the biological approach Flashcards
what do we have to look at in order to understand human behaviour according to the biological approach?
we have to look at biological structures and processes within the body such as genes and the nervous system. they believe nature and not nurture.
what do they believe about our behaviours according to the biological approach?
they are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics such as height or colour. for example neurochemistry where we have low levels of serotonin in OCD.
according to the biological approach what are the mind and the body?
they are one and the same.
what are concordance rates?
they are to how big an extent twins share the same characteristics for example there will be higher concordance rates between Monozygotic twins than dizygotic.
why are twin studies used in the biological approach?
to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour. for example, 68% of MZ twins both have ocd compared to 31% of DZ twins.
what is person’s genotype?
it is the way that our genes are expressed through physical, behavioural characteristics such as our eye colour.
what is a person’s phenotype?
it is the genotype + environment. for example, PKU is a genetic disorder that can be prevented by a restricted diet. also hair colour.
what is natural selection which was proposed by Darwin?
any genetically determined behaviour that enhances our chance of survival will passed onto future generations through reproduction. these genes are seen as adaptive and give them and offspring advantages. eg attachment behaviours in newborn promote survival, adaptive and naturally selected.
why is the theory of evolution used by the biological approach?
to explain many aspects of behaviour.
what is a strength of the biological approach?
they used scientific methods of investigation. in order to investigate genetic and biological basis of behaviour, makes use of range of precise and scientific methods. this includes scanning techniques such as fMRI. they can measure processes in objective way and so it is reliable.
what is a limitation of the view of behaviour in the biological approach?
it is deterministic as it sees human behaviour as governed by a biological cause which we can not control. this is at odds of justice system which see us as responsible for our actions.
what is a real life application of the biological approach?
increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat mental disorders such as SSRIs for OCD. however these drugs are not always effective for patients, but revolutionised treatment for many. this is a strength of approach as mean sufferers are able to live normal life.
