approaches : biological approach Flashcards
What is the biological approach?
It emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neutral function.
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
We must look at biological structures such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous systems to understand psychological processes.
What do behaviour geneticists study?
They study whether behavioural characteristics such as intelligence, personality and mental disorders are inherited similarly to eye colour.
What are twin studies used to see?
They are used to see if certain traits have a genetic basis.
How are twin studies done?
They are done by comparing concordance rates between pairs of twins (the extent to which twins share the same characteristics).
What is genotype?
It is a person’s unique genetic make-up.
What is phenotype?
It is the expression of genes through physical, behavioural, and psychological characteristics. these are influenced by the environment.
What is natural selection?
It states that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction will be passed down to future generations.
What is an example of natural selection?
Female peacocks pick their mate according to the male’s tale.The ones with the largest and brightest tales are more likely to mate more often.
What other parts of biology that may influence behaviour?
Biochemistry (low levels of serotonin may lead to depression) & neuroscience.
How are the scientific methods of the biological approach a strength?
Highly scientific methods such as scans, drug trials are all based on science which gives it more credibility. This is because they are objective which makes them reliable.
How is the real-life application of the biological approach a strength?
Since we have a good understanding of biochemistry psychoactive drugs have been developed which treat mental illnesses. this means patients who suffer can manage their condition and lead their normal lives.
How is the casual conclusions of the biological approach a weakness?
It claims to have discovered causes of mental illness but it has only shown associations. the discovery of the association between two factors does not mean that it causes it (treatment aetiology fallacy).
How is the determinist view of the biological approach a weakness?
It views behaviour as being controlled by biological factors which are beyond our control and therefore we have no free will. This causes implications for the legal system.
How is it that it cannot separate nature and nurture of the biological approach a weakness?
Family members have similar genes so it assumes that similarities are due to genes. however, we also have simil
