The biological approach Flashcards
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The biological approach
a perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neutral function
genes
they make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features. Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring
biological structure
an arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system, or living thing
neurochemistry
relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning
genotype
the particular set of genes that a person possess
phenotype
the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
evolution
the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
natural selection
the main principle of this theory is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival (and reproduction) will continue in further generations
scientific methods
strength
Based on objective and reliable data
- Precise and highly objective methods
- fMRIs and EEGs
- Accurately measure physiological and neural processes
antidepressants dont work for everyone
limitation
Does Not work for everyone
- Cipriani (2018) compared 21 different antidepressants and found variations in effectiveness
- Mainly modest
- Brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases
nervous system
consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Communicates using electrical signals.
central nervous system
consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
peripheral nervous system
sends information to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body
somatic nervous system
transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. It also receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act.
Autonomic nervous system
transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is ‘automatic’ as the system operates involuntarily. It has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
two main functions of the nervous system
-Collect, process, respond to information in the environment
-Co-ordinate the working of different organs and cells in the body
endocrine system
one of the body’s major information systems that instructs to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body. Communicates via chemicals.
glands
An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones
hormones
Chemical substances that circulate in the bloodstream and only affect target organs. They are produced in large quantities but disappear quickly. Their effects are very powerful.
fight or flight response
The way an animal responds when stressed. The body becomes physically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor or flee
adrenaline
A hormone produced by the adrenal gland
-Stress hormone
-Adrenal medulla
-Triggers physiological change in body
bike brake
parasympathetic action
-Bodies resting state
-Opposite to sympathetic ( antagonistic )
-Acts as ‘brake’
neuron
the basic building blocks of the nervous system, neurons are nerve cells, that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals
Sensory neurons
these carry messages from the PNS peripheral nervous system to the CNS. They have long dendrites and short axons.
-located in PNS in clusters ( ganglia )
relay neurons
These connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons. They have short dextrons and short axons.
-97% of all neurons, located within brain and the visual system
motor neurons
these connect the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands. They have short dendrites and long axons.
- located in CNS but have long axons which are part of PNS
synaptic transmissions
the process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the gap that separates them
neurotransmitters
brain chemicals release from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.
excitation
When a neurotransmitter, such as adrenaline, increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron.
inhibition
when a neurotransmitter, such as serotonin, increases the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron will pass on the electrical impulse
real world application
strength
Real world application
- Understands neurochemical processes
- Psychoactive drugs such as antidepressants
- Increase levels of serotonin at synapses
- Depressed people can manage their systems
BUT antidepressants dont work for everyone Cipriani et al
deterministic
limitation
Determinist
- Too simplistic and ignores the mediating effects of the environment ie nurture
- but phenotype influenced by environment
outline the function of sensory neurons
carry messages from eyes and ears to the CNS. When they reach the brain, ther nerve impulses are translated into ‘sensations’ like vision and hearing
