Biological Approach (booklet 4) Flashcards
What do biopsychologists believe?
Everything psychological is simultaneously biological as all human behaviour has a biological or physiological basis
To understand behaviour we must look at biological structures eg genes, neurochemistry, neuroanatomic differences or central nervous system
Genotype
Genetic makeup of an individual that occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how the individual will develop
Phenotype
Physical or behavioural characteristics of an individual
Result of an individual’s genotype interacting with the environment
Example of genotype and phenotype- addiction
A1 allele of DRD2 gene predisposes an individual to developing addiction
This may be influenced by environmental factors eg stress, trauma, influence of role models
Here the A1 allele is the genotype and addiction is the phenotype
Concordance
The presence of the same trait in both members of a pair of twins
100% concordance= both twins always show the behaviour
0% concordance = both twins never show the behaviour
Types of twins
Monozygotic (mz) = one egg, 100% genetically similar
Dizygotic (dz) = two eggs, 50% genetically similar
Adoption studies
When siblings are placed with different families and similarities in their behaviour is assessed over time
Gives an indication of whether a behaviour is genetic or as a result of the environment
Animal studies
Used to investigate behaviour when ethical guidelines wouldn’t allow human participation
Many species have similar biological makeup to humans allowing results to be generalised
However still raises an ethical debate
Some argue complex human behaviour can’t be replicated in animals
Research methods used in the biological approach
Adoption studies (separate)
Animal studies (separate)
Case studies- observe behavioural abnormalities alongside changes in biology
Drug therapy- behaviour can be manipulated by altering biochemistry
Scans- physiology/activity of the brain can be studied through scans (MRI,PET,CAT) to identify functions of specific regions
Evolution
Human behaviour evolves in same way as physical characteristics- adaptiveness
A random mutation leads to a behaviour occurring
If it increases the chance of survival it is passed on
Central nervous system (CNS)
Biopsychologists emphasise the role of CNS- brain and spinal cord
Brain is complex certain area shave specific functions (localisation of function)
Damage to these areas may cause changes in behaviour
Eg damage to limbic system (emotional centre) may cause an increased emotional response such as aggression
Neurochemistry
Neurons (cells in brain) communicate through chemical messengers= neurotransmitters
Each neurotransmitter has a different function
Levels of and sensitivity to these can influence behaviour
Eg low levels of serotonin thought to be responsible for low mood/depression
Biochemistry (endocrine system)
Complex communication system that sends chemicals messengers called hormones
If hormones levels are too high or low this may influence behaviour
Eg if testosterone levels are abnormally high there may be heightened aggression
Evaluate biological approach- scientific methods
Strength is its precise and objective research methods
Scanning techniques eg MRIs can precisely identify areas of brain responsible for certain behaviours, animal studies can precisely identify cause p of behaviour through manipulating neurochemistry so can establish causal relationships
Increases scientific credibility of approach
Evaluate biological approach- deterministic
Limited by deterministic nature of assumptions
Suggests behaviour is a result of biological factors, eliminating free will
Serious implications for legal system as is based on assumption humans have free will which allows them to be punished
Also those recovering from mental health disorders may not believe they have ability to change their behaviour so won’t be motivated to recover
Evaluate biological approach- practical application
Influences treatment of mental health disorders
Increased understanding of neurochemical processes in brain has led to development of psychoactive drugs that can treat ments, illness eg finding low serotonin can result in depression led to development of SSRIs which increases action of serotonin at synapse
Strength as approach has helped improve quality of life in millions of people globally
Evaluate biological approach- reductionist
Accused of biological reductionism
Takes complex behaviours like schizophrenia and explains them in terms of single constituent parts eg genes
Limitation as fails to consider other factors like environment and how these factors interact
May be an incomplete explanation
