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psychology - approaches > The Biological Approach > Flashcards

The Biological Approach Flashcards

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1
Q

State the main assumption of the biological approach.

A

Everything that is psychological is at first, biological.

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2
Q

What are the 3 key factors that shape human behaviour?

A
  1. Genetics
  2. Biological Structures
  3. Biochemistry
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3
Q

Define ‘heredity’.

A

The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes.

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4
Q

Define the term ‘genotype’. What does the ‘genotype’ do?

A

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.

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5
Q

Define the term ‘phenotype’.

A

The product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment - the observable characteristic that we see in a person.

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6
Q

What does MZ stand for?

A

Monozygotic twins

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7
Q

What does DZ stand for?

A

Dizygotic twins

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8
Q

What percentage of DNA do MZ twins share? What is the result of their genotype because of this?

A

100% - their genotype is identical.

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9
Q

What percentage of DNA do DZ twins share?

A

50% - the same as any two siblings with the same parents.

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10
Q

What is the use of concordance rates? What do they do?

A

Concordance rates measure the likelihood of a characteristic being genetically determined.

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11
Q

If a trait is purely genetic, what concordance rate % should we see in MZ twins?

A

100%

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12
Q

List 3 mental disorders that are suggested to be genetic.

A
  1. Schizophrenia
  2. Bipolar Disorder
  3. Anorexia Nervosa
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13
Q

What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in MZ twins?

A

45%

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14
Q

What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in DZ twins?

A

17%

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15
Q

Using the twin study, why can’t schizophrenia be purely genetic?

A

The concordance rate is not 100% - suggests other influences are involved.

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16
Q

What is the idea behind natural selection?

A

Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival (+reproduction) will continue in future generations.

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17
Q

What is the most imporant biological structure in humans?

A

Nervous System

18
Q

What two parts does the nervous system divide into?

A
  1. Central nervous system (CNS).
  2. Peripheral nervous system.
19
Q

What is the CNS made up of?

A
  1. Brain
  2. Spinal cord
20
Q

How does the CNS use the brain?

A

To control the body.

21
Q

How does the CNS use the spinal cord?

A

To communicate with the rest of the body.

22
Q

What is the function of the frontal lobes?

A

Involved in functions such as speech, thought and learning.

23
Q

What is the function of the parietal lobes?

A

Processes sensory info such as touch and temp.

24
Q

What is the function of the occipital lobes?

A

Processes visual info.

25
Q

What is the function of the temporal lobes?

A

Involved with hearing and memory.

26
Q

What is the function of the cerebellum?

A

Controls balance, posture and fine motor movements.

27
Q

What is the function of the brain stem?

A

Connects to spinal cord, survival functions e.g breathing + heartbeat.

28
Q

Outline who Phinneas Cage was and his importance in this study?

A
  • 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.
29
Q

List the 2 key concepts refered to in biochemistry.

A
  1. Neurotransmitters.
  2. Hormones.
30
Q

Outline the function of ‘neurotransmitters’.

A
  • They work within the nervous system.
  • They allow neurons to communciate with each other by crossing the synapse.
  • They are either inhibitory or excitory.
31
Q

Define the term ‘inhibitory’.

A

Decreases the likelihood of the signal being passed on.

32
Q

Define the term ‘excitory’.

A

Increases the likelihood of the singal being passed on.

33
Q

Outline the function of ‘hormones’.

A
  • Work within the endocrine system; produced by the glands.
  • They influence key bodily functions:
    1. Puberty.
    2. Metabolism.
    3. Growth + Development.
    4. Emotions.
34
Q

List the 2 strengths of the biological approach.

A
  1. Use of Scientific Methodology.
  2. Real Life Applications.
35
Q

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘use of scientific methodology’.

A
  • 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.
36
Q

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘real life applications’.

A
  • 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.
37
Q

List the 3 limitations of the biological approach.

A
  1. Evolutionary Explanations.
  2. Social Sensitivity.
  3. Biological Reductionism.
38
Q

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘evolutionary explanation’.

A
  • 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.
39
Q

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘social sensitivity’.

A
  • 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.
40
Q

Explain what is meant by the evaluation point ‘biological reductionism’.

A
  • 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.

psychology - approaches (7 decks)

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