The Biological Approach Flashcards
State the main assumption of the biological approach.
Everything that is psychological is at first, biological.
What are the 3 key factors that shape human behaviour?
- Genetics
- Biological Structures
- Biochemistry
Define ‘heredity’.
The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes.
Define the term ‘genotype’. What does the ‘genotype’ do?
The genetic makeup of an indivdual - the genetic code written in someone’s DNA.
It dictates characteristics such as hair/eye colour.
Each individual - expect MZ twins - has a genotype that is unique to them.
Define the term ‘phenotype’.
The product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment - the observable characteristic that we see in a person.
What does MZ stand for?
Monozygotic twins
What does DZ stand for?
Dizygotic twins
What percentage of DNA do MZ twins share? What is the result of their genotype because of this?
100% - their genotype is identical.
What percentage of DNA do DZ twins share?
50% - the same as any two siblings with the same parents.
What is the use of concordance rates? What do they do?
Concordance rates measure the likelihood of a characteristic being genetically determined.
If a trait is purely genetic, what concordance rate % should we see in MZ twins?
100%
List 3 mental disorders that are suggested to be genetic.
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anorexia Nervosa
What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in MZ twins?
45%
What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in DZ twins?
17%
Using the twin study, why can’t schizophrenia be purely genetic?
The concordance rate is not 100% - suggests other influences are involved.
What is the idea behind natural selection?
Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival (+reproduction) will continue in future generations.
What is the most imporant biological structure in humans?
Nervous System
What two parts does the nervous system divide into?
- Central nervous system (CNS).
- Peripheral nervous system.
What is the CNS made up of?
- Brain
- Spinal cord
How does the CNS use the brain?
To control the body.
How does the CNS use the spinal cord?
To communicate with the rest of the body.
What is the function of the frontal lobes?
Involved in functions such as speech, thought and learning.
What is the function of the parietal lobes?
Processes sensory info such as touch and temp.
What is the function of the occipital lobes?
Processes visual info.
What is the function of the temporal lobes?
Involved with hearing and memory.
What is the function of the cerebellum?
Controls balance, posture and fine motor movements.
What is the function of the brain stem?
Connects to spinal cord, survival functions e.g breathing + heartbeat.
Outline who Phinneas Cage was and his importance in this study?
- Helps us to look at the influence of the brain on behaviour.
- He damaged his frontal lobe.
- Subsequent behaviour changes: less organised, more impulsive, showed increased aggression.
List the 2 key concepts refered to in biochemistry.
- Neurotransmitters.
- Hormones.
Outline the function of ‘neurotransmitters’.
- They work within the nervous system.
- They allow neurons to communciate with each other by crossing the synapse.
- They are either inhibitory or excitory.
Define the term ‘inhibitory’.
Decreases the likelihood of the signal being passed on.
Define the term ‘excitory’.
Increases the likelihood of the singal being passed on.
Outline the function of ‘hormones’.
- Work within the endocrine system; produced by the glands.
- They influence key bodily functions:
1. Puberty.
2. Metabolism.
3. Growth + Development.
4. Emotions.
List the 2 strengths of the biological approach.
- Use of Scientific Methodology.
- Real Life Applications.
Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘use of scientific methodology’.
- The approach uses experimental methods as its main method of investigation.
- Experimental studies take place in highly controlled environments/use sophisticated equipment.
- Experimental studies are easy to replicate; adding validity to the original findings if.
Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘real life applications’.
- Application to the treatment of psychological disorders.
- Research into the role of neurochemical imbalances has led to the development of drug treatments which correct the imbalance; minimises depressive episodes.
- SSRI’s stop the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse and increase the level of serotonin absorbed by the postsynaptic neuron; alleviating symptoms of depression.
List the 3 limitations of the biological approach.
- Evolutionary Explanations.
- Social Sensitivity.
- Biological Reductionism.
Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘evolutionary explanation’.
- Many human behaviours can be transmitted both by genetic and cultural routes.
- Many human behaviours have purely cultural origins with not survival/reproductive benefit.
- Evolutionary explanations are unable to explain behaviours with no survival benefit and do not provide a complete theory of human behaviours.
Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘social sensitivity’.
- Can be dangerous when used incorrectly.
- Recent reseach has found a genetic basis for criminal beahviour; led to concerns about how this info may be used.
- Critics claim tis may lead to genetic screening to identify people at risk of criminality; could led to discrimination against those people.
- Individuals may be ‘labelled’ as criminals because of their genes, when such complex behaviours are not that straightforward.
Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘biological reductionism’.
- Reductionism; the view that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it into its smallest components e.g genes, neurotransmitters + hormones.
- The biological explanation of depression suggests that it’s caused by a low level of serotonin; ignoring cognitive, emotional and cultural factors.
- There are other factors that can contribute to depression; the biological approach ignores these.
