Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological approach

Answer 1

Explains behaviour through genetic or biochemical processes

Question 2

Genetic basis

Answer 2

Inheritance of genes can give a predisposition to certain behaviours

Question 3

Gottesman (1991)

Answer 3

48% concordance rate for schizophrenia with MZ twins, 17% for DZ twins

Question 4

Genotype

Answer 4

All the genes an individual possesses

Question 5

Phenotype

Answer 5

The observable characteristics shown due to the effect of genes and the environment

Question 6

Neuroanatomical basis

Answer 6

Different parts of the brain responsible for different functions

Question 7

Strengths of the biological approach

Answer 7

• Scientific credibility (eg. Precise, accurate, objective scientific methodology)
• Real world application (eg. Neurotransmitters like antidepressants work to increase serotonin levels in the grain)

Question 8

Limitations of the biological approach

Answer 8

• Cannot establish causation (eg. Correlational results only establish association between brain structures and behaviour, not causation)
• Biologically deterministic (eg. Doesn’t take into account environmental interaction, phenotype and free will)