Biological Approach

Question 1

What is the evolutionary theory ? (relationship form.)

Answer 1

proposes that relationships form with individuals who posses certain traits that enhance successful reproduction which are naturally selected

Question 2

what are the biological approach assumptions ?

Answer 2

evolutionary influences
localisation of brain function
neurotranmitters

Question 3

what are the female selective pressures?

Answer 3

seek signs of fertility and healthiness but are more concerned to find a partner who can provide the resources for offspring to survive (e.g. food and shelter)

Question 4

what are the male selective pressures?

Answer 4

mate as frequently as they can selecting women who are more fertile and healthy

indicators of youth and health; smooth skin, glossy hair, red lips and thin waist. (physical attractiveness)

Question 5

what has oxytocin been associated with in relationships?

Answer 5

human bonding and increasing trust + loyalty
high levels — romantic attachment
natural chemical drive to bond with others
lack of physical contact = decrease/lower oxytocin levels = longing to bond with partner

Question 6

what is the parental investment theory ? (trivers,1972)

Answer 6

explains why some relationships are formed e.g. younger women + older men.

female mammals invest more in their offspring so they must be ‘choosier’ in finding a partner, hence will seek out the male that can provide most resources

Question 7

what does the biological approach believe?

Answer 7

behaviour cane explained in terms of (genes) inherited characteristics, as well as other physiological factors (e.g. hormones)

Question 8

what does localisation of brain function refer to ?

Answer 8

the principle that certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions

Question 9

what is the medical model ?

Answer 9

refers to treatment of psychological disorders based on the same principles used to treat physical diseases

psychological problems have a physical cause and can be treated using physical (medical) methods

Question 10

what is the nativist approach ?

Answer 10

based on the assumption that all behaviour is inherited; passed down through our genes from generations

Question 11

what is the physiological approach ?

Answer 11

approach that believes all behaviour is due to the functioning of internal body parts e.g. brain, nervous system, hormones & chemicals

Question 12

what did German neurologist carl wernicke do?

Answer 12

‘Wernicke’s area’ = located in the posterior portion of the left temporal lobe
involved in understanding language, in Brian area
his patients could speak but not understand language

Question 13

what did French neurosurgeon Paul Broca do?

Answer 13

studied 8 patients with language problems
studied their brains after death & found damage to a specific area of their left hemispheres
‘broca’s area’ = associated with speech production
located in posterior portion of frontal lobe

Question 14

what are the 4 lobes, & what do they involve?

Answer 14

frontal = thinking & creativity, linked to our personality

Parietal = receive sensory info such as temp, pain, touch

temporal= response for much of mem processing + processing of auditory info (hence speech)

Occipital= visual processing + receive info directly from the eyes

Question 15

what are neurons? what do they do ?

Answer 15

electrically editable cells that form the basis of the nervous sys

the flexibility is enhanced due to dendrites (branches at end of neuron) so that each neuron connects with many others

Question 16

what is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

Answer 16

responsible for higher order cognitive functions

Question 17

how do neurons communicate with others?

Answer 17

messages are relayed by neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) at a synapse

the n are released from presynaptic vesicles in 1 neuron, either stimulating/ inhibiting receptors in the other

the synaptic cleft/gap is about 20nm wide

Question 18

how does EEA explain evolution ?

Answer 18

humans have large brains relative to their body size

the human brain has evolved in response to the complex social organisation of our species

the most recent evolutionary change was about 2 mill years ago when humans moved from forest life to developing savannahs in Africa

Question 19

what is the role of serotonin on mood/ m health ?

Answer 19

plays a role in our mood, sleep & appetite
too little is found in those with depression
some anti-depressant medications therefore work by increasing the availability of serotonin at the postsynaptic receptor sites

Question 20

how has the theory of evolution been used in psychology ?

Answer 20

to explain how the human mind & behaviour has changed over millions of years so they are adapted to the demands of our individual environments

Question 21

what have high levels of dopamine been associated with ?

Answer 21

symptoms of schizo
supported by drugs that block dp activity, reduce schizophrenic symptoms

Question 22

what is Darwins theory of natural selection?

Answer 22

any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals chance of survival & reproduction sill be naturally selected

genes will be passed on to the next generation

natural selection takes place at the level of the genes

Question 23

altruistic behaviour as an e.g. of natural selection

Answer 23

parents risk their lives to save their offspring

the theory of n.s would say altruism is an inherited, adaptive trait as saving an offspring enhances the survival of that individuals gene pool

Question 24

what is EEA & what does it stand for?

Answer 24

environment of evolutionary adaptiveness

the environment to which any species is adapted + the selective pressures that existed at that time

Question 25

what particular abilities would help humans survive?

Answer 25

those better at forming alliances & forming good relationships - more likely to survive in a complex social world

Question 26

what forms of behaviour are adaptive, according to evolutionary psychologists?

Answer 26

the ones that will ensure the survival in that individuals particular environment

Question 27

what has dp been associated with in relationships?

Answer 27

traits that enhance the survival of those with similar genes are also selected to promote the survival od our group’s genes

natural incentive to look after siblings & invest time, energy, & resources into ensuring they’re healthy and protected.