Biological Approach Flashcards
What does the biological approach deal with?
The influence of genes, biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour
What are genes?
They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism
What is biological structure?
An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ system or living thing
What is neural chemistry?
Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning
What is a genotype?
Particular set of genes that a person possesses
What is a phenotype?
The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
What does the biological approach suggest?
everything psychological is at first biological - to fully understand human behaviour we must look at biological structures and processes within the body
What do genetic basis study?
Behaviour of characteristics like intelligence/mental disorders
What are twin studies used to determine?
The likelihood that some characteristics have a genetic basis
What did Charles Darwin propose in the 19th century?
The theory of natural selection
Example of an animal which has been adapted physically to its environment?
A giraffe - long necks
Memory?
Human memory involved because of it providing advantages
Attachment?
Will be argued that attachment to a primary caregiver is adaptive
What is natural selection?
any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival will continue in future generations
How do they use twin studies to test genetic basis?
and they do this by comparing the concordance rates between twins
