The Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the biological approach?
Views humans as biological organisms meaning our behaviour is influenced by physical and psychological processes
What is Heritability coefficients?
Measure how much a trait is influenced by genetics. For example, IQ. Genetics and environment equally contribute
What is behavioural studies?
How genes and environment interact to influence behaviour,Including how traits and behaviours are passed through families
What is a genotype?
An individuals genetic behaviour
What is the phenotype?
The observable characteristics resulting from the genotype interacting with the environment. (e.g height influenced by genetics and diet)
What is epigenetics?
Environmental factors (e.g diet and pollution) can change how genes are expressed without changing the DNA itself. Changes are epigenetic markers.
What is natural selection?
Behaviours and traits that provide survival advantage (e.g avoiding fire or dangerous water) are more likely passed to future generations.
Some examples of behavioural traits increasing survival?
Longer necks in some animals help them reach food and cows producing more milk increasing the survival of off spring
What is evolution?
Is the process of changes in traits across generations due to genetic inheritance.
Whats an example of Genotype interacting with the environment to influence behaviour?
Genetic and psychological disorders (e.g, identical twins with different mental health outcomes?
Why might have two individuals have different phenotypes but the same genotype?
Due to environmental influences like diet or lifestyle
What does biological focus on compared to cognitive?
Bio: Focuses on physical processes
Cog: Focuses on thought processes
What has researching the biological processes lead to?
Drug development for mental health conditions . Drugs are easy to use and use minimal commitment compared to therapy
What does the biological approach determine?
Behaviour is controlled by internal factors like genes or hormones which reduces personal responsibility
whats a scientific method to study the brain?
fMRI,EEG and PET. Family and adoption studies also help measure genetic influence
