The biological approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
All behaviour is driven by physical factors and has its roots in biological functioning.
Suggests that genetic factors, biological structures and neurochemistry seems to drive all of our behaviour.
Emphasises our nature in shaping behaviour.
It is probably the most scientific as it uses precise measurements.
What is evolution?
The gradual change within a species over several generations in response to environmental pressures.
What is natural selection?
The process where inherited characteristics that enhance survival are passed on to the next generation - this occurs over thousands of generations.
What does adaptive mean?
Refers to a behaviour or trait that will increase the chance of survival and boost reproductive success
How does evolution and behaviour link to the biological approach?
According to Darwin, natural selection ensures that only those behaviours that are adaptive will be naturally selected and passed down through generations.
Seligman suggests that there was a biological preparedness to phobias of certain things due to an innate tendency to rapidly acquire a phobia to potentially harmful phenomena.
Some behaviours are seen as highly adaptive - showing a fear to a massive spider would lead to better survival rates.
What is a genotype?
The genetic constitution of an individual. The variation in human genotype can account for enormous variation across the species.
What is a phenotype?
The result of interactions between inherited characteristics and inherited material and the environment - this is then expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics.
What is PKU research in reference to the biological approach?
A disorder that can cause learning difficulties in those who carry the genotype. It causes a deficiency of the enzyme that is needed to process phenylalanine and a dangerous build up of this can develop if a person eats protein rich food, which can damage nerve cells in the brain. If detected early enough, a child can be placed on a restricted diet. Genotype + environment leads to the phenotype.
Genetic inheritance of OCD in reference to the biological approach?
Polygenic condition and an individual with one of the candidate genes may experience OCD. Nestadt did a twin study and found a concordance rate of 67% for MZ twins but only 31% for DZ twins. Suggests that the closer the genetic relationship to a sufferer, the greater the risk of developing OCD.
How do twin studies link to the biological approach?
Psychologists use them to investigate the role of genetics in behaviour by comparing the concordance of MZ and DZ twins. If the MZ rate is higher than the DZ rate then genetic factors do play a role in behaviour. If concordance rate is not 100%, it suggests that the environment must have a part to play in behaviour.
How do biological structures in the brain relate to the biological approach?
It tries to map the relationship between the various areas of the brain and their functions. This is made more difficult by the brain’s plasticity.
Areas were historically identified by using case studies of brain damaged patients, but nowadays scans are used.
What are some biological structures in the brain?
Broca’s area controls speech production.
Wernicke’s area is responsible for language comprehension.
An example of plasticity is the London taxi drivers case
What are neurotransmitters?
Chemical messengers released by a pre-synaptic neuron and passed to a post-synaptic neuron when they connect at a synapse. If the receiving neuron contains the correct receptors then the neurotransmitters will dock via a lock and key system. Ig the neurotransmitter is inhibitory it will make the receiving neuron less likely to fire whereas if it has an excitatory function it will make the neuron more likely to fire.
What is GABA’s effect on behaviour?
Inhibits the activity of neurons in most areas of the brain. During synaptic transmission it combines with GABA-A receptors on the post-synaptic neuron and reduces its firing rate. Anti anxiety drugs like Valium boost the power of GABA and make us feel more relaxed.
What is adrenaline’s effect on behaviour?
Involved in the fight or flight response. It is linked to the emergency response needed when we face danger. It activates a whole host of behaviours in stressful times which prepare us for rapid action.
