The Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
- Everything psychological is biological
- So to fully understand human behaviour, biological structures and processes within the body must be looked into
*Understanding brain structures and their functions can explain our thoughts and behaviour
What is the study of the genetic basis of behaviour?
This is the study of whether behavioural characteristics (intelligence, personality, mental disorders) are inherited, like physical characteristics (eye colour)
Why are concordance rates compared between identical (MZ) and non - identical (DZ) twins?
MZ twins share 100% of their genes, whereas DZ twins share only 50%. A higher concordance rate in MZ twins suggest a genetic basis for the trait being studied
How is the genetic basis of behaviour studied?
The genetic basis of behaviour is studied using twin studies. These determine the likelihood certain traits have genetic basis
How are twin studies used in behaviour genetics
By comparing the concordance rates between pairs of twins, to determine if those traits have genetic basis
If MZ twins have higher concordance rates than DZ twins for a specific trait, what does this suggest?
It suggests a genetic basis for the trait, such as musical ability
What is a person’s genotype?
What is a person’s phenotype?
A person’s genotype is the set of genes a person possesses, a person’s phenotype are the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
How is the expression of a gene influenced?
Give an example based on identical adult twins
The expression of a genotype is inevitably influenced by environmental factors.
For example adult twins will look slightly different as one may exercise more and one may have dyed their hair differently
What is considered a fact in biology about animals and plants?
The evolution of animals and plants is a fact
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection, what was the main principle of this theory?
Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival and reproduction will continue in future generations, as it is naturally selected
How does natural selection occur in nature?
Traits that give individuals an advantage in survival and reproduction are passed on. If an individual survives but does not reproduce, those traits are not passed on to future generation
What is a limitation of the biological approach? (causal conclusions)
The biological approach offers explanations for mental illnesses in terms of the role played by neurotransmitters. The evidence for this derives from studies which show a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder, thus it can be assumed the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder. This link discovered by biopsychologists is causal, and therefore weak. The association found between the two factors cannot be used to explain cause and effect based on convenient associations
What is a strength of the biological approach? (scientific methods + reliability)
The biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly scientific methods, that increase reliability. These include scanning techniques, like fMRIs, family and twin studies, and drug trials. With advances in technology, biopsychologists are able to measure biological and neural processes in ways that are unbiased. This means the biological approach bases it’s theories on reliable data
What is a limitation of the biological approach? (deterministic + “criminal gene”)
The biological approach is deterministic as it sees human behaviour as governed by internal biological causes which we have no control over. This has implications for the legal system and wider society. A rule of law states offenders are seen as legally and morally responsible for their actions. Therefore, the possibility biopsychologists could discover a “criminal gene” may complicate this principle.
What is a strength of the biological approach? (real life application + revolutionary treatment)
The biological approach has real life application. This is evident, as the increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses, like depression. Although these drugs lack effectiveness for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many. This is strength of the biological approach because it means sufferers are able to mange their conditions and lead relatively normal lives, without remaining in hospital.
