The Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the main assumptions of the biological approach ?
The belief that our behaviour is influenced by hormones, genetics, brain structure and nervous system.
What is the neurochemical basis of behaviour mean ?
It refers to the action of chemicals in the brain - neurotransmitters transmit messages.
What is the genetic basis of behaviour ?
Psychological characteristics are inherited. Twin studies are used to investigate genetic influences. Concordance rates between twins are calculated- the extent to which twins share the characteristics.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype ?
A persons genotype is their actual genetic make-up. Phenotype is the way that genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics. The expression of genotype (phenotype) is influenced by our environment.
What is the theory of evolution in the biological approach ?
Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection. Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations.
Name one strength of the biological approach AO3 ?
P - One strength of the biological approach is its real-world application.
E - Understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental disorders. For example, drugs that treat clinical depression increase the levels of serotonin.
E - This means people with disorders are able to manage their condition and live a normal life without being confined into a hospital.
Name another strength for the biological approach AO3 ?
P - Another strength is the biological approach uses scientific methods.
E - To investigate genetic and neurochemical factors, precise and objective methods have to be used. These include scanning techniques like fMRIs, which assess biological processes not open to bias.
E - This means that the biological approach is based on objective and reliable data.
Name one limitation of the biological approach AO3 ?
P - One limitation is that biological explanations are determinists.
E - Biological explanations tend to be determinist in that they see human behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes to which we have no control. However, the way the genotype is expressed is heavily influenced by the environment. Not even genetically identical twins look the same.
E - This suggests that the biological view is too simplistic and ignores the mediating effects of the environment.
Name another strength of the biological approach AO3 ?
P - Another strength of the biological approach is that there is support from the theory of natural selection.
E - There is critics to Darwin’s theory however due to fossil records it is supported even though it only shows that it has taken place and we cannot observe it.
E - This suggests that although natural selection is not able to tell us what species will evolve into, it provides an adequate account of past development.
