Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the two greatest contributors to our brain and behaviour?
genes and evolution
What is a gene?
A small section of a chromosome that codes for a particular characteristic
How many pairs of chromosomes are in the nucleus?
23
How can genes affect our behaviour?
Hormones e.g. oestrogen, testosterone
Neurotransmitters and receptors
Enzymes which affect the nervous system
What is genotype?
The alleles present for a particular characteristic
What is phenotype?
The physical appearance resulting from inherited info and environmental triggers
What are the three types of evolution?
Natural selection, sexual selection and kin selection
What are monozygotic twins?
Identical twins
What are dizygotic twins?
Non-identical twins
What are the main research methods used by the biological approach?
Twin studies
Adoption studies
Brain imaging
Animal research
Strengths of twins studies?
Because MZ twins share 100% DNA, we can be 100% sure that any differences between them is due to the environment
High ecological validity
Weaknesses of twin studies?
Twins share an environment too because they are brought up together so it can be hard to separate the effects of nature and nurture
Because they look the same, they are often treated accidentally very similarly
