Biological approach

Question 1

What does the biological approach suggest?

Answer 1

That to understand behaviour we must look at biological structures and processes, e.g. genes, neurochemistry and the NS.
The mind and the brain are the same so that all thoughts, feeling and behaviour have a physical basis.

Question 2

What does the biological approach suggest about the genetic basis of behaviour?

Answer 2

• Biologists study if certain behaviours are inherited by comparing concordance rates between identical (mz) an anon-identical (dz) twins.
• Suggests behavioural characteristics (e.g. intelligence) are inherited in the same way height and eye colour are.

Question 3

What is a genotype?

Answer 3

Genotype = genetic make up, a particular set of genes someone possesses.

Question 4

What is a phenotype?

Answer 4

Phenotype = the way that genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics.
Determined by both genes and the environment.

Question 5

What does the biological approach suggest about evolution and behaviour?

Answer 5

• Theory of natural selection.
• Human and animal behaviour has evolved to adapt to the environment and those genes that are adaptable are naturally selected and continue in future generations.

Question 6

State 2 positives of the biological approach.

Answer 6

Scientific method of investigation:
- precise and highly scientific method
- fMRIs, EEGs, family and twin studies all produce reliable data
Real-life application:
- increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs
- revolutionised treatment for many
- this is a strength as sufferers are able to manage condition and live a relatively normal life

Question 7

State 2 negatives of the biological approach.

Answer 7

Causal conclusions:
- often explanations for mental illness are due to neurotransmitters
- particular drugs may reduce symptoms
- but we’ve only discovered an association between the 2 factors, not necessarily a cause
Cannot separate nature and nurture:
- Mz and Dz twins and family members all have genetic similarities but they also all share a similar environment
- confounding variable