L7 - The Biological Approach (Genetics and Brain Structures)

Question 1

what are the KEY ASSUMPTIONS of THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH?

Answer 1

• behaviour has evolved through evolutionary adaptation
• the genes an individual processes influence their behaviour
• the biological examination of animals can provide useful information about human behaviour
• biological structures and neurochemistry control and influence our reactions to the environment

Question 2

how has behaviour EVOLVED?

Answer 2

accoriding to CHARLES DARWIN, our behaviour has ADAPTED and CHANGED OVER TIME through NATURAL SELECTION. This is where PROFITABLE BEHAVIOURS are selected in mates and therfore reproduced. Over time, ADVATAGEOUS behaviours will continue which will continually increase our ability to surivive.

Question 3

influence of GENETICS and HEREDITY on behaviour

Answer 3

HEREDITY refers to the idea that characteristics are ‘passed on’ from one generation to the next through our genetics.

These characteristics can be PHYSICAL (e.g height or hair colour) or PSYCHOLOGICAL (e.g intelligence). To examine the extent to which genes influence behaviour, research is carried out on in the form of TWIN STUDIES.

Question 4

what do TWIN STUDIES involve?

Answer 4

TWIN STUDIES often involve comparing the LIKELIHOOD of a behaviour/disorder occurring in IDENTICAL MZ TWINS (100% genetically similar) to the likelihood of the same event in non-identical DZ twins (50% genetically similar). If the MZ twins show a HIGHER CONCORDANCE RATE then there is argued to be a GENETIC COMPONENT.

Question 5

typical results of twin studies

Answer 5

it is very rare however, that the concordance rate for MZ twins is 100%. This suggests that, althought there may be a genetic influence, some behaviours can be a mix of both genetics and environment:

Question 6

What is the GENOTYPE and PHENOTYPE?

Answer 6

GENOTPYE - Refers to the genes an individual possesses i.e an individual’s genetic make up

PHENOTYPE - refers to the OBSERVABLE traits/ characteristics shown by an individual that are due to the COMBINED EFFECT of GENES AND ENVIRONMENT

Question 7

Biological structures explanation for behaviour

Answer 7

The nervous system is divided into:

• The CNS (central nervous system)
• The PNS (peripheral nervous system)

Question 8

what is the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM?

Answer 8

The central nervous system comprises of the BRAIN and SPINAL CORD which act as the CENTRE from which the INDIVIDUAL IS CONTROLLED e.g through the COGNITIVE PROCESSING OF THE BRAIN

Question 9

What is the PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Answer 9

The PNS comprises of the SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM and the AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM. The somatic nervous system comprises the muscles attached to skeleton and is therfore PIVOTAL for MOVEMENT.

The autonomic nervous system OVERSEES BODILY ORGANS and is involved in the FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE.

Question 10

What is the role of the ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?

Answer 10

the ENDOCRINE SYSTEM MAINTAINS levels of HORMONES IN THE BLOOD that are RELEASED BY GLANDS. The most important gland is the PITUITARY GLAND which is LOCATED IN THE BRAIN.

This is sometimes called the MASTER GLAND because it INSTRUCTS THE OTHER GLANDS in the body to SECRETE hormones when necessary.