the biological approach Flashcards
what is the main assumption of the biological approach
the mind and body are one and the same and much of our thought and behaviour is based on neurochemistry
what is a monozygotic twin and how much dna do they share
identical twins and they share 100% same genes
what is dizygotic twins and how much dna do they share
non-identical twins that share 50% same genes
what can twin studies be used for
used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis by analysis of concordance rates
what is a genotype
the genetic makeup of an individual
what is the phenotype
the observable characteristics shown by an individual as a result of both genes and the environment e.g. tanning
what does the genotype + environment equate to
= phenotype
what is heredity
the assumption of the BA that a genotype can also determine psychological characteristics e.g. inheriting a trait from parents
what are the two things that the BA is based upon
genetics - evolution, heredity, natural selection
and neural - brain structure, neurochemistry
what is an example of neurochemistry
serotonin system has been linked to depression as it plays a key role is transmitting mood related info
what is a strength of the BA
- it has real world application e.g. the treatment of clinical depression
- using anti-depressants which alter the way in which the serotonin system works and CHANGES behaviour
counterpoint of using anti-depressants
- they dont work for everyone as there may be other factors involved
what is a second strength of the BA
- it has a lot of scientific evidence supporting it from the used of brain scanners
- high internal validity
what is a limitation of the BA
it has biological reductionism and neglects the person as a whole
