the biological approach

Question 1

assumptions

Answer 1

that everything psychological is first biological and so to fully understand behaviour we must look at biological structures

Question 2

genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 2

• twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates between pairs of twins
• if identical (monozygotic) twins have a higher concordance rate than non-identical twins (dizygotic) then this would suggest a genetic basis

Question 3

genotype and phenotype

Answer 3

genotype = genetic makeup
phenotype = how the gene is physically expressed
phenotype is influenced by environmental factors
human behaviour is often a combination of nature and nurtue

Question 4

evolution and behaviour

Answer 4

natural selection theory by Charles Darwin
any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival will continue in future generations

Question 5

evaluation: scientific methods of investigation

Answer 5

• in order to investigate gentic basis of behaviour, the biological approach makes use of a range of precise scientific methods
• these include scanning techniques and twin studies
• with advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological processes that are not open to bias
• biological approach is based on reliable data

Question 6

evaluation: real-world application

Answer 6

• increased understanding of biological processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental disorders
• means that people with disorders are better able to manage their disorder and live a more normal life

Question 7

evaluation: causal conclusions

Answer 7

• biological approach offers explanations for mental disorders in terms of the action of neurotransmitters
• the evidence for this comes from studies that show a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder and so it is assumed that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder
• this is a limitation because the biological approach is claiming to have discovered causes where only an association exists