The Biological Approach Flashcards
The Biological Approcah - Assumptions
Investigates the biological structures + processes in the body impact behaviour
=> Everything psychological are at first biological
=> Contrasts cognitive approach - sees mental processes (thoughts and
behaviour have a physical basis)
What is behaviour affected by?
=> Genetics
=> Evolution
=> The CNS - brain + spinal cord
=> Chemistry of body - neurotransmitters + hormones
Neurochemical basis of behaviour
=> refers to the action of chemicals on the brain
=> much of our thoughts + behaviour relies on chemical transmission in the brain - imbalances can be the reason for mental issues
Influence of genes of on behaviour
Genetisticts study whether behavioural characteristics like intelligence and personality is inherited
Twin studies determine likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rate - higher in MZ proves this
Heritability
Refers to the amount of variability in a trait is within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences
Genotype
The genetic code that is written in the DNA of an individual’s cells
Expression is influenced by environmental factors - having same genotype the way the genes are expressed are different
Evolution + Behaviour
According to natural selection, certain advantages for survival - random mutations - prove to be adaptive + became widespread
Evolutionary psychology, modern day human behaviour can be explained by looking at what behaviour were adaptive for survival for our ancestors
Real World Application (S)
Understanding neurochemical processes lead to use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorder
e.g. use of SSRIs increasing levels of serotonin in synapse reducing symptoms
MEANS depressed ppl may be able to manage their condition + lead normal lives
Counter to Real World Application (L)
P: compared 21 antidepressant drugs
F: most better than placebos - wide variation in effectiveness
C: effects were mainly modest
CHALLENGES value of approach as brain chemistry alone doesn’t account for all cases
Use of Scientific Methods (S)
Due to genetic + biological basis => can use precise + objective methods
e.g. fMRIs + EEGs can accurately measure physiological and neural process that are unbiased
SUGGESTS approach has high scientific credibility as it can be objective + reliable
The Issue w/ Biological Determinism (L)
Our behaviour being governed by internal causes suggest we have no control
- Blaming genes for things like crime may excuse actions by deflection
- Critics => lead to population screening + discrimination
SUGGESTS view is too simplistic + ignores mediating effects on environment
Causal Conclusion (L)
Many studies show drugs treat illnesses
Association between a drug + relief of symptoms doesn’t mean the absence is the cause
AO3 Extra - Natural Selection is infalsifiable
We cannot show evolution happening - only deduce it has taken place
HOWEVER others claim the basic principles are supported by fossil records : dinosaurs => birds
