the biological approach Flashcards
what are the 4 features in the biological approach that influence behaviours
- genetic factors
- evolution
- neurons/nervous system
- neurochemistry
how does genetic factors influence our behaviour?
characteristics are passed from generations through genes. how genes develop is partly influenced by interactions with other genes and partly the influence of the environment. (nature nurture)
genes code characteristics such as eye colour.
GENOTYPES and PHENOTYPES
what are genotypes and phenotypes?
genotype- the genetic makeup that is written in the DNA of an individual cell
phenotype- the characteristics an individual displays as a result of the inherited information
how do we determine the involvement of genetic factors?
by comparing the concordance rate of monozygotic twins (MZ, indenticle, same genes) with the concordance rate of dizygotic twins (DZ, 50% same genes). the more similar MZ twins are in a characteristic such as aggression compared to the general population, the more heritable/genetically based the characteristic
what is the effect of evolution on behaviour?
there are different physical characteristics and behaviours because of genetic variation through the process of natural selection. characteristics which aid survival are passed on.
what is the effect of neurons/nervous system on behaviour?
the nervous system is made up of the CNS and the PNS.
neurons are individual nerve cells which carry messages around our body. they transmit nerve impulses in the form of electrical signals which control behaviour
what is the effect of neurochemistry on behaviour?
when a nerve impulse reaches the end of a neurone, a neurotransmitter is released. they travel from neurone to neurone across synpases.
neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain into action and trigger a neuron to release a neurotransmitter are called excitatory neurotransmitters
neurotransmitters that inhibit a nerve impulse from being released are called inhibitory neurotransmitters
what is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter
Dopamine; associated with our drive and motivation
what is an example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter?
serotonin; necessary for maintaining a balanced mood
what do hormones do?
chemicals produced by the endoctrine glands and make up the endoctrine system.
in response to a signal from the brain, hormones are secreted directly into the blood stream
what is a strength of the biological approach? (methods)
in support of the biological approach, it has placed importance on the use of scientific methods i.e. experiments. the use of these methods mean the results are more replicable which increases the validity. it also allows for the manipulation and control of the variables, which increases the reliability of the approach.
STRENGTH because the supporting research is high in validity which increases the precision and objectivity of the approach when based on valid evidence
what is a limitation of the biological approach? (reductionist)
this approach is reductionist; the idea that you can explain complex human behaviour by breaking it down into smaller components such as genes. therefore, it ignores other factors that could have an influence on behaviour, such as cognitive/emotional/cultural factors.
LIMITATION because it cannot fully explain complexity of human behaviour and so isnt a full explanation
what is a limitation of the biological approach? (probs for evolution…)
there are problems for evolutionary explanations of behaviour. critics argue that there are some established patterns of human behaviour which have purely cultural origins with no survival or reproductive value. for example drinking/smoking. this shows that problems arise with some of the explanations from the approach and so reduces validity
what is a strength of the biological approach? (applications)
it has real life applications. due to it being able to make clear predictions, it has lead to applications of biological research in the real world. for example, the effects of neurotransmitters can be predicted, as can behaviour of genetically depressed people. this has led to development of drugs to treat depression. shows that the approach has applications which increase the validity and suggest it is falsifiable. it is also able to help people which is the main aim of psychology.
