Chapter 4 Approaches - The biological approach

Question 1

The biological approach - Assumptions?

Answer 1

The mind and body are one and the same.

Question 2

The biological approach - The neurochemical basis of behaviour?

Answer 2

Thought & behaviour depend on chemicals (neurotransmitters e.g. serotonin).

Question 3

The biological approach - The genetic basis of behaviour?

Answer 3

Concordance between MZ & DZ twins show genetic basis of psychological characteristics.

Question 4

The biological approach - Genotype & phenotype?

Answer 4

Genes vs expression of genes in environment (nature & nurture).

Question 5

The biological approach - Evolution & behaviour?

Answer 5

Natural selection of genes based on survival value and, ultimately, reproductive success.

Question 6

Evaluation of the biological approach - Real-world application? STRONG

Answer 6

• Understanding of biochemical processes is associated with the development of psychoactive drugs.
• CP is that antidepressants do not work for everyone (Cipriani et al.).

Question 7

Evaluation of the biological approach - Scientific methods? STRONG

Answer 7

Precise & objective methods e.g. scanning techniques such as fMRI & EEGs.

Question 8

Evaluation of the biological approach - Biological determinism? WEAK

Answer 8

Sees human behaviour as governed by internal genetically-determined factors, an oversimplication.

Question 9

Evaluation of the biological approach - Natural selection?

Answer 9

Popper claims theory of natural selection can´t be falsified, but fossil record is supportive.