Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?
- Evolution
- Genotype/phenotype
- Genetic basis of behaviour
- Biological structures and neurochemistry
How can we test whether a behaviour is genetic?
- Twin studies
- Family studies
- Adoption studies
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype? Use an example.
- Genotype is actual genetic makeup
- Phenotype is the way the genotype is expressed through the environment
- Example: having a genotype for dark brown hair but haviing lighter brown or blonde hair due to sun exposure.
What is meant by concordance rate?
The degree to which two individuals in a pair share a particular trait or disorder.
What is the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?
Monozygotic- identical twins
Dizygotic twins- non-identical twins
Which type of twins are more likely to have higher concordance rates? Why?
Monozygotic twins (identical) because they share 100% same genes.
What did Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggest?
- Any behaviour that increases an individual’s survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations
- Survival of the fittest- those that have a certain trait are more likely to survive, reproduce and pass on these traits.
How is aggression an example of a naturally selected behaviour?
- Animals defend their territory through aggression so that they have the necessary resources for survival, mating, and caring for offspring.
How can neurochemistry be used to explain complex mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia?
- Neurotransmitters- imbalances of neurotransmitters can lead to disorders e.g., low levels of seretonin are associated with depression.
AO3- strength or weakness?
DREAMS- deterministic?
- Weakness
- Biological approach views behaviour as being controlled by internal, biological causes which we cannot control.
- WEAKNESS BECAUSE it has implications for the legal system and wider society- is it fair to punish those who have been aggressive if they have a gene that caused the aggression?
AO3- strength or weakness?
DREAMS- reductionist?
- Weakness
- The approach reduces all complex behaviour down to one internal biological cause e.g., depression is caused by low levels of serotonin
- WEAKNESS BECAUSE it is too simplistic to think this way, there are lots of different factors that can cause depression which this approach ignores e.g., environmental factors.
AO3- strength or weakness?
DREAMS- supporting evidence?
- STRENGTH
- Lots of supporting evidence e.g., twin studies.
- Research has shown that concodordance rates for depression are highest (49%) in MZ twins who share 1–% of same DNA when compared to DZ twins (17%) and ordinary siblings (9%).
- STRENGTH BECAUSE adds validity to the approach
AO3- strength or weakness?
DREAMS- applications of the research?
- Strength
- The approach has led to many treatments being developed to treat psychological disorders
- For example, anti-depressant medications have been developed to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain which have been found to be effective at reducing the symptoms of depression.
- STRENGTH because the biological approach has been used to help sufferers manage their condition.
AO3- strength or weakness?
DREAMS- what methods does the approach use?
- Strength
- The biological approach makes use of highly scientific methods such as twin studies and brain scans
- STRENGTH because it emphasises the scientific processes and gives psychology greater credibility as a science.
