The Biological Approach Flashcards
What is neurochemistry?
The study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system
What is evolution?
Refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make up of a particular population. The central proposition of an evolutionary perspective is that the genotype of a population is changeable rather than fixed and that this change is likely to be caused by the process of natural selection
What is a gene?
A little art of the chromosome of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA
What is a genotype?
The genetic make up of an individual. The genotype is a collection of inherited genetic material which is passed from generation to generation
What is a phenotype?
The observable characteristics of an individual as a result of interaction with the genotype and environment
What is natural selection?
The process by which inherited characteristics that enhance and individuals reproductive success are passed on to the next generation and so become more widespread in the population over time
What is neurochemistry?
The study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system
What is the nervous system and what are the two structures?
The nervous system carries messages from one part of the body to another using nerve cells known as neurons. Neurons transmit nerve impulses in the form of electrical signals
- Central Nervous System - brain and spinal chord
- The peripheral nervous system - somatic and autonomic nervous systems
What is a neurotransmitter and what are the two types?
A chemical that affects behaviour
- Excitatory - stimulate the brain into action
- Inhibitory - calm the brain and balance the mode
What are the four main section of the brain and what are they In charge of?
- Frontal lobe - functions such as speech, learning and learning
- Temporal lobes - hearing and memory
- Parietal loves - processes sensory information
- Occipital lobes - visual information
What are the strengths of the biological approach?
- The biological approach uses the scientific method
2. Useful applications
What are the limitations of the biological approach?
- The biological approach is reductionist - other factors influence behaviour not just biology
- Problems for evolutionary explanations of behaviour
- Genetic explanations cause aggravation as not all family’s are criminals etc
What is the biological approach?
Views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning
