The biological approach: session 19

Question 1

What are assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

• investigates how biological structures and impact behaviour
• mind lives in brain
• human behaviour has physiological causes which can be genetically or environmentally altered
• psychologists should study brain and other biological systems

Question 2

What are the methods to investigate genetic basis of behaviour?

Answer 2

• twin studies
• family studies
• adoption studies
• selective breeding

Question 3

What are twin studies?

Answer 3

Used to investigate roles of genetic and environmental traits, behaviours and conditions

Question 4

What is the difference between a monozygotic and dizygotic?

Answer 4

• monozygotic: one zygote that is split to form two embryos (identical twins)
• dizygotic: two zygotes formed separately with two separate eggs and sperms (fraternal twins)

Question 5

What are concordance rates?

Answer 5

• Agreement between
• extent that a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics

Question 6

If MZ twins characteristics is genetic what should the concordance rate be?

Answer 6

100%

Question 7

What did Francis Galton say

Answer 7

• all natural abilities are inherited
• later agreed family resemblance could be a result of genetics or environment

Question 8

What are adoption studies?

Answer 8

Involve comparing trait of adopted child with biological or adoptive parents

Question 9

What is selective breeding?

Answer 9

• artificially selecting male and female for specific traits
• demonstrates how number of behavioural characteristics are genetic

Question 10

What are behaviours which have been suggested to be genetic?

Answer 10

• intelligence
• aggression

Question 11

How do genes function?

Answer 11

• function in pairs & inherited from parents provides basis for genetic variability

Question 12

What is a genotype?

Answer 12

Genetic makeup which determines potential traits

Question 13

What is a phenotype?

Answer 13

Observable characteristics shaped by environment & genetics

Question 14

What’s the difference between genotypes and phenotypes?

Answer 14

• largely the phenotype is determined by genotype
• genotype + environment = phenotype

Question 15

What’s an example of a phenotype?

Answer 15

Hair
- genes determine hair colour but environment can change it e.g sunlight exposure & chemicals

Question 16

What is a recessive gene?

Answer 16

Gene only shows when individual has 2 copies

Question 17

What is a dominant gene?

Answer 17

Always shows even if individual only has 1 copy

Question 18

Explain phenotypes in regards to twins

Answer 18

• genetically identical so any differences are due to environment
• different phenotype