The biological approach Flashcards
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
An understanding of brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour.
From a biological perspective, the mind lives in the brain - All thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis.
This is in contrast to the cognitive approach, for example, that what?
This is in contrast to the cognitive approach, for example, that sees mental processes of the mind as being separate from the physical brain
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by what?
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by:
- Genetics
- The central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord
- The chemistry of the body
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
1. Genetics:
Biological psychologists believe that the genes an individual possesses influence his or her behaviour.
This also means that there is a belief in the process of evolution.
It is believed that behaviour evolves how?
It is believed that behaviour evolves in the same way as physical characteristics through the process of evolutionary adaptation
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
1. Genetics:
Biological psychologists believe that the genes an individual possesses influence his or her behaviour.
This also means that there is a belief in the process of evolution.
It is believed that behaviour evolves in the same way as physical characteristics through the process of evolutionary adaptation.
This then leads to the idea that the examination of what can also usefully tell us about our own behaviour?
This then leads to the idea that the examination of animals can also usefully tell us about our own behaviour
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
2. The central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord:
The brain is seen as the main focus when explaining behaviour, why?
The brain is seen as the main focus when explaining behaviour, because it is seen to be the origin of how the world is seen and acted upon by an individual
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
3. The chemistry of the body:
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain and the body are thought by biological psychologists to be related to what?
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain and the body are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
3. The chemistry of the body:
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (what) and the body are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour?
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
3. The chemistry of the body:
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body (what) are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour?
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body (hormones) are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
3. The chemistry of the body:
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body (hormones) are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour.
What are they believed to influence?
They are believed to influence reactions to the environment
The biological approach sees behaviour as rooted in the physiology and biology of the body.
The core assumptions of the biological approach are that behaviour is affected by genetics, the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord and the chemistry of the body.
3. The chemistry of the body:
Varying levels of the chemicals in the body found both in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body (hormones) are thought by biological psychologists to be related to an individual’s behaviour.
They are believed to influence reactions to the environment.
The chemistry of the body is a rapidly advancing approach in psychology, due to what?
The chemistry of the body is a rapidly advancing approach in psychology, due to:
- The progression of technology
- The understanding of researchers about how the brain and body work
Hormones
Hormones are chemicals secreted by the endocrine system into the blood and other bodily fluids
There are two key terms that help show how genetics can influence the development of an individual - What?
There are two key terms that help show how genetics can influence the development of an individual - Genotype and phenotype
Genotype
Genotype is:
- The genetic makeup of an individual
- The particular set of genes that a person possesses
Phenotype
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both:
- Genes
- The environment
Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual and the particular set of genes that a person possesses.
It occurs at conception and provides the what for how that individual will develop?
It occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how that individual will develop
Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual and the particular set of genes that a person possesses.
It occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how that individual will develop.
Each individual is thought to have how many genes?
Each individual is thought to have around 100,000 genes
Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual and the particular set of genes that a person possesses.
It occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how that individual will develop.
Each individual is thought to have around 100,000 genes.
The genotype dictates characteristics such as what?
The genotype dictates characteristics such as:
- Eye colour
- Hair colour
Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual and the particular set of genes that a person possesses.
It occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how that individual will develop.
Each individual is thought to have around 100,000 genes.
The genotype dictates characteristics such as eye colour and hair colour.
Each individual, apart from who, has a genotype that is unique to them?
Each individual, apart from identical twins, has a genotype that is unique to them
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.
With a physical characteristic such as height, the genotype dictates the maximum height an individual can reach, but environmental factors, such as what, will affect how likely the person is to achieve their potential height?
With a physical characteristic such as height, the genotype dictates the maximum height an individual can reach, but environmental factors, such as nutrition, will affect how likely the person is to achieve their potential height
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.
With a physical characteristic such as height, the genotype dictates the maximum height an individual can reach, but environmental factors, such as nutrition, will affect how likely the person is to achieve their potential height.
An individual’s genotype might be that they have the genetic potential to be tall.
However, much like a planted seed, if the environment does not provide the optimum conditions, then the individual will not fulfil their potential to become tall.
Example
For example, there may be a period of poor nutrition or they may take a drug that inhibits their growth
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.
