Paper 2- Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?
-Everything that is psychological is biological first
-Believes that our behaviour is a consequence of our genetics
-Believe psychologists should study the brain, nervous systems and other biological systems.
What is monism?
Biologists take the monism approach> They believe that the mind and the body are the same thing
What is heredity?
Passing down of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes.
Is the biological approach nature or nurture?
Nature
Define genotype?
The genetic ‘make up’ of genetic material that is passed down from generation to generation.
Define phenotype?
Observable characteristics of an individual, consequences of the environment and genotypes.
What are twin studies and what do they allow geneticists to do?
Twin studies allow geneticists to explore if behaviour is linked to genes.
MZ twins (monozygotic, identical)
DZ twins (dizygotic, non-identical)
A study shows that 68% of MZ twins have OCD and 31% of DZ twins have OCD.
This shows that there is a higher concordance (similarity) rate with identical twins suggesting that genetics play a huge role.
What is the key processes relating to neurochemistry?
Nerve reached the end of a neuron,
Neurotransmitter is released,
The neurotransmitter travels across the synapse.
Neurotransmitters release excitatory and inhibitory neurons- what are these and give examples?
Excitatory neurotransmitters are associated with the “drive” motivation e.g. dopamine
Inhibitory neurotransmitters balance mood e.g. serotonin.
What is a hormone?
Chemical substances that are secreted by glands and carried through the body in the blood stream
What is Carre et al research?
Studied a Canadian ice hockey team over a season, he found that more testosterone was secreted when the team played at home. This suggests that the hormone energises the players to protect their home territory
Biological approach evaluation?
STRENGTH
- Uses highly scientific methods for investigation such as fMRI scans and drug trials. This means that there is high validity.
-Has real life applications, has lead to the development of psychoactive drugs related to increased understanding. This can be revolutionary to some people.
LIMITATION
-Casual causes about neurotransmitters are hard to establish. If a study shows a particular drug has has reduced the symptoms of a disorder by changing the levels of a neurotransmitter- this is like assuming the cause of a headache is the lack of paracetamol.
-Approach is based on a deterministic view of behaviour, believes behaviour is governed by biological causes that we have no control over. This contradicts the legal system which sees offenders are responsible for their own actions.
Doesn’t consider nurture, MZ twins have same genetics that increases concordance but they may be exposed to different environments which is a confounding variable.
