Biological approach (not needed) Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
Suggests that everything psychological is at first biological so to fully understand human behaviour, we must look to biological structures and processes within the body.
How are twin studies used to explain genetic basis of behaviour?
If identical (monozygotic) twins are found to have higher concordance rates than non-identical (dizygotic) twins for certain traits, this would suggest a genetic basis. This is because MZ twins share 100% of each other’s genes, whilst DZ twins share about 50%.
What is the difference between a genotype and a phenotype?
A person’s genotype is their actual genetic make-up, whereas phenotype is the way that genes are expressed determined by both genes and the environment.
What are the strengths of the biological approach?
- Scientific methods of investigation, it is possible to accurately measure biological processes in ways that are not open to bias.
- Real-life application - by understanding processes in the brain, mental illnesses such as depression can sometimes be treated using drugs. This means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life.
What is a limitation of the biological approach?
It claims to have discovered causes where only an association exists. Studies show a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder and thus it is assumed that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder. Discovering an association between two factors does not mean that one is a cause.