With a physical characteristic such as height, the genotype dictates the maximum height an individual can reach, but environmental factors, such as nutrition, will affect how likely the person is to achieve their potential height.
An individual’s genotype might be that they have the genetic potential to be tall.
However, much like a planted seed, if the environment does not provide the optimum conditions, then the individual will not fulfil their potential to become tall.
For example, there may be a period of poor nutrition or they may take a drug that inhibits their growth.
This means that the phenotype is the height they actually become, not what?
This means that the phenotype is the height they actually become, not their genetic potential
What is the expression of a genotype inevitably influenced by?
The expression of a genotype is inevitably influenced by environmental factors
The expression of a genotype is inevitably influenced by environmental factors.
Example
For example, identical adult twins usually look slightly different, because one has exercised more or dyed their hair, ect
The expression of a genotype is inevitably influenced by environmental factors.
For example, identical adult twins usually look slightly different, because one has exercised more or dyed their hair, ect.
Therefore, despite having the same genes, the way identical twins’ genes are expressed (the phenotype) is different.
This illustrates what many biological psychologists believe - that much of human behaviour depends upon an interaction between what?
This illustrates what many biological psychologists believe - that much of human behaviour depends upon an interaction between:
- Inherited factors (nature)
- The environment (nurture)
Each individual is born with typically 23 pairs of chromosomes that have been inherited from their birth parents.
These are our genotype and form the basis for our development.
The work of geneticists and psychologists has suggested that there may be a genetic underpinning for certain behaviours.
Often the work is carried out on pairs of twins.
As monozygotic (MZ or identical twins) are 100% genetically similar, the likelihood of them both having a behaviour/disorder compared with the likelihood of non-genetically identical twins (DZ or dizygotic twins) gives an indication of what?
As monozygotic (MZ or identical twins) are 100% genetically similar, the likelihood of them both having a behaviour/disorder compared with the likelihood of non-genetically identical twins (DZ or dizygotic twins) gives an indication of how much the behaviour may be genetic
Each individual is born with typically 23 pairs of chromosomes that have been inherited from their birth parents.
These are our genotype and form the basis for our development.
The work of geneticists and psychologists has suggested that there may be a genetic underpinning for certain behaviours.
Often the work is carried out on pairs of twins.
As monozygotic (MZ or identical twins) are 100% genetically similar, the likelihood of them both having a behaviour/disorder compared with the likelihood of non-genetically identical twins (DZ or dizygotic twins) gives an indication of how much the behaviour may be genetic.
If the MZ twins show a higher likelihood of sharing behaviours/disorders than DZ twins, then there is argued to be what?
If the MZ twins show a higher likelihood of sharing behaviours/disorders than DZ twins, then there is argued to be a genetic component
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like what, are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour?
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like:
1. Mental disorders
2. Personality
3. Intelligence
,are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like mental disorders, personality and intelligence, are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour.
What are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis?
Twin studies are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like mental disorders, personality and intelligence, are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour.
Twin studies are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis, by comparing what?
Twin studies are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis, by comparing the concordance rates between pairs of twins
Concordance rates
Concordance rates are the extent to which both twins share the same characteristic
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like mental disorders, personality and intelligence, are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour.
Twin studies are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis, by comparing the concordance rates between pairs of twins.
If identical (monozygotic) twins are found to have higher concordance rates than non-identical (dizygotic) twins, this would suggest a genetic basis.
Why is this?
This is because monozygotic twins share 100% of each other’s genes, whilst dizygotic twins share about 50%
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics, like mental disorders, personality and intelligence, are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics like height and eye colour.
Twin studies are used to determined the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis, by comparing the concordance rates between pairs of twins.
If identical (monozygotic) twins are found to have higher concordance rates than non-identical (dizygotic) twins, this would suggest a genetic basis.
This is because monozygotic twins share 100% of each other’s genes, whilst dizygotic twins share about 50%, the same as what?
This is because monozygotic twins share 100% of each other’s genes, whilst dizygotic twins share about 50%, the same as any siblings
Evolution and behaviour:
Initially, there is a random change, a mutation, in the genetic makeup of an individual that leads to a characteristic or behaviour occurring.
If that change means that the survival and/or change of reproduction are reduced for the organism, then what?
