L7 - Biological Approach Flashcards
Define genetics
Involves heredity which is the passing on of genes (instructions for a certain characteristic) from parents to offspring
Define nature-nurture debate
Extent to which a psychological characteristic is determined by genes or the environment
Define genotype
The genetic code in DNA of individual cells inherited by offspring from their parents
Define phenotype
The physical characteristics expressed and determined by a person’s genes, and behavioural and psychological traits
What is the evolutionary explanation?
Natural selection
Traits which adapt and aid survival are passed down, those without don’t reproduce as can’t survive and gradually die out
Survival of the fittest
How is extent of genetic influence studied?
MZ v DZ
Calculate concordance rate
What study would be used to support the genetic explanation?
Gottesman and Shields’ study of MZ and DZ twins into schizophrenia development
Advantage of genetic explanation?
Helps psychologists screen people to see if they have the gene for an illness
Before they get ill so can get help
Preventative
Disadvantages of genetic explanation?
Reductionist (complex into simple)
Deterministic (no free will)
Advantage of evolutionary explanation?
Interactionist Biology (genes and traits) plus environmental interactions determine behaviour and survival
Disadvantage of evolutionary explanations related to overlooking approaches?
Overlooks behavioural and cognitive
Assumes all members want to reproduce, some humans don’t
Takes away free will
Disadvantage of evolutionary explanations related to how?
Some things inherited but don’t aid survival, e.g. OCD
Makes no sense according to SotF
Unclear
