the biological approach

Question 1

define genotype

Answer 1

• the genetic make up of an individual.

- a collection of genetic material that is passed from generation to generation

Question 2

what is the biological approach

Answer 2

-views humans as biological organisms so therefore provides biological explanations of all aspects of psychological functioning

Question 3

define genes

Answer 3

carry the instructions for a particular characteristic

Question 4

define phenotype

Answer 4

• the observable characteristics of an individual

- this is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment

Question 5

how the gene develops depends on what

Answer 5

it’s interaction with other genes and the environment

Question 6

what is the nature-nurture debate

Answer 6

the extent to which a psychological characteristic is determined by genes or the environment

Question 7

define heredity

Answer 7

• the passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through the genes.
• this is the reason why offspring take after their parents in terms of psychological characteristics

Question 8

define heritability

Answer 8

-the amount of variability in a trait within a population that can be attributed to genetic difference between individuals within that population

Question 9

describe the components of the nervous system

Answer 9

• the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)

- the peripheral nervous system (somatic and automatic nervous system)

Question 10

what is the function of the nervous system

Answer 10

-carries messages from one part of the body to another using neurons

Question 11

define neurons

Answer 11

electrical signals that transmit nerve impulses

Question 12

describe the brain

Answer 12

• the largest part is the cerebrum.

- the outer surface of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex which is responsible for thought and language.

Question 13

define hormones

Answer 13

• chemicals that are produced by endocrine glands, which together make up the endocrine system

Question 14

what does the presence of a hormone cause

Answer 14

a physiological reaction in the cell which alters its activity

Question 15

what is dopamine

Answer 15

an neurotransmitter that is associated with our “drive”

Question 16

adequate amounts of what are necessary to maintain a stable mood

Answer 16

serotonin

Question 17

what did Crockett find out?

Answer 17

that when serotonin levels are low people display increased aggression

Question 18

what did Charles Darwin argue

Answer 18

• over time organisms become adapted to their environment.

- evolution refers to the changes that take place in the characteristics of a population over time

Question 19

what is natural selection

Answer 19

• individuals in a species have different characteristics, some of which are inherited.
• individuals have to compete with each other for resources.
• those who survive this competition and go on to reproduce will have the behaviours that will lead to survival and reproductive success.
• these behaviours will be passed on to offspring and will become more widespread in the population.
• through this process, successive generations will develop behaviours that are even more likely to lead to survival.

Question 20

explain Buss’s study which was to do with evolution/natural selection

Answer 20

• studied 37 different cultures
• found universal similarities in human mate preferences.
• Women desired mates who could provide for offspring.
• Men desired young, attractive women.

Question 21

what method does the biological approach use and what is the benefit of this?

Answer 21

• scientific method
• the studies are in high controlled environments=studies are able to be replicated.
• adds to the validity of the original findings.
• the use of Imaging has increased the precision of information on brain functioning.

Question 22

what is the influence of biological structures on behaviour

Answer 22

many aspects of behaviour are under neuronal control; breathing, eating and sexual behaviour.

Question 23

a strength of the biological approach

Answer 23

• it has applications.
• e.g. research into the role of neurochemicals imbalance in depression had lead to drugs which correct the imbalance and minimise depressive symptoms.

Question 24

what do critics of evolutionary explanations claim that?

Answer 24

many established patterns of human behaviour have purely cultural origins with no survival or reproductive value.

Question 25

a limitation of the biological approach.

Answer 25

• it is reductionist = complex human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into its smallest parts (genes, neurochemicals, hormones)
• critics argue that we cannot fully understand a behaviour without also taking account of things like cognitive, emotional and cultural factor.

Question 26

what are the six parts of the brain

Answer 26

• parietal lobe
• frontal lobe
• occipital lobe
• cerebellum
• brain stem
• temporal lobe

Question 27

Key terms and key evaluation points

Answer 27

• deterministic
• reductionist
• Darwin - natural selection and evolution
• Genes, hormones, neurotransmitters
• scientific
• application - drug treatment
• Deterministic