Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the genotype of an individual?
The genetic material that we are born with, the set of chromosomes that direct the development of traits.
What does the phenotype represent?
The extent to which each genetic characteristic is expressed, resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment.
Fill in the blank: Genotype + Environment = _______
Phenotype
How can an individual’s genotype influence their behavior?
It provides the genetic basis for traits like aggression, but expression (phenotype) can be influenced by environmental factors.
What is the assumption of behavioral genetics?
Our behavioral characteristics can be determined by our unique genetic make-up in a similar way to physical characteristics.
What does heritability refer to in the context of behavioral genetics?
The extent to which a trait is determined by genetics.
What is the significance of twin studies in behavioral genetics?
They compare concordance rates between monozygotic and dizygotic twins to determine the genetic basis of behavioral characteristics.
What were the findings of Joseph (2001) regarding antisocial behavior in twins?
There was a high degree of heritability for both childhood and adult antisocial behavior, indicated by high concordance rates.
List some methods used to study the genetic basis of behavior.
- Twin studies (MZ and DZ twins)
- Adoption studies
- Family studies
True or False: Identical twins have identical genotypes but can still show differences in their phenotypes.
True
What is biological determinism in the context of psychology?
The idea that behavior is determined by genetic factors.
What is the relationship between biochemical imbalances and behavior?
Biochemical imbalances and brain physiology can affect behavior.
What assumption is made about inherited behavior?
Behavior can be inherited as it is determined by genetic information.
Fill in the blank: Biological explanations are found across virtually all other areas of the spec, including _______ and _______.
Psychopathology; Aggression
What are twin studies used for in psychology?
To draw conclusions about the genetic basis of a particular behavioural characteristic
What do concordance rates measure in twin studies?
The extent to which both twins share the same characteristic
What is the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?
Monozygotic twins are identical, while dizygotic twins are non-identical
What did Joseph (2001) study regarding MZ twins?
He studied 32 MZ twins reared apart and found high heritability for antisocial behaviour
What methods are used in addition to twin studies to study genetics and behaviour?
- Adoption studies
- Family studies
What do biological psychologists believe about behavioural characteristics?
They have evolved in the same way as physical characteristics
What does the process of natural selection propose about behavioural characteristics?
Those that helped individuals survive and reproduce were passed on through genes
What characteristics are suggested to have increased survival chances for our ancestors?
- Intelligence
- Aggression
What is the role of the Limbic System in the brain?
It is primarily responsible for emotional responses and behaviours
What does the Biological approach claim about differences in biological structures?
They could directly influence an individual’s behaviour
How can a responsive limbic system affect a person’s behaviour?
It may lead them to interpret situations in a more hostile way
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemicals that neurons use to communicate with one another
Name two examples of neurotransmitters.
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
What can low levels of serotonin influence in behaviour?
Impulsivity behaviours associated with OCD
What are hormones and where are they produced?
Chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system
What happens when a hormone is released?
It is secreted into the bloodstream and travels to the required site in the body
What is the effect of high levels of testosterone on behaviour?
It can result in more aggressive behaviour
What are pathways of the brain believed to influence?
People’s behaviours
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to impulsivity behaviours associated with OCD.
What are hormones?
Chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system
Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel to required sites in the body.
How can high levels of testosterone affect behaviour?
Can result in more aggressive behaviour
What is a strength of the biological approach?
Uses controlled experimental methods and advanced technology to collect objective data
What real-life application does the biological approach have?
Makes clear predictions about the effects of neurotransmitters on behaviour
Drugs like SSRIs are developed to treat conditions such as depression and OCD.
What does reductionism involve in the context of the biological approach?
Explaining complex behaviours by breaking them down into their smallest components
What is a limitation of the biological approach related to twin studies?
Difficult to separate the influence of nature and nurture
What is the advantage of twin (MZ)-adoption studies over regular twin studies?
Can isolate nature and nurture influences
What issue arises from using a genetic explanation of behaviour?
May lead to genetic screening and discrimination against individuals
True or False: Identical twins always have identical traits.
False
Identical twins can have different phenotypes despite sharing the same genotype.
Fill in the blank: The result of an interaction between a person’s genotype and the environment is called _______.
[phenotype]
Fill in the blank: A type of chemical that transmits messages between neurons is called _______.
[neurotransmitter]
What measures the extent of similarity between twins for a specific behavioural characteristic?
Concordance rate