If that change means that the survival and/or change of reproduction are reduced for the organism, then the gene is not passed on
Evolution and behaviour:
Initially, there is a random change, a mutation, in the genetic makeup of an individual that leads to a characteristic or behaviour occurring.
If that change means that the survival and/or change of reproduction are reduced for the organism, then the gene is not passed on.
If it, however, increases their chance of survival and reproduction, then what?
If it, however, increases their chance of survival and reproduction, then it gets passed on when they reproduce
Evolution and behaviour:
Initially, there is a random change, a mutation, in the genetic makeup of an individual that leads to a characteristic or behaviour occurring.
If that change means that the survival and/or change of reproduction are reduced for the organism, then the gene is not passed on.
If it, however, increases their chance of survival and reproduction, then it gets passed on when they reproduce.
What does this mean?
This means that the mutation has been adaptive for the individual
Evolution and behaviour:
Initially, there is a random change, a mutation, in the genetic makeup of an individual that leads to a characteristic or behaviour occurring.
If that change means that the survival and/or change of reproduction are reduced for the organism, then the gene is not passed on.
If it, however, increases their chance of survival and reproduction, then it gets passed on when they reproduce.
This means that the mutation has been adaptive for the individual and it then has every chance of being adaptive for what?
This means that the mutation has been adaptive for the individual and it then has every chance of being adaptive for subsequent organisms
Evolution and behaviour:
Biological psychologists believe that psychological characteristics like intelligence and aggression were adaptive at the outset and therefore became part of the evolutionary process.
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is what?
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is lengthy
Evolution and behaviour:
Biological psychologists believe that psychological characteristics like intelligence and aggression were adaptive at the outset and therefore became part of the evolutionary process.
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is lengthy.
The behaviour in animals occurs, it is argued, in much the same way.
Biological psychologists therefore believe that examination of non-human behaviour is useful.
In the case of humans, we may have a genetic mutation that makes us physically more able and attractive and therefore the mutation is adaptive.
It is argued to be the same for behaviours.
Aggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive in that it can do what?
Aggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive in that it can:
- Improve survival rates in some situations
- Increase access to resources
Evolution and behaviour:
Biological psychologists believe that psychological characteristics like intelligence and aggression were adaptive at the outset and therefore became part of the evolutionary process.
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is lengthy.
The behaviour in animals occurs, it is argued, in much the same way.
Biological psychologists therefore believe that examination of non-human behaviour is useful.
In the case of humans, we may have a genetic mutation that makes us physically more able and attractive and therefore the mutation is adaptive.
It is argued to be the same for behaviours.
Aggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive in that it can improve survival rates in some situations and increase access to resources.
What does it also help to do?
It also helps to protect territory
Evolution and behaviour:
Biological psychologists believe that psychological characteristics like intelligence and aggression were adaptive at the outset and therefore became part of the evolutionary process.
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is lengthy.
The behaviour in animals occurs, it is argued, in much the same way.
Biological psychologists therefore believe that examination of non-human behaviour is useful.
In the case of humans, we may have a genetic mutation that makes us physically more able and attractive and therefore the mutation is adaptive.
It is argued to be the same for behaviours.
Aggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive in that it can improve survival rates in some situations and increase access to resources.
It also helps to protect territory.
In finding a mate, what can this mean?
In finding a mate, this can mean that the individual becomes more attractive to potential mates
Evolution and behaviour:
Biological psychologists believe that psychological characteristics like intelligence and aggression were adaptive at the outset and therefore became part of the evolutionary process.
This process takes many generations to occur and so the process of one behaviour becoming part of the genetic makeup of humans is lengthy.
The behaviour in animals occurs, it is argued, in much the same way.
Biological psychologists therefore believe that examination of non-human behaviour is useful.
In the case of humans, we may have a genetic mutation that makes us physically more able and attractive and therefore the mutation is adaptive.
It is argued to be the same for behaviours.
Aggression is widespread in animal behaviour and can be seen to be adaptive in that it can improve survival rates in some situations and increase access to resources.
It also helps to protect territory.
In finding a mate, this can mean that the individual becomes more attractive to potential mates and what does this therefore do?
In finding a mate, this can mean that the individual becomes more attractive to potential mates and this therefore increases the individual’s chance of reproduction