Biological approach KC1: The influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Question 1

genes

Answer 1

strands of DNA inherited from parents which influence our physical and psychological characteristics eg, height and personality.

Question 2

neuroanatomy

Answer 2

structures of the nervous system, including the brain and its different parts which have different functions. eg, the motor area controls movement.

Question 3

neurochemistry

Answer 3

related to messages sent around the brain and body via neurons (nerve cells) and neurotransmitters (chemical messengers). eg, some neurotransmitters effect mood.

Question 4

evolution

Answer 4

how organisms and their behaviour change over millions of years through natural selection as ansestors adapted to the environment to survive.

Question 5

what are the 4 main ways in which biology influences behaviour

Answer 5

genes, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and evolution

Question 6

what traits would you associate with extroversion

Answer 6

outgoing, sociable, loud, friendly, seek new experiences and sensations

Question 7

what traits would you associate with introversion

Answer 7

withdrawn, quiet, shy dislike new experiences and sensations

Question 8

self report

Answer 8

when you give information about yourself such as in questionaries or an interview

Question 9

what is the biggest limitation of self report

Answer 9

someone may give socially desirable answers. this will reduce the internal validity of the results/data

Question 10

internal validity

Answer 10

are you measuring what you intend to measure

Question 11

traits

Answer 11

characteristics that make up a personality

Question 12

what are extraverts and introverts

Answer 12

types of personality

Question 13

what type of nervous system do extraverts have

Answer 13

underactive nervous system

Question 14

what type of nervous system do introverts have

Answer 14

overactive nervous system

Question 15

name 2 strengths of the influence of biology on behaviour and traits

Answer 15

1. There is research to support the genetic basis of personality traits

Sanchez-Roige reviewed twin studies of extraversion-introversion and found that the ‘heritability estimate’ may be as much as 57%. this suggests that extraversion-introversion is mostly influenced by genes. adding validity to the biological argument.

2. has practical application so is useful

knowledge about the influence of biology on traits can be applied to reduce criminal behaviour. eg, criminals are often extraverts who like taking risks such as committing crimes.
they tend to not learn through rewards and punishments so prison may not be an effective way to change their behaviour. giving such criminals medication to increase the activity of their nervous system can be a better way to change their behaviour.

Question 16

name 1 limitation of the biological approach

Answer 16

1. incomplete explanation of behaviour

genes may make it more likely that a person will become an extravert or introvert but this is not inevitable. non-biological factors such as learning experiences from the environment may be more important. therefore, there is a risk of exaggerating biological influences and having an oversimplified view of the causes of behaviour.