Biological Approach

Question 1

Key assumptions of the approach

Answer 1

All behaviours are determined by biological factors, and everything psychological was at first biological

Question 2

Genetic factors

Answer 2

Genes code for characteristics such as eye colour

-things such as serotonin is biologically determined and therefore things such as depression are biologically caused

Question 3

Concordance rates for MZ and DZ twins

Answer 3

Schizophrenia MZ 78%, DZ 8-28%

Question 4

Genotype

Answer 4

The particular set of genes are person possesses, accounts for traits such as hair/eye colour

Question 5

Phenotype

Answer 5

How genes are displayed as a result of both genetics and the environment

Question 6

Evolution

Answer 6

Natural selection and adaptation

Question 7

Neuroanatomy

Answer 7

Different regions of the Brain are responsible for different functions

E.g. parietal lobe - reading

Question 8

Neurochemistry

Answer 8

Synaptic transmission
A neuron in a resting state is negatively charged compared to the outside. When it is stimulated (pressure, such as pain in a finger), it briefly becomes positively charged, causing an electrical impulse called an action potential to travel down the axon towards the end of the neuron.
2. Each neuron is separated by a synapse, including the space between them called the synaptic cleft and the presynaptic terminal as well as the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic receptor site.
3. When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the neuron (presynaptic terminal), it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter from tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles. The process of this neurotransmitter being released is called synaptic transmission. Signals are sent between neurons chemically rather than electrically.
4. Once the neurotransmitter crosses the gap, it is taken up on the postsynaptic receptor sites (dendrites on the next neuron). The chemical message is converted back into an electrical impulse and the process of the transmission begins again in the other neuron.
This email (including any attachments) is meant only for the intended recipient. It may also contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, any reliance on, use, disclosure, distribution or copying of this email or attachments is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender immediately by email if you have received this message by mistake and delete the email and all attachments. Any views or opinions in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the King’s School in Macclesfield. The School accepts no liability for the content of this email, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently confirmed in writing. Although every reasonable effort is made to keep its network free from viruses, the School accepts no liability for any virus transmitted by this email or any attachments and the recipient should use up-to-date virus checking software. Email to or from this address may be subject to interception or monitoring for operational reasons or for lawful business practices.