biological approach- influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Question 1

general assumption=

Answer 1

. Our behavior is a result of our genetic makeup, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and evolution

. our thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis (biological reasoning)

Question 2

what are traits=

Answer 2

characteristics that make up our personality- do not change much from one situation to another and age (stable and enduring).

Question 3

who created the extroversion/introversion theory ?

Answer 3

Eysenck (1947)

Question 4

explain extroversion

Answer 4

outgoing, sociable, loud, friendly, constantly seeking new experiences and new sensations. Thrive in teams, seek greater stimulation. (opposite of introvert)

Question 5

explain introversion

Answer 5

withdrawn, shy, quiet and uncomfortable, seek less stimulation, Favour independence (opposite of extroverts)

Question 6

. Eysenck theory=

Answer 6

Eysenck believed that most people are not pure extraverts or pure introverts. Extraversion-introversion is a spectrum of personality and each of us lies somewhere between extreme extraversion and extreme introversion

Question 7

how does this link to the biological approach ?

Answer 7

genes inherited from your parents determine your degree of extroversion/introversion (genes).

. They do this by influencing the activity of your nervous system (neurochemistry)

Question 8

what do extroverts inherit =

Answer 8

underactive nervous system

so in order to arouse it they have to experience constant excitement.

Question 9

what do introverts inherit =

Answer 9

overactive nervous system

so they avoid further stimulation (avoid arousing it) by withdrawing and keeping away from exciting activities.

Question 10

. Strength=
Evaluation- influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Answer 10

. is improved approaches to reducing criminal behaviour.

.Criminals are often extroverts because they are sensation seekers who crave the excitement of new experiences and taking risks (committing crime).

.Extroverts tend not to respond to punishment, so it does not deter them from antisocial behaviour (prison).

Perhaps some criminal’s behaviour would be better dealt with biologically (drugs to increase nervous system activity.)

Question 11

strength=
Evaluation- influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Answer 11

research into the genetics of personality traits. Comparing identical and non-identical twins to calculate a heritability estimate.

The figure of extroversion or introversion is strong at 57%- Roige et al.

Question 12

weakness=
Evaluation- influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Answer 12

biology is often less important than other factors

Genes may make it more likely that a person is an extrovert or introvert. But this is not inevitable.

Non-biological factors such as learning experiences may be more important, such as the environment a person is raised in.

Alternative theories may be a more useful explanation for behaviour. Risk of exaggerating biological influence (oversimplifying behaviour.)