approaches: biological approach Flashcards
(13 cards)
outline assumptions
The biological approach suggests that everything psychological is at first biological.
So human behaviour must be influenced by biological structures and processes within the body such as genes, hormones and chromosomes.
For example:
Human behaviour can be explained by neurochemistry. Neurochemistry refers to
the actions of chemicals in the brain
Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can cause human behaviour. This is shown as
low levels of serotonin in the synapse can cause OCD
explain the nature nurture debate
Psychologists are interested in trying to determine and provide evidence for the extent to which behaviours, or a characteristic are the product of inheritance (genes), or environmental influences.
how much DNA do monozygotic and dizygotic twins share
MZ > 100%
DZ > 50%
explain concordance rates
If a concordance rate is 100% this suggests behaviour is entirely genetic but if the concordance rate is 0% this suggests behaviour is entirely due to the environment.
MZ twins normally have a higher concordance rate for OCD
what concordance rates were found for twins with OCD
For example 68% for MZ but 31% for DZ twins. > suggests that genetics play a bigger role in determining human behaviour. But as the concordance rate is not 100%, this suggests that human behaviour is due to an interaction of genes and environment.
define genotype
the genetic make-up of an individual
For example, individuals may have inherited a gene that makes you vulnerable to OCD
define phenotype
refers to the characteristic of an individual determined by both genes and environment
For example, the gene interacts with an environmental stressor which triggers OCD
define evolution
the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological
population over successive generations
explain natural selection
(Charles Darwin) Animals with particular traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce thereby passing on their ‘adaptive traits’ to their offspring. This process is known as ‘natural’ selection because no one decides which animals will reproduce. The selection occurs simply because some traits give the possessor survival advatages
AO3: scientific methods
This approach uses scientific methods.
In order to investigate the genetic and biological basis of behaviour the biological approach uses a range of
precise brain scanning techniques such as fMRI.
STRENGTH as this allows us to objectively study the brain. It is possible to accurately measure physiological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias. This means that much of the biological approach is based on objective and reliable data, increasing the validity and scientific credibility of psychology
AO3: real life application
The approach has real life application
This approach suggests that human behaviour such as mental illness is often caused by abnormal levels of
neurotransmitters. As a result psychologists have been able to develop psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental illnesses such as depression. Depression is caused by low levels of serotonin. SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) block reuptake of serotonin causing high levels in the synapse.
STRENGTH as this supports the biological approach as it suggests that behaviour is due to low levels of serotonin, suggesting behaviour is due to interactions within the body
AO3: no causal relationship
A weakness of the biological approach is that it lacks internal validity. Biopsychologists assume that similarities in twins and family members are due to genetics. However, an important confounding variable is they are exposed to similar environments.
WEAKNESS as we are unable to separate the influence of nature and nurture. So we do not know whether twin studies shared behaviour is due to nature or nurture. This is a weakness as findings lack internal validity as we cannot find a cause and effect relationship
AO3: determinism
One weakness of the biological approach is that it is deterministic
The biological approach suggest that human behaviour is governed by internal factors such as genes, hormones and chromosomes For example: OCD is predetermined by low levels of serotonin and high levels of dopamine in the synapse
WEAKNESS as it suggests that there is no element of free will, behaviour is only pre-determined. This offers an incomplete explanation of human behaviour.
