Lesson 6 - Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological approach assumptions

Answer 1

• Psychology begins biologically
-Biological structures & processes must be observed

• Behaviour adapted through evolution

Question 2

What is Darwin’s theory of evolution

Answer 2

• Behaviour has adapted through natural selection

• Profitable behaviours found in breeding mates due to increased ability of survival as a result of having those traits

Question 3

What is heredity

Answer 3

Passing of characteristics down generations through genes

Question 4

What is genotype

Answer 4

• Gene’s individual possesses
-Genetic makeup

Question 5

What is phenotype

Answer 5

Observable traits shown due to combination of genes and environment

Question 6

Why are twin studies used in studies by behaviour geneticists

Answer 6

• If monozygotic twins have a higher concordance rate than dizygotic twins for certain traits

• Then genetics are proven to have greater influence for those traits since 100% of genetic material is shared in MZ twins compared to 50% in DZ

Question 7

What are the two parts of the nervous system

Answer 7

• CNS
-brain & spinal cord which acts as centre of control

• PNS
- Has SNS and ANS
-SNS controls skeletal movement
-ANS oversees organ functions and fight or flight response

Question 8

What is the endocrine system

Answer 8

Maintains hormone levels in blood released by glands

Question 9

What is the most important gland

Answer 9

• Pituitary gland
-located in brain

Instructs other glands to secrete hormones

Question 10

What are neurotransmitters

Answer 10

• Chemicals in body
-Hormones

Question 11

Why are hormones significant

Answer 11

• Hormones part of endocrine system

• Hormone levels in system affects behaviour

Question 12

+ Uses scientific method

Answer 12

• Use of experimental method
-Use of highly controlled environments

• High in replicability
-High in reliability

Question 13

+ Practical application

Answer 13

• Knowledge of neurochemical imbalance in depression
-low serotonin

• Led to development of drug treatments to correct imbalance
-SSRIs

Question 14

+ Helps with mental disorders

Answer 14

• If people aware of genetic predisposition
-schizophrenia

• They can avoid environmental situations likely to trigger predisposition

• Develop coping skills to protect from potential influence

Question 15

• Biologically reductionist

Answer 15

• Does not take into account cognitive, emotional, and cultural factors for behaviour

• In reality human behaviour is complex and cannot be reduced to components such as genes and hormones

Question 16

• Could justify discrimination

Answer 16

• Blaming criminal behaviour on genetics could lead to genetic screenings

• Identifying genetic susceptibilities to becoming criminals could justify discrimination against those with genetic predispositions