The Biological Approach Flashcards
How has genetics been researched?
Through family studies and inherited traits. (particularly study MZ and DZ twins)
Define heredity.
Genes carry instructions for characteristics and how this develops depends on how the genes react with other genes and how they react with the environment.
What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?
The relationship is not always direct
What does genetics believe?
That the genes an individual possesses influences their behaviour
What does research into genetics believe with regards to the process of evolutionary adaptation?
That behaviour evolves the same way as characteristics do through evolution
Describe genotype
The unique genetic code written into the dna of an individual’s cells
Define phenotype.
An individual’s physical appearance as a result of their genotype and inhereted info
the genotype cant be determined by just observing the phenotype.
What does the biological structure include?
neurons, nervous system and the brain.
What does the nervous system include?
Centra nevous system which is the brain and spinal chord
Peripheral nervous system which is the somatic and autonomatic nervous systems
What is a neuron and what does it do?
Neurons are nerve cells that transmit nerve impulses in the form of eletrical signals from on part of the body to another.
Outline the Structure of the brain
largest part of the brain is the cerebrum (85% of the brain).
the outer surface of the brain: cerebral cortex which is responsible for functions such as speech and language
cerebrum is divided into 2 hemispheres which are divided into 4 lobes .
What are the 4 lobes?
frontal lobes - speech thought and learning.
temperal lobes - hearing and memory
parietal lobes - process sensory info
occtipital lobes - process visual info
How do biological psychologists explain the genetic basis of behaviour?
Each individual has a unique combination of genetics that differ from everyone else in terms of personality, ability, intelligence and appearance
Heritability means the extent to wich genetics vary in individuals in a lopulation
What is a neurotransmitter and what does it do?
chemicals that are released when a nerve impulse reaches the end of a neuron
travles from one neuron to another in the brain via a synapse
What is the difference between excitaroy and inhibitory neurotransmitters?
Excitatory = trigger nerve impulses in the recieving neuron and stimulate tbe brain into acton. Inhibitory = inhabit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain and balance mood.
