Bioloigcal Approach Flashcards
Define Biological Approach
Views humans as biological organisms and so provides biologicL explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning.
Define Gene
A part of the chromosome of an organism that carries DNA.
Define Genotype
The genetic make-up of an individual.
Define Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an organism.
What are the Basic Assumptions?
- all human behaviours can be explained using genetics and hormones
- if all behaviours have a biological cause, then behaviours can be easily modified using things such as medication
- research using animals can inform us about human behaviours
Explain Behavioural Traits using Evolution
- people with better genes are more likely to reproduce
- others who have bad genes are less likely to reproduce so these bad genes aren’t passed on
- this causes people to become better adapted as there are less bad genes
- phobias and aggression may have evolved because of the survival advantage they gave
Explain Psychological Traits using Genetics
- faulty genes can cause some mental illnesses e.g. schizophrenia
- as biological psychologists believe everything can be explained by genetics, these mental illnesses are passed down through genes
- some genes may make you more likely to develop a mental illness
Define Neurochemistry
Study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system.
What role do Neurotransmitters play?
- too much or too little of a neurotransmitter may produce psychological disorders
- e.g. too much dopamine is linked to schizophrenia
Define Twin Studies
A research method that allows psychologists to study the “nature vs nurture” debate.
What did Gottesman (1991) do?
- carried out a meta analysis of 40 twin studies
What did Gottesman (1991) find?
- identical twin with schizophrenia = 48% chance of also developing illness
- non identical twin with schizophrenia = 17% chance of also developing illness
Define Adoption Studies
Comparing biological relatives and adoptive relatives in terms of genetics and environment.
What did Heston (1966) do?
- studied 47 adopted children whose biological mothers had schizophrenia
- control group if 50 adopted children whose biological mothers didn’t have schizophrenia
- followed up as adults and given personality/intelligence tests
What did Heston (1966) find?
- experimental group = 5 out of 47 developed illness, 4 classed as borderline
- control group = 0 out of 50 developed illness
Define PET Scans
Shows which part of the brain is active during a specific task.
Define CAT Scan
Detects damaged parts of brain, tumours and blood clots; shows structure of brain NOT function.
Define MRI Scan
Detect small tumours and provide details about brain structure.
Define SQUID Magnetometry
Uses magnetic fields generated from active neurones in the brain to produce images of the brain.
What did Bard and Mountcastle (1948) find?
Found damaged areas of the brain led to changes in aggression levels; hypothalamus and mandala are involved.
General Strengths of Biological Approach
- very scientific so can provide good evidence for their assumptions
- biological treatments can be developed to help individualswith mental illnesses
General Weaknesses of Biological Approach
- doesn’t consider the influence of environment, family, childhood experiences or emotions/motivation
- biological explanations for negative behaviours may cause people to blame medicine and biology instead of themselves
