Unit 1 - LAA4 - Influence of Biology on Behaviour Flashcards
According to biological psychologists, where does the ‘mind’ live?
In the brain
According to biological psychologists, what is the basis of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour?
Physical basis (biological)
What is meant be ‘genes’?
Strands of DNA inherited from parents
What are the 4 main ways in which biology influences our behaviour?
Genes
Neuroanatomy
Neurochemistry
Evolution
What do DNA strands provide?
Chemical instructions to manufacture proteins in the body
What is meant be ‘genes’?
Strands of DNA inherited from parents
Where do our ‘genes’ come from?
Inherited from parents
What do DNA strands provide?
Chemical instructions to manufacture proteins in the body
What do the physical proteins manufactured from DNA strands influence?
Physical and psychological characteristics
What does ‘neuroanatomy’ refer to?
Structure of the nervous system, including the brain
What is meant by ‘neurochemistry’?
Chemical processes within the brain
Where do our ‘genes’ come from?
Inherited from parents
What sends messages around the brain and body?
Neurons and neurotransmitters
What are the 4 main ways in which biology influences our behaviour?
Genes
Neuroanatomy
Neurochemistry
Evolution
According to biological psychologists, where does the ‘mind’ live?
In the brain
What theory explains the change in animals over millions of years?
Evolution
What is meant by evolution?
The change in animals over millions of years
What is meant by ‘neurochemistry’?
Chemical processes within the brain
What do DNA strands provide?
Chemical instructions to manufacture proteins in the body
HOW has evolution happened?
Through natural selection
What two biological factors affect our personality - according to Eysenck?
Genes + neurochemistry
What two aspects of personality feature in Eysenck’s theory?
Introversion and extraversion
What is meant by extraversion?
A personality trait; outgoing, sociable, friendly, seeking new experiences
What is meant by introversion?
A personality trait; Withdrawn, shy, uncomfortable with new sensations
Most people are either introversion or extraversion
True or false
False
How does having an underactive nervous system cause extraversion?
They engage in behaviours to provide constant excitement
Most people are a blend of introversion
AND extraversion
True or false
True
What two biological factors affect our personality - according to Eysenck?
Genes + neurochemistry
What two aspects of personality feature in Eysenck’s theory?
Introversion and extraversion
How do genes influence your personality?
Influencing activity of nervous system
What is meant by evolution?
The change in animals over millions of years
What is meant by extraversion?
A personality trait; outgoing, sociable, friendly, seeking new experiences
How does having an underactive nervous system cause extraversion?
They engage in behaviours to provide constant excitement
Extraverts have what type of nervous system?
Underactive nervous system
How does having an underactive nervous system cause extraversion?
They engage in behaviours to provide constant excitement
Introverts have what type of nervous system?
Overactive nervous system
How does having an overactive nervous system cause introversion?
They engage in less behaviours to avoid stimulation
Who is more likely to display risk taking behaviours? Introvert or extravert?
Extravert
Why are extraverts more likely to be a criminals than introverts?
As they are more likely to perform risky behaviours to provide excitement for their UNDERACTIVE nervous system
Frankie became a paramedic because they wanted a job working with people and helping him. Frankie finds being a paramedic exciting, telling people on nights out, ‘you never know what is going to happen’
Identify two of Frankie’s traits which indicate they are an extravert
Sociable = goes on nights out
New experiences = paramedic is a constantly new experience as “never know what is going to happen”
Friendly = talking to people on nights out
What is meant by extraversion?
A personality trait; outgoing, sociable, friendly, seeking new experiences
Frankie became a paramedic because they wanted a job working with people and helping him. Frankie finds being a paramedic exciting, telling people on nights out, ‘you never know what is going to happen’
Explain one way in which biology may have influenced Frankie’s traits
Inherited UNDERACTIVE nervous system so she is seeking new experiences
Tim works as an IT consultant who works from home. Tim finds working from home suitable to him, telling his family ‘he knows what to expect everyday’ and can communicate with his colleagues ‘via email to avoid face to face conversations’
Identify two of Tim’s traits which indicate they are an extravert
Works from home = withdrawn
Communicates via email = shy
‘Knows what to expect everyday’ = avoids new experiences
How does having an overactive nervous system cause introversion?
They engage in less behaviours to avoid stimulation
Tim works as an IT consultant who works from home. Tim finds working from home suitable to him, telling his family ‘he knows what to expect everyday’ and can communicate with his colleagues ‘via email to avoid face to face conversations’
Explain one way in which biology may have influenced Tim’s traits
Inherited OVERACTIVE nervous system so avoids new experiences to avoid extra stimulation to their nervous system
