biological approach + evaluation DONT DO

Question 1

what are the assumptions for biological approach

Answer 1

• Everything psychological is first biological so we must focus on biological structures and processes
• Emphasises on role of evolution
• includes a central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal cord
• Neurochemistry is a way of explaining behaviour, so neurotransmitters and the body (hormones)

Question 2

what is the genetic basis of behaviour (biological approach)

Answer 2

• genes play a role in many aspects of our behaviour: 1)family studies (looks at history of your family) 2)twin studies (MZ twins have a higher concordance rate)
• neurochemistry, Dopamine and serotonin are essential for transmission of nerve impulses across the synapse
• biological structures, Different parts of the brain are responsible for different functions

Question 3

What two chemicals are important to neurochemistry (biological approach)

Answer 3

dopamine and serotonin

Question 4

genotype and phenotype definitions

Answer 4

G- A person’s genetic make up
P- Way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics between the genes and environment

Question 5

Evolution and behaviour in the biological approach

Answer 5

Darwin said there are two ways by which gradual changes to species can take place:
1- survival of the fittest
2- Offspring inherit these characteristics which lead to survival advantage

Question 6

Two strength of the biological approach

Answer 6

• Uses scientific methods to investigate how internal body processes human behaviour, so they use brain scans- RELIABLE AND GOOD INTERNAL VALIDITY
• effective practical applications, it has led to the development of successful treatment for mental illness which can benefit people and allow them to be free of distressing symptoms

Question 7

two weaknesses of the biological approach

Answer 7

• Deterministic in its view on behaviour, it only sees behaviour affected by biology and ignores other important influences on a behaviour like our environment and nurture
• Focuses too much on nature for cause of behaviour, so our behaviour is being controlled by genes and hormones which implies we have no free will over behaviour