Biological Approach

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

How biological structures & processes within the body impacts on behaviour
Much of human behaviour has a physiological cause (genetically or environmental altered)
Extreme ‘nature’
Study the brain, nervous system acting on the brain
Deeply rooted in science & uses extremely scientific methods

Question 2

Genotype

Answer 2

Genetic make-up of an individual that is inherited

Question 3

Phenotype

Answer 3

Observable characteristics of an individual
Result of the interaction of the genotype & the environment
Genotype + Environment = Phenotype

Question 4

Evolution

Answer 4

Changes in genetic make-up that takes in a population over time

Question 5

Sexual selection

Answer 5

Reproduce
Buss (1989)- women desire mates with resources & men desire mates who were young and physically attractive

Question 6

Natural selection

Answer 6

Genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual chance at survival will continue in future generations

Question 7

Biological structures

Answer 7

2 hemispheres (right & left) has 4 lobes
Frontal- speech, thought, learning
Parietal- sensory information
Occipital- visual information
Temporal- hearing & memory

Question 8

Neurochemistry

Answer 8

Neurotransmitters- chemicals found within the brain, each have a different effect on the brain
Excitatory- make the brain more active
Inhibitory- make the brain more calm
Imbalance of no. of neurotransmitters- associated with atypical behaviour
(Crockett et al., 2008) (Carre et al., 2006)