Lesson 6 - Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological Approach Assumptions

Answer 1

The Mechanism of Heredity
Evolution and Behaviour
Biological Structures and Behaviour
Neurochemistry and Behaviour

Question 2

The Mechanisms of Heredity

Answer 2

Idea that characteristics are passed on from one generation to the next through genetics/genes
=> Physical or psychological
Research on twins

Question 3

The Mechanisms of Heredity

Research on Twins

Answer 3

To examine extent of the influence of genes on behaviour, research is carried out on twins
Compares likelihood of behaviour/disorders on identical and fraternal (monozygotic/dizygotic)
If MZ, higher concordance rates (shared behaviour) than DZ meaning there is a genetic component

Question 4

Genotype

Answer 4

Genetic makeup

Genes an individual possesses

Question 5

Phenotype

Answer 5

Observable traits due to combined effort of genes and environment

Question 6

Evolution and Behaviour

Answer 6

Charles Darwin

Behaviour has adapted and changed over time through natural selection

Question 7

Biological Structures and Behaviour

Structures

Answer 7

Nervous System

Endocrine System

Question 8

Nervous System

Answer 8

Central Nervous System
=> Brain and spinal cord
=> Act as centre from which the individual is controlled, e.g. through cognitive processing of the brain

Peripheral Nervous System
=> Somatic: muscles attached to skeleton, pivotal for movement
=> Autonomic: bodily organs, involved in fight or flight response

Question 9

Endocrine System

Answer 9

Maintains hormone levels in blood

Pituitary gland instructs other glands to secrete hormones

Question 10

Neurochemistry and Behaviour

Answer 10

Chemicals released by neurons to send signals from one to another
Can affect behaviour
Hormones released through glands in endocrine system
Psychoactive drugs affect neurotransmitters
=> Cocaine blocks reuptake of dopamine leading to rush of euphoria
OCD
=> Serotonin: role in preventing repetition of tasks
=> Treatment: SSRIs reduce symptoms

Question 11

Biological Approach Evaluation Points

Answer 11

Scientific
Practical Applications
Genetically Predisposition

Cause and Effect
Deterministic
Biologically Reductionist

Question 12

Biological Approach Evaluation
Scientific
Positive

Answer 12

Scientific, experiment method
High control
Replicable
Reliable

Question 13

Biological Approach Evaluation
Practical Applications
Positive

Answer 13

Neurochemical imbalance (low serotonin)
Development of drugs - SRRIs

Question 14

Biological Approach Evaluation
Genetic Predisposition
Positive

Answer 14

Genetic predisposition for mental disorders such as schizophrenia
Opportunity to avoid triggers in environment or develop coping skills

Question 15

Biological Approach Evaluation
Cause and Effect
Negative

Answer 15

No cause and effect
Unclear to do so
Low serotonin levels cause depression or depression causes low serotonin levels?
Can only assume it is a relationship

Question 16

Biological Approach Evaluation
Deterministic
Negative

Answer 16

Deterministic view as it sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes which we have no control over
No control - “criminal genes” = no responsibility

Question 17

Biological Approach Evaluation
Biologically Reductionist
Negative

Answer 17

It is not clear why some genes have been passed on through generations as they are not all for maintaining survival such as A1 variant of DRD2 gene
Having gene links to addiction
=> evolutionary approach has limited explanatory power