The Biological Approach Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the assumptions about the biological approach?

A

Everything psychological is at first biological

All thoughts, feelings and behaviours have a physical basis

Focus should be on physical biological structures (brain structure) and processes (neurotransmitter signals)

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2
Q

Explain what is meant by the neuro chemical basis of behaviour

A

Thoughts feeling and behaviour are caused by the chemical messages sent in our brains

E.g increase endorphins- feel happier- think more positively- make healthy choices

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3
Q

What is meant by the term concordance rates?

A

The extent to which twins share the same characteristic

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4
Q

What are monozygotic twins?

A

Identical twins, from the same egg, share 100% of their genes

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5
Q

What are dizygotic twins?

A

Non-identical twins, 2 different eggs, share roughly 50% of their genes

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6
Q

What is meant by the term genotype?

A

Actual genetic makeup

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7
Q

What is meant by phenotype

A

The way genes are expressed through physical behaviours, psychological characteristics

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8
Q

What does the diathermies stress model suggest?

A

Most humans behaviour is caused by an interaction between genes (nature) and the environment (nurture)

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9
Q

What does the theory of natural selection suggest?

A

Any genetically determine behaviour that enhances survival (and reproduction) will continue to future generations ;
E.g aggression

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10
Q

Supporting evidence of this theory

A

A study by Gottesman and Sheilds found that monozygotic twins have concordance rates of 42% in relation to SZ diagnoses in comparison to 1% in the general population. This illustrates that SZ is at least partially genetic because more genetically similar people are more likely to have the condition. This supports the biological assumption that everything psychological is at first biological and mental conditions can be inherited. Therefore, having supporting evidence increases the validity of the approach overall.

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11
Q

How can the supporting evidence be criticised?

A

The concordance rates weren’t 100%

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12
Q

How can this approach be applied

A

Increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders. For example, assuming depression is biological, a biological treatment has been developed. This is the use of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels at synapses in the brain. Drugs such as these have been associated with reduction of depressive symptoms. Therefore, people with depression may be better able to manage their condition and allow them to live in the community rather than in hospitals. This is beneficial economically.

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13
Q

Is this theory reductionistic or holistic?

A

Reductionisic
This approach is criticised for being biologically deterministic. This is because the bio approach claims that human behaviour is governed by internal, genetic causes that we have no control over. This is clearly over simplistic as even monozygotic twins do not have 100% concordance rates. A diathesis stress model is more likely as nature and nurture interact, considering nature and nurture. Therefore, the biological explanation might not consider the complexity of human behaviour.

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