Biological Approach Flashcards
Explain evolution and behaviour , genotype , phenotype and genetic basis of behaviour - a01
Evolution and behaviour - Charles Darwin proposed a theory of natural selection to explain evolution. It shows that behaviour increases survival. For example , animals defend their territory through AGGRESSION , this means they are more likely to reproduce and pass on these traits. Similarly researchers say that aggression has also been passed on in humans
Genotype and phenotype - genotype is an actual genetic makeup of a person and phenotype is the way its presented for example blue hair.
Phenotypes can be influenced by environmental factors. Often genetic behaviour is studied through comparing twins. If Monozygotic twins are more likely to share behaviours it supports the idea that genes control behaviour.
What is the twin study?
The aims were to see how much genes control behaviours
A study of intelligence in 111 studies found the following concordance
Mz twins raised together - 87%
Mz twins raised apart - 71%
DZ twins raised together - 60%
Siblings raised together - 47%
Explain biological structures and neurochemistry
One form of internal communication is through electrical impulses which travel around our brain and body. These impulses are transmitted between neurones by neurotransmitters. Psychologists also believe that neurotransmitter imbalances cause abnormal behaviour like low levels of serotonin is associated with depression
The endocrine system is a slower acting communication system which uses hormones released by glands for example adrenaline is released by a part of fight or flight response. This allows us to deal with any threats to survival.
A03
Deterministic
Point: The biological approach has been criticised for being deterministic.
Example/Evidence: The biological approach is determinist in the sense that it sees human behaviour as being controlled by internal, biological causes meaning we have no free will. For example, Brunner concluded that the MAOA gene led to aggressive behaviour in several generations of males in the same family. This indicates that the violence is part of the individual’s biology and so they do not choose to act in this way (no free will).
Link: This deterministic approach is a weakness because it has implications for the legal system and wider society. One of the rules of law is that offenders are legally and morally responsible for their actions. If we believe the biological approach offenders are not morally responsible or to blame as they are controlled by their
genes.
Reductionist
Point: The biological approach is accused of being reductionist on its view of human behaviour.
Example/Evidence: The Biological approach reduces all complex behaviour down to one cause i.e., the role of neurotransmitters in our brain like Serotonin. For example, it has said that low levels of serotonin can cause depression.
Link: This is a simplistic view of behaviour to think that depression can only be caused by depression. It ignores environmental factors or how faulty thinking could influence our behaviour.
Evidence
Point: There are many pieces of supporting evidence for the biological approach.
Example/Evidence: Supporting research for the biological approach comes from twin studies and objective studies using biological equipment such as PET scans. Research has discovered the concordance rates of depression: monozygotic (MZ) twins - 49%, dizygotic (DZ) twins - 17%, ordinary siblings - 9% (this will be taught in the next section).
Link: This is a strength because having supporting research such as this adds validity and credibility to the biological approach, particularly the genetic explanation.
Application (Can the approach be used to help people in the real world?)
Point: A strength of the biological approach is that biological research has led to many treatments being developed to treat psychological disorders.
Example/Evidence: Research into biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of drug treatments. Medication to treat serious mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia have been developed. Although these drugs are not effective for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many.
Link: This is a strength because this is a strength of the biological approach because it means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital.
Methods
Point: The methods used by the biological approach are scientific lab studies and studies that involve scientific/biological equipment.
Example/Evidence: In order to investigate the genetic and biological basis of behaviour, the biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly scientific methods which are reliable and objective. Raine et al (1997) used PET scans to compare brain activity in murders and “normal” individuals. They found differences in areas of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, regions associated with aggressive behaviour.
