Biological Approach

Question 1

Clark and Hatfield (1978)

Question 2

Antonova (2011)

Question 3

Neuroplasticity

Question 4

Milner (1966)

Question 5

Draganski (2004)

Question 6

Localisation

Question 7

Evolutionary Explanations

Question 8

Kendler et al (2006)

Question 9

Buss (1989)

Question 10

Neurotransmitters

Question 11

Wedekind (1995)

Question 12

Genetic Similarities

Answer 12

Background Information
Genes are sections of DNA which correspond to proteins in the body, and genetic differences lead to behavioural differences. In behavioural genetics research, a large confounding variable is that no two individuals have identical genomes. Twin and kinship studies alleviate this problem since their samples are highly genetically similar. Studies of [genetically similar groups/twins/parents and children] allow researchers to gain more insight into the role of genetics in certain behaviours.
### Holistic Evaluation

Implication

Behavioural genetics draws a link between inherited genetic information and behavioural patterns.

Application

Research into genetically similar individuals is useful in identifying and providing preventative treatment for populations with genetic vulnerabilities to psychiatric disorders.

Criticality

Unfortunately, most research is correlational as researchers cannot manipulate the zygosity of twins, genetic information, nor ethically control the environment of the upbringing of participants. Many proposed links between genetics and behaviour are therefore correlational despite the genetic similarity of twins and generational members.

Moreover, it may be reductionist to assume that genetics are the sole cause of behavioural similarities which are also explained partially by cognitive, cultural, and social factors.

However, the success of preventative treatments shows that there is value to researching behavioural genetics through [twin/kinship/studies with genetically similar populations] studies.

Question 13

Porges et al (2017)

Answer 13

Porges et al (2017)

Aim: To investigate the relationship between GABA and cognitive function. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which reduces neural activity, reducing intrusive thoughts, resulting in increased focus and cognitive function.

Procedure: Researchers conducted the Montreal Cognitive Assessment on 94 adults with a mean age 73, with no medical history of cognitive impairment and measured the GABA concentration in their frontal cortexes using MEGA-PRESS spectroscopy.

Findings: Researchers found a positive correlation between cognitive function and GABA concentration in the frontal cortex, and a negative correlation between age and the GABA concentration in the frontal and posterior cortexes.

Link: GABA inhibits excess neural activity to increase focus and cognitive function in the frontal cortex. When the GABA concentration declines with age, neural activity is more likely to occur, contributing to reduced focus and cognitive decline in older people.

Evaluation

Standardisation
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a verified standardised test of cognitive function. Using this test raises the validity of the measurement, and provides stronger evidence for a relationship between GABA and cognitive function. | Confounding Variable
The volume of white and grey matter declines with age. Since the study was correlational, it cannot be determined whether this cortical atrophy was a third variable contributing to the correlation between GABA and cognitive function. |
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Question 14

McGaugh and Cahill (1995)

Question 15

Ronay and von Hippel (2010)

Question 16

Newcomer et al (1999)

Question 17

Weissman et al (2005)

Question 18

Research Techniques

Question 19

Genetics

Question 20

Hormones

Question 21

Pheromones

Question 22

Caspi et al (2003)

Question 23

Maguire (2000)

Question 24

Zhou et al (2014)