The biological approach Flashcards
What is a genotype
Genes an organism inherits
What are the biological approaches beliefs
that behavior and mental processes are influenced by genetics, brain structure and function, and the nervous system.
What is a phenotype
physical appearances that resut from geens interacting with environment
What is a concordence rate and how do they show results of twin studies
Statistics used to measure the chance 2 individuals share a characteristic
high MZ rate: characteristics may be genetic
high MZ and DZ: characteristics are determined by the environment
What study supports twin studies for the biological approach
Gottesmen and Shields:
- conducted a twin study on individuals with schizophrenia
- MZ concordence rate of 48%, whilst DZ rate was 13%
- since MZ twins concordence rate is higher compared to DZ, strongy supports role of genetics in schizophrenia
what is the influence of biological strucures on behaviour
specific areas of the brain have different functiond relating to behaviour.
Enlarged ventricles (fluid filled gaps between brain areas) in central brain areas and prefrontal cortex have been linked to negative schizophrenia symptoms
The influence of neurochemistry on behaviour
neurotransmitters are chemical messages that travel across the synapse
exhitatory: trigger recieving neuron to send an impulse
inhibitory: inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain down or balance mood
Evolution and behaviour in the bio approach
evolution: the process by which successive generations of organisms change
Darwin says if an organism is able to adapt to its environment, they are more likely to survive which gives them a greater chance of reproduction
A limitation of the bio approach is its reliance on twin studies
- identical twins are raised in the same environment therefore its impossible to detangle inherited and environmental infuelnces
- also only show correlation not causation
A strength of bio approach is its real world application
led to development of psychoactive drugs that alter neurotransmitter levels.
knowing depressed patients have lower levels of serotonin hs led to the development of SSRIs that prevents the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter.
HOWEVER these drugs carry heavy side effects such as erectile problems and arent always successful
A limitation of the bio approach is reductionism
only takes into account biological factors and doesnt consider our internal mental processes and free will. A more hollistic approah would be inclusive and consider a range of factors
