The Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the focuses of the biological approach?
Genes, biological structures, neurochemistry and evolution.
Give 3 assumptions of the biological approach.
-Behaviour and thought processes have a biological origin.
-The mind lives in the brain.
-Behaviour has a psychological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered.
What is meant by genotype?
A persons genetic makeup - their genes
What is meant by phenotype?
The characteristics a person has are determined by their genes and the environment.
How do genes influence behaviour?
- Carry the instructions for a specific characteristic.
- Genes are mechanisms of ‘heredity’.
- Behaviour depends on interaction of genes with other genes AND interaction with environment.
- Behaviour isn’t entirely determined by genes.
Why might identical twins be different in nature?
Despite having same genotype, they have different phenotypes.
Their genes are interacting with different environments resulting in differences between them.
What is meant by epigenetics?
The study of how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work.
What is meant by heredity?
The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next.
What biological structures influence behaviour?
-Neurons
-Nervous systems
-Brain
How do neurons and the nervous system influence behaviour? (Biological structures)
-The nervous system carries messages using neurons.
-Many aspects of behaviour are under neuronal control e.g breathing, eating etc.
How does the brain influence behaviour?
-Cerebellum makes up 85% total mass of brain: divided into 2 hemispheres which have lobes and localised functions responsible for processing sensory info, visual, speech etc.
How does neurochemistry influence behaviour?
-Much behaviour + thought relies on chemical transmissions in brain.
-Imbalance of neurotransmitters linked with mental disorders e.g low serotonin results in OCD.
What is the link between evolution and behaviour?
-Behaviour which increases chance of survival will continue in future generations.
-Natural selection is used to pass desirable characteristics to offspring
What are two strengths of the biological approach?
- Development of successful treatments.
E.g antidepressants increase serotonin levels.
Individuals no longer have to remain in hospital.
Real world application. - Scientific methods.
E.g brain scans: FMRIs + EEGs produce clear images. EEGs also have good temporal resolution.
BA mainly generates objective data.
Accurate explanation.
What is a limitation of the biological approach?
- Ignores free will.
Behaviour is determined by genes that we have no control over.
Excuses criminal behaviour.
Simplistic.
Deterministic.
