The Biological Approach

Question 1

What are the man assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 1

-The mind lives inside the brain
-biological structures determine behaviour

Question 2

What does serotonin do

Answer 2

Serotonin is an inhibitory neuro transmitter which controls mood

Question 3

What does endorphins do

Answer 3

Help the body respond to pain and stress

Question 4

What is adrenaline and what does it control

Answer 4

Excitatory neurotransmitter-fight or flight

Question 5

Why are twin studies used

Answer 5

They are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have genetic basis by comparing concordance rates

Question 6

What is concordance

Answer 6

A measure of similarity between two people on a certain trait

Question 7

What is monozygotic

Answer 7

Identical twins that share 100% of their genes

Question 8

What is Dizygotic

Answer 8

Non identical twins that share 50% of genes

Question 9

What is genotype

Answer 9

The genetic makeup of an individual

Question 10

What is phenotype

Answer 10

Set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interactions of its genotype with the environment

Question 11

What does an imbalance of neurotransmitters cause

Answer 11

A change in behaviour which can be seen as a mental illness in some cases

Question 12

What is evolution

Answer 12

The gradual change in inherited traits of a species over many generations through adaptation to the environment, natural selection and survival of the fittest

Question 13

Positives of the biological approach

Answer 13

Scientific method- objective, highly controlled research so it can be replicated
Adds credibility

Application- understanding neurochemical processes allowed drug therapies to be developed

Positive economic impact- drug therapies allow people to go back to work and contribute to the economy. Drugs are effective and cheap to manufacture

Question 14

Negatives of the biological approach

Answer 14

Nomothetic- attempts to establish general principles and ignores individual differences between humans

Biological determinism- human behaviour is governed by internal, genetic causes over which we have no control- pessimistic view of mental health problem- removes responsibility from criminals which undermines the justice system

Nature-over emphasised does not fully take into account the environment