relationships form based on traits that enhance reproductive success. Males, seeking to maximize reproduction, prefer fertile women (e.g., young, healthy, with physical signs of fertility like smooth skin and glossy hair). Females, in contrast, seek partners who can provide resources (e.g., food, shelter) for offspring survival.

Parental Investment Theory (Trivers, 1972) explains why younger women may prefer older men. Since females invest more in offspring (e.g., pregnancy), they are more selective in choosing partners who can offer resources for child-rearing.

Question 15

Neurotransmitters?

Answer 15

Neurotransmitters and Relationship Formation

Chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and oxytocin, influence emotions and perceptions, playing a key role in forming relationships.

Dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward. Setting a goal (e.g., finding a partner) triggers dopamine, giving a sense of achievement or “rush,” which explains the drive to form relationships.

Oxytocin (the “love hormone”) enhances trust and loyalty. High levels are linked to romantic attachment and bonding. Physical contact with a partner increases oxytocin, which explains why people feel the urge to reconnect after separation.

These chemicals suggest that our brain is naturally wired to form and maintain close, emotional relationships.

Question 16

Evaluating the formation of sibling relationships?

Answer 16

Explaining the Formation of Sibling Relationships

Evolutionary theory, particularly kin selection, helps explain the close bonds between siblings. Kin selection suggests that traits promoting the survival of relatives with similar genes are favored. Therefore, we are naturally inclined to invest in and care for our siblings, ensuring their well-being and, in turn, supporting the survival of shared family genes.

Question 17

Therapy 1: drug therapy?

Answer 17

Biological psychology explains behavior through biological factors such as neurochemicals, hormones, the brain, and the nervous system. It incorporates a physiological approach, which focuses on these influences, and a nativist approach, which considers genetic and evolutionary factors in shaping behavior. Drug therapy aims to treat mental health issues by altering chemical imbalances in the brain, addressing symptoms of disorders like depression and anxiety.

Question 18

How biological assumptions apply to drug therapy?

Answer 18

How Biological Assumptions Apply to Drug Therapy

The biological approach views psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia) as having physiological causes, similar to physical illnesses. This is known as the medical model, which suggests mental illnesses are caused by physical factors and can be treated physically, typically through drug therapy.

The second assumption is that neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to mental disorders. Drug therapy works by altering neurotransmitter activity (e.g., increasing or blocking their action), thereby influencing mood, thoughts, and behavior.

The third assumption is localization of brain function, where drugs target specific brain regions involved in the disorder, such as the limbic system, which regulates emotions. This approach helps address emotional disturbances associated with mental health conditions.

Question 19

3 main types of psychoactive drugs?

Answer 19

The three main types of psychoactive drugs are antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antianxiety drugs.

Question 20

Antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 20

Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, where individuals lose touch with reality and lack insight into their condition. Conventional antipsychotics target positive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Atypical antipsychotics, like clozapine, temporarily occupy dopamine receptors and quickly dissociate, allowing normal dopamine transmission. This mechanism may explain why atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects, such as involuntary movements, compared to conventional ones.

Question 21

Antidepressant drugs?

Answer 21

Antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression, which is thought to result from insufficient neurotransmitters like serotonin. In a healthy brain, neurotransmitters stimulate neighboring neurons, and then are reabsorbed and broken down by an enzyme (Monoamine Oxidase A, MAOA). Antidepressants increase neurotransmitter availability by either reducing reabsorption or blocking the enzyme that breaks them down. The most common antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, which block serotonin reabsorption, prolonging its activity and making it easier for subsequent nerve impulses to transmit.

Question 22

Antianxiety drugs?

Answer 22

Antianxiety drugs, commonly benzodiazepines (BZs) like Librium and Valium, slow down the CNS by enhancing GABA, the body’s natural anxiety-relieving neurotransmitter. Beta blockers are also used to reduce anxiety by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They bind to receptors in the heart and other areas, making it harder to stimulate them, resulting in a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and a calmer, less anxious feeling.

Question 23

Sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 23

The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to fear, preparing the body to fight or flee. It releases adrenaline or noradrenaline, causing physiological symptoms like increased heart rate, dry mouth, and sweating, which are common in anxious situations.

Question 24

Evaluation: effectiveness?

Answer 24

Drug treatments are often compared to placebos in randomized control trials to evaluate their effectiveness. For example, Sumaro et al. (2008) found SSRIs more effective than placebos in treating OCD. Kahn et al. (1986) showed that benzodiazepines (BZs) were superior to placebos for anxiety. However, most studies focus on short-term outcomes (3-4 months), with limited data on the long-term effects of these treatments.

Question 25

Side effects?

Answer 25

While drugs are effective in treating psychological disorders, they often come with side effects. Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, headaches, and insomnia (Sumero et al., 2008), which may deter individuals from continuing the medication. Tricyclic antidepressants have more severe side effects, such as hallucinations and irregular heartbeat, and are typically used when SSRIs are ineffective.

Question 26

Symptoms not cause?

Answer 26

A criticism of drug therapy is that it treats symptoms, not the underlying causes of psychological disorders. For example, antidepressants may offer short-term relief for adult depression caused by childhood trauma, but they don’t address the root cause. This can lead to the “revolving door syndrome,” where patients repeatedly return for treatment without a permanent solution.

Question 27

Comparison with other treatment?

Answer 27

A criticism of drug therapy is that it treats symptoms, not the underlying causes of psychological disorders. For example, antidepressants may offer short-term relief for adult depression caused by childhood trauma, but they don’t address the root cause. This can lead to the “revolving door syndrome,” where patients repeatedly return for treatment without a permanent solution.