Psychology: The Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the Biological Approach?
An approach in psychology that suggests behaviour is determined by biological factor
They emphasise the importance of physical processes in the body
What do biological factors include:
- The influence of genes on behaviour
- The influence of biological structures on behaviour
- The influence of neurochemistry on behaviour
- The influence of evolution on behaviour
What are the 3 assumptions of the Biological Approach?
- Everything psychological is at first biological, so very psychological characteristics has a biological root cause.
- We must look at biological structures and processes within the body (genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system) to understand behaviour
- The mind lives in the brain –> all thoughts, feeling and behaviours have a physical basis
What is meant by the genetic basis of behaviour?
Behavioural characteristics are inherited in the same way physical characteristics (e.g. height, eye colour)
For example, the SERT gene (also called 5-HTI-D) has been linked to OCD
How are twin studies used to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour?
Twin studies used to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour
Concordance rates between twins are calculated
Higher concordance rates amongst Monozygotic (MZ) twins than Dizygotic (DZ) twins evidence for a genetic basis
Compare the two to negate influence of environment
What is meant by a concordance rate?
The percentage agreement/level of shared characteristics
68% of MZ twins have OCD compared to 31% of DZ
What is the Christiansen (1977) studied?
- Studied 3586 pairs of twins in Denmark
Males: MZ twins - 35%; DZ twins - 13%
Females: MZ twins - 21%; DZ twins - 8% - The MAOA gene and CDH-13 gene are thought to pre-dispose criminal behaviour
What is a Genotype?
The actual genes a person possesses (their genetic make-up)
What is Neuroanatomy?
- Biological psychologists research how different brain structures affect behaviour
- Brain subdivided into different areas and structures –> responsible for different types of thinking or behaviour
- Research involves using Brain scanning technology and studying brain damaged patients e.g. fMRI
What is a Phenotype?
The expression of these genes through physical, psychological and behavioural characteristics
How does the case of Phineas Gage support the role of Neuroanatomy on behaviour?
It shows the importance of brain structure on human behaviour e.g. Frontal Lobe
What is neurochemistry? How does this link to a specific psychological disorder?
- Brain Chemicals are called Neurotransmitters
- Abnormal functioning of Neurotransmitters are linked to many mental disorders e.g. Serotonin and Dopamine
- Too much, too little or poor re-absorption from synapses ect
- Neurotransmitters linked to behaviour + development of psych disorders
- Links to psychological disorders: low Serotonin linked to depression and high dopamine associated to schizophrenia.
What is Evolution?
Refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic makeup of a particular generation
What is Natural Selection?
The process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individual reproductive success are passed on to the next generation and become more widespread in the population. Charles Darwin’s theory.
What is a gene?
The observable characteristics of an individual
