Biologist Approach

Question 1

pos evaluation

scientifc methods, reliable data - bio+neuro process

Answer 1

• scanning with fMRI, twin studies, advances in tech
• measures biological and neurological processes
• reliable data

Question 2

pos evaluation

real-life application - biochemistry, drug

Answer 2

• increased understanding of biochemistry
• devlopment of psychoactive drug
• revolutionised the treatment as suffers manage the condition without being in hospital

Question 3

neg evaluation - too determinist, legal implication, no control

Answer 3

• behavior is government by internal biology
• this suggests we have no control of it
• has legal implications as we are legally responsible for crimes
• the “crime gene” complicates the principal

Question 4

neg evaluation

confounding variables, environment also affects similarities in families, twins

Answer 4

• approach says any similarties in family must be genetic
• there’s also confounding variables as they are exposed to the same environment
• it also cant explain why DZ twins have a higher concordance than normal siblings (likely due to the environment)

Question 5

what are the assumptions of the approach (psychology = biology)?

Answer 5

• to study the biological structures and processes (genes, neurochemistry, and nervous system)
• the mind is in the brain so have a physical basis (contrast to cognitive)

Question 6

what are genetic studies?

Answer 6

• characteristics are inherited in the same way physical characteristics are
• twin studies are used to see if traits have a genetic basis
• the concordance rate is measured in pairs of twins to see how similar they are
• monozygotic twins have a higher concordance rate than dizygotic twins
• this shows that traits have a genetic basis

Question 7

what are genotypes and phenotypes?

Answer 7

• genotype is the genetic makeup
• the phenotype is the way genes are expressed (behavioral and psychological)
• the genotype is influenced by the environment as twins are different despite having the same genes
• this means their phenotype is different
• means behavior is dependant on an interaction of inherited and environmental factors

Question 8

what is Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

Answer 8

• where genetically determined behavior that enhances chances of survival continues in future generations as they live to reproduce