Biological approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
genetics - genes infulence behaviour
evolution - behaviour evolves the same way as characteristics thru adaptation
The CNS - main focus when explaining behaviour
biochemistry - chemicals found in the brain/body (neurotransmitters/hormones) relate to an individuals behaviour
What is heredity
characteristics are passed from one generation to the next
What are twin studies?
compare identical and non identical twins and their concordance rate and gives an indication of how much behaviour is genetic
What are adoption studies?
examine concordance rates for a behaviour between an adoptive child and their bio parent
if theres a high concordance rate between bio parent then the behaviour must be genetic bc they didn’t grow up with them
What is a genotype
individuals genetic makeup provides genetic code for the individual
What is a phenotype?
the physical appearance of a characteristic as a result of the environment
what is intersexual selection
one biological sex chooses mates if the opposite sex to mate with
what is intrasexual selection
competition with members of the same sex for access to members of the opposite sex
What is maternal love
parental investment with powerful emotion that increases a womans offspring surviving
what is sexual selection
traits become more/less common depending on individuals ability to mate with more/better partners
What are strengths of the biological approach?
successful treatment
uses scientific method
What is a limitation of the biological approach
studied non human animals
What is neurochemistry
biochemistry of the CNS
How do neurotransmitters affect behaviou
- when neeve impluees reaches end of neurone a neurotransmitter is released
it travels from one neurone to the next across a synapse - neurotransmitters trigger the receiving neurone to send an impulse to the brain and some inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain
What is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
seratinon
What is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter
dopamine
