biological approach Flashcards
Biological approach definition
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.
Biological approach basic assumptions
- everything psychological is biological first
-The mind lives in the brain therefore all thoughts, feelings and behaviours ultimately have a physical basis
influence of genes
Genes carry instructions for characteristics. The development of these traits depends on both genetic and environmental factors
twin studies
comparing concordance rates. Monozygotic (MZ) twins, who share 100% of their genes, often show higher concordance rates than dizygotic (DZ) twins, who share 50%. This suggests a genetic basis for certain traits
Phenotype
The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
Genotype
The set of genes that a person possesses.
The Influence of Biological Structures on Behaviour
The Nervous System
The PNS sends and receives information to the CNS. It is the nervous system for the limbs and the torso which collects information from the environment in terms of temperature, pain, and threat.
The PNS is subdivided. The autonomic nervous system is important for survival of the individual and influences the reaction to a threat, along with returning the body to normality once it has passed. The somatic nervous system comprises of the muscles attached to the skeleton and is therefore very important in movement.
Neurons
A neuron is a nerve cell which transfers information between the nervous systems. There are billions within the human body, and they vary depending on their job.
The Endocrine System
Its main job is to maintain levels of hormones in the blood and other bodily fluids. This is done by using the glands in the body. Biopsychologists argue that the level of a hormone in the system can impact the behaviour of an individual.
The Influence of Neurochemistry on Behaviour
Neurochemistry is the actions of chemicals in the brain. Much of human thought and behaviour relies on neurochemistry and occurs using neurotransmitters. An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain has been implicated as a possible cause for mental disorders. eg, low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in OCD and over production of dopamine and schizophrenia.
Evolution and Behaviour
-The possessor is more likely to survive, reproduce and then pass on these traits. If the individual survives but does not reproduce, the traits do not remain in the gene pool for successive generations
-Biological psychologists are particularly interested in human behaviours that are innate and why they have evolved in humans
