Approaches - Biological Flashcards
(18 cards)
Introduction to biological approach
Assumes behaviour can be explained using biological processes
Humans are viewed as biological beings
Explores how biology influences thoughts, emotions and action
Genetic basis of behaviour
Genes contain information for physical and psychological traits
Passed on from parents to offspring
May influence intelligence, personality and mental illness
Twin studies - biology
Used to explore genetic influence on behaviour
MZ - identical, share 100% DNA
DZ - non-identical, share 50% DNA
Comparing concordance rates between twin types (degree of genetic similarity for a trait)
Genotype vs Phenotype
Genotype: genetic makeup, information in genes
Phenotype: expression of genes + environmental factors
- genetic predisposition to dementia (genotype, actual development of dementia (phenotype)
The brain and behaviour
Cerebral cortex: outer surface of the brain
Divided into two hemispheres
Subdivided into lobes
Different areas responsible for different functions
Localisation of function
Theory that specific brain areas are responsible for specific functions
Frontal lobe: personality, decision-making, movement
Motor cortex - control movements
Parietal lobe: sensory processing
Somatosensory cortex - processing info from senses
Occipital lobe: visual processing
Temporal lobe: auditory and speech processing
Hippocampus - significant role in memory + learning
Brain hemispheres
Left hemisphere controls right side of body
Right hemisphere controls left side of body
Language typically focused in left hemisphere
The hippocampus
Located deep within the brain
Plays a significant role in memory and learning
Critical for forming new memories
Neurochemistry and behaviour
Nervous system contains billions of neurones
Neurones communicate via electrical and chemical signals
Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers that transmit information between neurones
Neurotransmitter imbalances
Imbalances can cause changes in behaviour and mental states
Serotonin imbalance associated with depression
Dopamine imbalance associated with schizophrenia
Evolution and behaviour
Gradual change in inherited traits over generations
Adaptation to environment
Natural selection and survival of the fittest
Evolutionary psychology example
Rooting reflex in babies
Babies turn heads towards touch on cheek or mouth
Aids in breastfeeding and survival
Applications of biological approach
Understanding genetic basis of disorders
Developing medications targeting neurotransmitters
Brain imaging to study structure and function
Supporting evidence
Phineas Gage: iron rod pierced through skull
Damage to left frontal lobe - personality completely changed - aggressive, swearing
Frontal lobe - personality c characteristics, emotion processing & decision making
Brain scanning research: Tulving et al
PET scans - procedural memories right prefrontal cortex, semantic left prefrontal cortex - different parts of the brain for different functions
Genetics - Nestadt et al
MZ 68% concordance for OCD
DZ 31% concordance for OCD
- potential role of genetics in behaviour
Evaluation: research methods
Highly scientific -
Objective
Highly controlled
Establish cause & effect
Standardisation of procedures
Able to be replicated - adds credibility to biological approach
X - Case study - individual, rare cases
Difficult to generalise to wider population
Considers similarity of animals to human behaviour + animal studies - human behaviour more complex in language, consciousness, behaviour
Application to real life
Treatment for mental disorders:
Drug treatments - correct neurotransmitter imbalance (SSRI for OCD)
Evaluation: Overemphasis on Nature
Fail to consider importance of environmental factors
Explain OCD in gene mutations + imbalance of neurotransmitters but can also be influenced by environment
Cromer et al - over 50% who had OCD had a traumatic past event - not only down to biology
Evaluation: biologically deterministic
Behaviour determined by internal biological factors - genetics/neural
Pessimistic view- stuck with condition/inevitable
Removes moral responsibility- blame behaviour on biology (MAOA gene)
