Biological Approach

Question 1

Assumptions of the approach

Answer 1

• Much of behaviour has a biological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered
• Genes affect behaviour; genotypes and phenotypes which influence individual differences between people
• Infections of the brain can play a role in mental illness

Question 2

Genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 2

• We differ from each other due to other genetic instructions (genes)
• Heritability refers to the amount of variation in a trait (behaviour) within a population that can be attributed to genetic differences
• Genetics are thought to influence risk of mental illness

Question 3

Twin studies

Answer 3

• Twin studies are used to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour
• Comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart
• Concordance rate refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits and characteristics

Question 4

Holland et al- supporting research for twin studies

Answer 4

• Carried out research into link between genes and anorexia
• He used identical and non identical twins where one of them had the disorder
• He found concordance rate of 56% of MZ, and only 5% of DZ
• Shows that susceptibility to anorexia has a significant genetic component

Question 5

Adoption studies

Answer 5

• These involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological adoptive parent

Question 6

Genotype

Answer 6

This is the genetic make-up of an individual

Question 7

Phenotype

Answer 7

The observable characteristics of an individual that depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors

Question 8

Twins and their phenotypes

Answer 8

• They have the same genetic makeup and they look alike, but they possess different phenotypes
• Identical twins have differences that allow those who are close to them to tell them apart
• Twins are genetically the same, however any differences you see between them are due to differences in their experience or environment

Question 9

Evolution

Answer 9

These are the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 10

Natural selection

Answer 10

• Animals with particular traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, thereby passing on their adaptive traits to their offspring
• Natural selection is when resources are limited, so those better equipped to find food or run from predators are more likely to survive and pass on their genes

Question 11

Evaluation of biological approach

Answer 11

Strengths:
- It is scientific, meaning we can find cause and effect of biology on behaviour
- Use of highly scientific methodology allows replication and increases validity
- Impact of biology on behaviour can lead to treatment e.g drugs, such as SSRIs to treat OCD and depression

Negatives:
- It is a deterministic approach, stating there is no free will
- reductionist approach, by saying all behaviour can be explained through a single biological process
- Dehumanising to present humans as biological machines
- Dangers of looking for a biological cause of all behaviour may lead to problems e.g looking for a criminal gene
- It ignored the role of the environment
- Lab experiments lack ecological validity