Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the evolutionary theory ? (relationship form.)
proposes that relationships form with individuals who posses certain traits that enhance successful reproduction which are naturally selected
what are the biological approach assumptions ?
evolutionary influences
localisation of brain function
neurotranmitters
what are the female selective pressures?
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)
what are the male selective pressures?
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)
what has oxytocin been associated with in relationships?
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
what is the parental investment theory ? (trivers,1972)
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
what does the biological approach believe?
behaviour cane explained in terms of (genes) inherited characteristics, as well as other physiological factors (e.g. hormones)
what does localisation of brain function refer to ?
the principle that certain areas of the brain are responsible for different functions
what is the medical model ?
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
what is the nativist approach ?
based on the assumption that all behaviour is inherited; passed down through our genes from generations
what is the physiological approach ?
approach that believes all behaviour is due to the functioning of internal body parts e.g. brain, nervous system, hormones & chemicals
what did German neurologist carl wernicke do?
‘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
what did French neurosurgeon Paul Broca do?
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
what are the 4 lobes, & what do they involve?
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
what are neurons? what do they do ?
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
what is the cerebral cortex responsible for?
responsible for higher order cognitive functions
how do neurons communicate with others?
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
how does EEA explain evolution ?
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
what is the role of serotonin on mood/ m health ?
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
how has the theory of evolution been used in psychology ?
to explain how the human mind & behaviour has changed over millions of years so they are adapted to the demands of our individual environments
what have high levels of dopamine been associated with ?
symptoms of schizo
supported by drugs that block dp activity, reduce schizophrenic symptoms
what is Darwins theory of natural selection?
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
altruistic behaviour as an e.g. of natural selection
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
what is EEA & what does it stand for?
environment of evolutionary adaptiveness
the environment to which any species is adapted + the selective pressures that existed at that time
what particular abilities would help humans survive?
those better at forming alliances & forming good relationships - more likely to survive in a complex social world
what forms of behaviour are adaptive, according to evolutionary psychologists?
the ones that will ensure the survival in that individuals particular environment
what has dp been associated with in relationships?
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.
