the biological approach

Question 2

the biological approach

Answer 2

• emphasises the importance of physical processes in body i.e. genetic inheritance + neural function

Question 3

assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 3

• everything psychological is first biological
• an understanding of the brain structure + function can help explain our thoughts/behaviour

Question 4

what do we use twin studies for in the biological approach

Answer 4

• determine likelihood that certain traits have genetic basis
• compares concordance rates between twins

Question 5

genotype

Answer 5

• a person genotype = actual genetic make up, the set genes a person possesses

Question 6

phenotype

Answer 6

the way a person genes are expressed through physical behavioural + psychological factors

Question 7

the theory of natural selection

Answer 7

• Charles Darwin
• genetically determined behaviours that enhance an individuals survival will continue in future generations

Question 8

AO3 of the biological approach

Answer 8

reliable- scanning techniques: FMRI’s, twin studies etc
determinist view of behaviour - behaviour is governed by bio causes we have no control over- ‘criminal gene’
- real life application - understanding neurochemical processes in the brain=development of antipsychotics

Question 9

the nervous system

Answer 9

• CNS and PNS
  -collects, processes + responds to info in environment
• coordinates working of different organs/cells in body

Question 10

the central nervous system

Answer 10

• made up of brain, brain stem + spinal cord
• the origin of all complex commands and decisions

Question 11

the peripheral nervous system

Answer 11

• transmits messages from CNS to muscles + glands
• sub divided into:
• autonomic nervous system -governs vital bodily functions
• somatic nervous system - controls muscle movement

Question 12

endocrine system

Answer 12

• instructs glands to release hormones into the blood
• hormones then carried towards target organs
• endocrine system = slower than nervous system

Question 13

fight or flight response

Answer 13

the way an animal responds when stressed
- body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight aggressor or flee

Question 14

what are the three types of neurons

Answer 14

motor neurons, sensory neurons and relay neurons

Question 15

synaptic transmission

Answer 15

how neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the synapse

Question 16

what is a neurotransmitter

Answer 16

chemicals that diffuse across the synaptic gap to the next neuron in the chain
divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibitory function

Question 17

excitation

Answer 17

when a neurotransmitter (e.g. adrenaline) increases POSITIVE charge of the postsynaptic neuron
- INCREASES likelihood neuron will pass on electrical impulse

Question 18

inhibition

Answer 18

when a neurotransmitter (e.g. serotonin) increases NEGATIVE charge of the post synaptic neuron
- DECREASES likelihood neuron will pass on electrical impulse

Question 19

sensory neurons

Answer 19

carry messages from PNS to CNS
- have long dendrites + short axons

Question 20

relay neurons

Answer 20

connect sensory neurons to motor/other relay neurons
- short dendrites + short axons

Question 21

motor neurons

Answer 21

connect CNS to effectors such as muscles + glands
- have short dendrites + long axons