The biological approach

Question 1

what are the 3 basic assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

• human behaviour can be explained by looking at biological stuff such as hormones, genetics evolution and the nervous system
• if we explain all behaviour through biological processes, unwanted behaviour could be modified or removed using biological treatments
• experimental research conducted using animals can inform us about human behaviour and biological influences

Question 2

what is a genotype?

Answer 2

the genes they have

Question 3

what is a phenotype?

Answer 3

the characteristics their genes produce

Question 4

what have twin studies and adoption studies highlighted?

Answer 4

the possible role of genetics

Question 5

what do identical twins share?

Answer 5

100% of their genes

Question 6

what do non-identical twins share?

Answer 6

50% of their genes

Question 7

what are the 5 techniques used during the biological approach?

Answer 7

PET scans 
CAT scans 
MRI scans 
functional MRI scans 
SQUID magnetrometry

Question 8

Brain structure has been investigated in several areas of psychology what are these?

Answer 8

aggression
memory
psychopathology

Question 9

how has brain structure been investigated using aggression?

Answer 9

Bard and Mountcastle (1948) found that leionising areas of the brains of cats led to changes in levels of aggression this suggests that the hypothalamus and amygdala are involved in aggression

Question 10

how has brain structure been investigated using memory?

Answer 10

in a case study MIlner et al found that HM was unable to use his long term memory effectively suggesting that the hippocampus has an important role in LTM

Question 11

how has psychopathology been used to investigate brain structure?

Answer 11

szesko et al found differences in the preforntal cortex when comparing people with and without schizophrenia suggesting a relationship between them

Question 12

what are the strengths of the biological approach?

Answer 12

• The approach can provide evidence to support or disprove a theory
• if a biological cause can be found for mental health problems or unwanted behaviour such as aggression then biological treatments can be developed to help individuals

Question 13

what are the weaknesses of the biological approach?

Answer 13

• The approach doesn’t take into account the influence of people’s environment, there family childhood experiences or their social situation
• using a biological explanation for negative behaviour can lead to individuals or groups avoiding taking personal or social responsibility for their behaviour