The biological approach Flashcards
What is meant by genes ?
A basic unit of genetic info which is passed down and inherited
Key assumptions of the biological approach
- the biological approach combines psychology and biology
- the biological approach tries to explain how we think, feel and behave in terms of biological processes
What are the 3 explanations that are used by the biological approach ?
- the influence of genes
- the role of evolution
- biological structures
What is meant by the genotype?
It is the individuals genetic make up ehich occurs at conception and provides the gentic code for how that individual will develop
What are exa,ples of characteristics that the genotype will dictate ?
Eye and hair colour
Phenotype definition
The product of what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment
Characteristics influenced by the genotype?
Physical characteristics such as height
Wha are monozygotic twins ?
When the twins are 100% genetically similar
What are dizygotic twins ?
Non-genetically identical twins
Why is research carried out on mz and dz twins ?
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
What would you expect the concordance rates to be if a behaviour is genetic ?
Concordance rates will be expected to be high as mz twins are more likely to have that behaviour
If a characteristic or disorder is genetic what should the concordance rate be on mx twinz ?
100%
What cocordance rates will dz twins show ?
Significantly Lower concordance rates
Between which kind of twins can comparisons be made between ?
Comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart
Concordance rates in schizophrenia?
MZ - 48%
DZ - 17%
Rate in population - 1%
Concordance rates in bipolar depression ?
MZ - 40%
DZ - 5-10%
Rates in population - 2%
Concordance rates in anorexia nervosa ?
MZ - 23%
DZ - 9%
Rates in population - 2-4%
What does the concordance rate tzble suggest ?
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
What does evolution refer to ?
Evolution refers to the way that human behaviour is thought to adapt to the environment
Through what process have all living things evolved by ?
The process of natural selection
What does the theory of natural selection suggest ?
It suggest that in any given species the weaker genes die out and the strongest genes are passed onto the next generation
Describe the evolutionary role of aggression ?
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
Descrieb the research into the MAOA gene ?
Ongoing research is looking for potential genetic underpinnimg to aggressive risk- taking behaviour
What is the MAOA gene also known as ?
The warrior gene
In how many men is the MAOA gene found in ?
1/3 of men
