The Biological Approach Flashcards
BIO AP: Who theorized evolution
CHARLES DARWIN
BIO AP: What did Charles Darwin state about evolution
Our behavior has adapted and changed overtime via natural selection
BIO AP: what is natural selection
This is where profitable behaviors are selected in mates and therefore reproduced
Overtime better behaviors will continue and these behaviors continually increase our ability to survive
BIO AP: what plays a large role on behavior
GENES
BIO AP: how do genes influence behavior
We all differ in genetics and behavior
Variability in the population can be attributed to genetics
The greater the trait is influenced by genetics the greater the heritability is
BIO AP: what is a genotype
The genes an individual posses (genetic make up)
BIO AP: what is a phenotype
The observable traits of characteristics shown by the individual these traits/characteristics are due to the combined effect of genes and environment
BIO AP: what is heredity
It refers to the idea that characteristics are ‘passed on’ through our genetics
These characteristics can be physical or psychological
BIO AP: examples of physical traits/ characteristics you can inherit
Muscle tone, height, chance of illness
BIO AP: example of psychological traits or characteristics
Intelligence, cognitive style, chance of mental illness
BIO AP: what does the nervous system carry
Carries messages around the body through neurons
BIO AP: what does the neurons transmit
They transmit nerve impulses as electrical signals
BIO AP: what are some of the behaviors under the control of the neurons and nervous system
Breathing, eating, sexual behavior
BIO AP: what is central nervous system
This compromises the brain and spinal cord
BIO AP:what is peripheral nervous system
This is made up of the somatic nervous system (muscle control) and autonomic nervous system (automatic human processes)
BIO AP: what is the largest part of the brain is called and the percent it takes up
The largest part of the brain is called the cerebrum making 85% of it
BIO AP: what is the outer part of the brain called and what does it control
The cerebral cortex (outer part) controls higher-order functions
BIO AP: what is the hemisphere
The cerebrum is split in two halves (hemisphere)
BIO AP: how is each hemisphere of the brain divided
Each half is then divided into 4 lobes
BIO AP: what are the 2 types of neurotransmitters
EXCITATORY
INHIBITORY
BIO AP: what is a neurotransmitter
when a nerve impulse reaches the end of the neuron, a chemical is released (neurotransmitter)
BIO AP: what is an excitatory neurotransmitter
these stimulate the brain into action increasing impulses
BIO AP: what is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
these calm the brain by inhibiting impulses
BIO AP: what does diathesis stress model suggest about certain disorders
certain disorders result from a combination of genetic risk factors interacting with environmental factors
BIO AP: what is interacting according to diathesis stress model
genotype and phenotype
BIO AP: who’s study supported the genetics
GOTTESMAN (1991)
BIO AP: what did gottesman suggest about inheritance and schizophrenia
he stated that if both your parents had schizophrenia there was a 46% chance of you developing it
BIO AP: what is a dizygotic twin
non identical twins (Dz)
BIO AP: what is a monozygotic twin
identical twins (Mz)
BIO AP: strengths of biological approach
- use of scientific methos - they use empirical methods (brain scans) and therefore the results are valid
BIO AP: limitations of biological approach
P:this approach is the ethical implications on a society.
E: for example only 1% of the population has schizophrenia, making it statistically abnormal.
L: therefore if society knew certain genetics cause those behaviours this could cause discrimination
P: cause and effect is not evident
E: does the biological abnormality cause the behaviour or is it the other way round
L: reduces complex behaviours to simple causes such as genetics
