Biological Approach Flashcards
Assumes behaviour has a biological cause
Scientific methods brain scanning and lab ex
Role of genes on behaviour
Some mental illness thought to have genetic contribution, some to result of inheritance eg schizophrenia 1% but around 54% with an MZ twin with the inless
Must study the interaction of genes in the environment
Genotype, genetic code
Phenotype, observable characteristic affected by environmental factors
Role of biological structures like the brain on behaviour
Case studies of brain damaged individuals reveal certain things about the function of different regions
Phineas Gage, frontal lobes, aggressive and impatient = personality and planning
The role of neurochemistry on behaviour, influence of horemores
Many schizophrenia patients have excess levels of dopamine suggests it is involved in rational and organised thinking
Evolution
Organisms change over time in order to adapt to their environment, some are naturally selected because they promote survival
Research suggests suggests mate preferences are a product of evolution
Males have evolved to prefer signs of attractiveness and youth as it increases chances of bearing children, reproductive success
Practical applications
Mental illness linked to the imbalance of neurotransmitters
Antidepressants increases levels of serotonin and reduce symptoms of depression (50-65%) improvement with drug treatments
Improve lives of people in the real world, valuable
Scientific
Experimental method, highly controlled, replicable
Neuroimaging is objective
Credible and accurate conclusions that are based on more than just common sense
Methodological issues of supporting evidence
Concordance rates suggest there must be other environmental explanations of behaviour
High concordance rates in MZ similar child rearing
Cause and effect cannot be established, incomplete
Reductionist
Behaviour through genes and structure
Environmental factors ie upbringing
Oversimplifies causes of behaviours which may be interactions
