Biological Flashcards
(19 cards)
what is the focus of the biological approach
suggests that everything psychological is at first biological
name 4 research methods used by the biological approach
- fMRI
- EEG
- twin studies
- drug trials
explain fMRI
functional magnetic resonance imaging is a brain scanning technique that measures blood flow in the brain when a person performs a task
explain EEGs
an electroencephalogram works on the premise that information is processed in the brain as electrical activity. EEG scanners measure this electrical activity through electrodes attached to the scalp and is graphed over a period of time
explain twin studies
they involve comparing the characteristics of monozygotic and dizygotic twins allowing the contribution of genetics to be measured as oppposed to the environment
explain drug trials
behaviour can be manipulated by altering an individuals biochemistry, a research method that can ultimately lead to developing drug applications to improve health and wellbeing
what is the largest part of the brain
cerebrum
the cerebrum is divided into two halves, known as …… which is then divided into four different sections known as ……
hemispheres
lobes
explain the case study of phineas gage
- while working on a rail road, he caused an explosion to ignite
- this sent a metre long pole through his left cheek
- passing through his left eye and exiting his skull, taking a portion of his brain
- he survived but experinced a change in personality, he became violent and uncontrollable
what are neurochemicals
chemical messengers that transmit information between neurones
- higher levels of dopamine are associated with ……..
- lower levels of serotonin are associated with ……
- schizophrenia
- depression
what are genes
they make up chromosomes and consist of DNA that codes for the physical features of an organism
what does genotype mean
a persons genetic make-up
what does phenotype mean
the observable characteristics of an individual determined by the interaction between genes and the environment
(the way genes are expressed through characteristics)
what is evolution
the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
what did charles darwin propose in the theory of evolution
- the main principle is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival and reproduction will continue in futue generations
give an example of an evolutionary behaviour in humans
The rooting reflex
- in new born babies, they turn their heads towards anything that strokes or touches their cheeks or mouth
- this aids breastfeeding and hence survival
give a strength of the biological approach
PEELH
- P - uses rigorous scientific methods of investigation
- Eg - scanning techniques such as fMRI and EEG to observe brain activity
- Ex - this accurately measures physiological and neural processes in ways that are not open to subjective bias
- L - this provides objective and reliable data which is easy to replicate, boosting psychologys status as a science
- H - most brain imaging studies are only correlational as they cannoit prove that the activity causes the behaviour
give a limitation of the biological approach
PEEL
- P - biological deterministic
- Eg - it assumes all behaviour is caused by biological factors such as genmes and neurochemistry with little room for free will
- Ex - it ignores other important factors such as environment and upbringing
- L - this suggetss people have no control over their actions whihc is reductionist and can have serious ethical issues (like excusing criminal behaviour)
- H - identifying genetic or neurochemistral risk factors can lead to early preventions and treatments
