The Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological approach assumptions

Answer 1

-all human behaviour has a biological cause which can explain thoughts and behaviour
-emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body eg genetic inheritance and neural function
-the mind lives in the brain which contrasts cognitive approach

Question 2

How much genetic information do MZ and DZ twins share

Answer 2

-MZ=100%
-DZ=50%

Question 3

How can twin studies show that certain characteristics have genetic basis

Answer 3

Compare concordance rates between pairs of twins
-if MZ twins are found to have higher concordance rates that DZ twins it suggests a genetic basis for characteristic

Question 4

What are genes

Answer 4

Make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes for physical and psychological features of an organism which are transmitted from parent to offspring

Question 5

What is genotype

Answer 5

The particular set of genes that a person possesses

Question 6

What is phenotype

Answer 6

Expressed characteristics of an individual determined by the interaction between their genes and the environment

Question 7

What is natural selection and how does this link to psychology

Answer 7

Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival and reproduction will be more likely to be passed on to the next generation as the possessor is more likely to survive and reproduce and pass on these traits
-links to psychology as some behaviours also have survival and reproductive advantages so have evolved over generations

Question 8

Expand on advantage that the approach uses scientific methods of investigation

Answer 8

-to investigate genetic and biological basis of behaviour the approach uses precise and scientific methods eg scanning techniques (fMRIs and EEGs), twin studies and drug trials
-not open to bias meaning the approach is based on reliable data= increases validity of claims

Question 9

Expand on advantage that the approach has real-life application

Answer 9

-the increased understanding of biochemical processes has led to the development of psychoactive drugs to treat mental illnesses which has revolutionised treatment for many
-means sufferers are able to manage their condition so has had positive impact on real world

Question 10

Expand on weakness that the approach draws causal conclusions

Answer 10

-approach explains mental illness in terms of neurotransmitters in the brain with evidence for this coming from studies that show a particular drug reduces symptoms so assumes that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder
-correlation does not mean causation
-claims to have discovered causes where only an association exists, challenges validity of explanations