The biological approach

Question 1

What is meant by genes ?

Answer 1

A basic unit of genetic info which is passed down and inherited

Question 2

Key assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 2

• the biological approach combines psychology and biology
• the biological approach tries to explain how we think, feel and behave in terms of biological processes

Question 3

What are the 3 explanations that are used by the biological approach ?

Answer 3

• the influence of genes
• the role of evolution
• biological structures

Question 4

What is meant by the genotype?

Answer 4

It is the individuals genetic make up ehich occurs at conception and provides the gentic code for how that individual will develop

Question 5

What are exa,ples of characteristics that the genotype will dictate ?

Answer 5

Eye and hair colour

Question 6

Phenotype definition

Answer 6

The product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment

Question 7

Characteristics influenced by the genotype?

Answer 7

Physical characteristics such as height

Question 8

Wha are monozygotic twins ?

Answer 8

When the twins are 100% genetically similar

Question 9

What are dizygotic twins ?

Answer 9

Non-genetically identical twins

Question 10

Why is research carried out on mz and dz twins ?

Answer 10

Because if the mz twins show a higher likelihood of sharimg behaviours/ disorders than dz twins then there is argued to be a genetic component

Question 11

What would you expect the concordance rates to be if a behaviour is genetic ?

Answer 11

Concordance rates will be expected to be high as mz twins are more likely to have that behaviour

Question 12

If a characteristic or disorder is genetic what should the concordance rate be on mx twinz ?

Answer 12

100%

Question 13

What cocordance rates will dz twins show ?

Answer 13

Significantly Lower concordance rates

Question 14

Between which kind of twins can comparisons be made between ?

Answer 14

Comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart

Question 15

Concordance rates in schizophrenia?

Answer 15

MZ - 48%
DZ - 17%
Rate in population - 1%

Question 16

Concordance rates in bipolar depression ?

Answer 16

MZ - 40%
DZ - 5-10%
Rates in population - 2%

Question 17

Concordance rates in anorexia nervosa ?

Answer 17

MZ - 23%
DZ - 9%
Rates in population - 2-4%

Question 18

What does the concordance rate tzble suggest ?

Answer 18

It suggests that although there may be a genetic influence, it is not the sole reason for the behaviour because if it did solely depend on genetics then the concordance rate for MZ twins would be 100% because they are genetically identical . This means that some behaviours could be a mix of both genetics and the environment

Question 19

What does evolution refer to ?

Answer 19

Evolution refers to the way that human behaviour is thought to adapt to the environment

Question 20

Through what process have all living things evolved by ?

Answer 20

The process of natural selection

Question 21

What does the theory of natural selection suggest ?

Answer 21

It suggest that in any given species the weaker genes die out and the strongest genes are passed onto the next generation

Question 22

Describe the evolutionary role of aggression ?

Answer 22

Zggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive because it can improve survival rates in some situations and increase access to resources, help protect territory , finding a mate

Question 23

Descrieb the research into the MAOA gene ?

Answer 23

Ongoing research is looking for potential genetic underpinnimg to aggressive risk- taking behaviour

Question 24

What is the MAOA gene also known as ?

Answer 24

The warrior gene

Question 25

In how many men is the MAOA gene found in ?

Answer 25

1/3 of men