The biological approach Flashcards
Assumptions of the biological approach.
-All that is physiological is first biological.
-Our thinking and behaviour are strongly determined by biological factors e.g the structure of the nervous system, how the brain functions.
Define genotype.
A persons unique genetic make-up which is coded for by their chromosomes.
Define phenotype.
A persons observable characteristics which are a result of their genotype (e.g eye colour).
What do genes code for?
Genes code for characteristics such as eye colour such as eye colour but also for the amount of neurotransmitters produced at a synapse and how theyre used.
What can we use to investigate wether something has a genetic basis?
Twin studies help us to investigate wether certain phenotypes have a generic basis and this is done by analysing concordance rates between twins.
Who proposed the theory of natural selection?
Charles Darwin.
Outline the main principle of natural selection.
The main principle of this is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival will continue in future generations. Characteristics that do not enhance survival will not be passed as individuals that possess these are less likely to survive and die before they can pass the characteristics onto their offspring.
Outline the neurochemical basis of behaviour.
Our thoughts and behaviours rely on chemical transmission in the brain which happens in the synapse.
An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain can explain many mental health conditions e.g abnormal levels of serotonin can cause OCD.
Give a strength of the biological approach (real world application).
One strength of the biological approach is that it has real world application. Increased understanding of the neurochemical basis of behaviour has helped in the treatment of mental disorders. E.g antidepressants to treat clinical depression. These drugs increase the amount of serotonin at the synapse. This is a strength because it means people with depression are able to manage their condition.
Give a limitation of the biological approach. (drugs do not work for everyone).
antidepressant drugs do not work for everyone. This has been proved by research evidence such as Ciprani et al. (2018) who compared 21 antidepressant drugs and although most drugs were more effective than placebos, some were not,
This challenges the value of the approach as it suggests that brain chemistry alone may not be the sole cause of depression.
Give a strength of the biological approach (scientific methods).
It uses scientific methods of investigation. E.g scanning techniques such as fMRI’s and EEG’s. This means we can accurately measure neural processes and so increases the validity and reliability of the approach as it uses objective methods of investigation.
Give a limitation of the biological approach (determinist).
One limitation of the approach is that it is determinist. The approach sees behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes so we have ‘no control’. However, we already know that a persons genotype is heavily influenced by the environment so a purely genetic argument is problematic in areas such as crime. This suggests that the biological approach is too simplistic as it ignores environmental factors.
