Biological approach Flashcards
biol app
eval 1 top
the strength of biological approach os that the methods are very scientific
biol app
eval 1 point
experimental studies on which the biol appr. is based are all happening in a highly controlled lab environment, so that other researchers are able to replicate the experimnet using the same conditions, adding to the validity of studies as they can be replicated
recording techniques had increased the precision of findings and made them more objective
biol app
eval 1 tail
as a result these techniques have contributed to the scientific validity of all studys, making the biological approach highly reliable, whcih give is an advantge in forn of other approaches like Humanistic
biol app
eval 2 top
a strength is application of findings to the real world
and ability to make predictions has helped people’s every day life
biol app
eval 2 point
research into the role of neurotransmitters in depression (Serotonine)
has led to the development of the SSRI antidepresant that helps to balance the level of neurotransmitters in blood
as well as research into circadian rhythms has helped to effect psychological well being of people, and leads to improvemnt of shift works
biol app
eval 2 tail
this further demonstrates the advantage of adopting biological approach in studying human behaviour
biol app
eval 2 double
both examples of application help individuals to have a perfect life balance, but as well to be able to work. the use of drugs to get rid of depression helps people to return to their work places, and therefore to improve the economy of the country!
application of biological approach is beneficial for lots of people
biol app
eval 3 top
However the biological approach is very reductionistic
biol app
eval 3 point
it breakes all the bahviour to the action of neurotransmitters and genes.
for example meny explanation of mental disorders are reductionist because they reduce the problem to the imbalance of genes or neurotransmitters
and believe it is the main cause of it
biol app
eval 3 tail
however, while this approach leads to the scientific investigation, we cannot fully understand the human behaviour just being based on biology!
we can ignore the influence of cognition, environment and culture
biol app
eval 3 double
insted we can combine the benefits of biological approach (scientific investigation), with the advanatges of using Holstic point of view, which can help to include environment and culture
therefore making the research less reductionist
biol app
heridity
passing on characteristics through generations by genes (including psychological char)
creating nature nurture debate
the extend to which the environment or the interaction between genes influences the bahviour creates… N vs N
biol app
Genotype is
the full set of genes
biol app
phenotype is
observable characteristics that are a result of inherited genes
can phenotype determine genotype
no.
e.g. you can inherite the genes for blue eyes, but if the gene for brown eyes is more dominating you will have brown eyes, while gene for blue is still in your genotype
biol app
heritability is
the extned to which traits can be explained by genes
the more they are influenced by genes the greater heritability
biol app
nervous system
and functions controled
cns + pns
uses neurons to carry out signals
neuron transmits the impulse using electrical signals
functions controled: breathing, eating, sexual behavior
biol app
the brain
85% cerebrum
outer part - cerebrum cortex (responcible for thoughts, lang)
lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal
biol app
hormones
stimulated by
glands + hormones = endocrine system
stimulated by pituitary gland
presence of hoemones makes phisiological reactions
biol app
neurotransmitters
chemical at the end of neurons
released into synaptic cleft to either continue the reaction/impulse or to cease it
excitatory - dopamine
inhibitory - serotonin (balances out the mood)
