Biological approach Flashcards
What are the main assumptions of the biological approach?
assumes all behaviour is determined by nature and our physiological makeup
assumes everything has a physical cause and therefore, should be treated using physical methods
uses scientific and non-scientific methods to create treatments and aid medical advancement which has increased life expectancy
genetic mapping has allowed biologists to eliminate potential deformities or illnesses
believes in the influence of genetics and hereditary
Darwin believes in sexual selection in that humans and animals want to reproduce and survive as a species
suggests rooting reflex seen in babies is innate and not learnt
Evaluate the assumption that behaviour is determined by nature and our physiological makeup.
+ strong argument for nature
- seen as a reductionist explanation
Compare the Biological approach to the behaviourist approach.
the biological approach ignores the role of the environment-nurture- which is fundamental to the behaviourist approach
The majority of the research done by the biological approach is trialed on animals to create treatments for humans and this generalization is similar to the behaviourist
Compare the biological approach to the cognitive approach
biological approach assumes depression is caused by chemical imbalance in the brain - abnormal serotonin levels- and can be treated using drugs whereas cognitive use CBT to treat depression.
Give some examples of the research methods used by the biological approach.
surgery case studies twin studies brain scans genetic mapping experiments
What is a disadvantage of the research method used by the biological approach?
It is unethical and therefore, heavily criticized by animal rights
it offends humanistic psychologists as they believe humans are unique, unpredictable beings who shouldn’t be generalized.
What is an advantage of genetic mapping?
can lead to early detection of PKU which can lead to normal development with an amine free diet.
What is a disadvantage of genetic mapping?
it can lead to detection of down syndrome which may lead to unethical abortions.
Who is Galen?
He was the first Greek physician to explain personality n biological terms- bodily fluids influence your personality.
How did Charles Darwin influence the biological approach?
through his theory of evolution where he believe in natural selection and survival of the fittest where we adapt behaviour to survive.
Define genetics.
genetics is the study of the genetic makeup of organisms and how genes influence our physical and behavioural characteristics.
Define herditary.
Hereditary is the traits, characteristics and behavioural tendencies inherited from ones parents and ancestors.
Explain Bock and Good’s experiment.
They raised a mouse in isolation and then placed him in a cage with other mice. They found that the mouse showed innate aggression which could not be learnt through observation (SLT) or reinforcement and punishment (Behaviourist)
+This study supports behaviour being innate and instinctual in order to survive.
This supports the psychodynamic approach as they also believe instincts drive behaviour.
Explain Bishop and Cook’s study.
Their study supports Darwin’s theory of natural selection in that we adapt to survive.
Prior to the industrial revolution, the most popular moth was white and most predators couldn’t see it as barks of trees where light because there was no pollution. The industrial revolution created pollution darkening the barks of trees and white moths mated with black moths to survive.
How many chromosomes do we have?
46
