5.5 The biological approach Flashcards
(37 cards)
Who/what inspired the biological approach in psychology?
Charles Darwin.
Behaviour can be explained by evolution and biology
explain the biological approach briefly?
views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning
define the term evolution
refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make-up of a particular population.
the central proposition of an evolutionary perspective is that the genotype of a population is changeable rather than fixed, and that this change is likely to be caused by the process of natural selection
define gene
a part of a chromosome of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA
define genotype
the genetic make-up of an individual.
the genotype is a collection of inherited genetic material that is passed from generation to generation
what is natural selection?
the process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individual’s reproductive success (or ‘fitness’) are passed onto the next generation, and so become more widespread in the population over time.
what is neurochemistry?
the study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system
define phenotype
the observable characteristics of an individual.
this is the consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment.
when looking at the biological approach, nature and/or nurture?
Both.
Nature: primarily nature in that biological systems such as the CNS and the endocrine system are the product of innate factors.
nurture: however, experience (nurture) can modify and change these systems to best suit the environment.
List three basic assumptions of the biological approach.
Physiological and/or inherited factors determine behaviour
Biological influences on behaviour:
- genes: genotypes and phenotypes, genetic basis of behaviour, heredity genes
- biological structures: neurons and the CNS, the brain
- neurochemistry: hormones, neurotransmitters
when looking at the biological approach, scientific or nonscientific? (methods and theories; explain)
biological psychology aligns itself strongly with the scientific method.
experimental study. e.g the influence of neurotransmitters in a behaviour can be investigated by administering drugs which alter the levels of a particular neurotransmitter in the brain and then measuring any change in that behaviour.
when looking at the biological approach, determinism or free will?
Determinism:
Behaviour is determined by physiological (neurochemical and hormonal) factors and/or inherited genetic factors, both of which are outside of our control.
when looking at the biological approach, reductionism or holism?
Biological reductionism:
Behaviour is broken down into biological structures and processes
negative evaluations/limitations of the biological approach.
Biological approach is reductionist
Evolutionary explanations stress importance of biological evolution, but ignores the possibility of cultural evolution
Identifying a genetic basis for behaviour may lead to discrimination of the basis of a particular genotype
positive evaluations/strengths of the biological approach.
Uses the scientific method, makes replication easier
Biological approach provides clear predictions which can be tested
What are the weaknesses considered when using biology to explain psychology?
Ethics, can we state that ‘your biological makeup determines who you are’? Is this too broad a statement to make?
Determinist, what about the environment(upbringing) etc…
Biological influences on behaviour…
Genes carry the instructions for a particular characteristic from one generation to the next
Relative role of genes or environment = nature/nurture debate
Genotype is the genetic code written in the individual’s DNA
Phenotype is physical manifestation of this inherited information
Heritability = the amount of variability in a trait within a population attributed to genetic differences
The nervous system = central and peripheral nervous system
The largest part of the brain is the cerebrum, divided into four lobes
Neurotransmitters enable nerve impulses to cross the synapse
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters stimulate or inhibit a receiving nerve cell
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
Hormones - produced by endocrine cells and stimulate target cells
Evolution and behaviour - through natural selection
function of the frontal lobes?
are involved with functions such as speech, thought and learning
function of temporal lobes?
are involved with hearing and memory
function of parietal lobes?
process sensory information such as touch, temperature and pain
function of occipital lobes?
process visual information
What are the strengths considered when using biology to explain psychology?
Application in treatment using drugs.
Replicable, objective results. scientific
define nature.
behaviour is seen as a product of innate (biological or genetic factors)
define nurture.
behaviour is a product of environmental factors
