Biological approach Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the biological approach?
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes such as genetic inheritance and neural function
What does the biological approach suggest?
That everything psychological is first biological, and behaviours are inherited in the same ways as physical characteristics (eg. height)
What is neurochemistry?
Refers to the action of chemicals in the brain
What is the neurochemical basis of behaviour?
That our thoughts and behaviours rely on chemical transmissions in the brain - this occurs using neurotransmitters. An imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain is a possible cause of mental disorders. For example:
Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin causes OCD
Over production of dopamine causes schizophrenia
Describe the neurochemicals in the brain that result in OCD
Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin causes OCD
Describe the neurochemicals in the brain that result in schizophrenia
Over production of dopamine causes schizophrenia
An imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain is a possible cause of mental disorders. Give examples
Low levels of serotonin causes OCD and overproduction of dopamine causes schizophrenia
What are twin studies used for in this approach?
To investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis. This is done by analysing concordance rates
What are concordance rates?
The extent to which twins share the same characteristics
What is the scientific name for identical twins, and what percent of genes do they share?
Monozygotic, and they share 100% of the same genes
What is the scientific name for non-identical twins, and what percent of genes do they share?
Dizygotic, and they share about 50% of the same genes
What is a genotype?
A persons actual genetic make-up
What is a phenotype?
The way the genes are expressed through the physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics
Because identical twins have the same genotype, they also have the same phenotype. True or false?
False, despite having the same genes, the way the twin’s genes are expressed is different
What is natural selection?
The gradual process by which nature selects the forms most fit to survive and reproduce in a given environment. When they reproduce, the beneficial genetics that enhances survival will be passed on to offspring onto future generations
Give 2 strengths of the biological approach
- Real world application - understanding neurochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of drugs used to treat depression, meaning people suffering can manage their condition and live in the community rather than in hospital
- Scientific methods - uses a range of precise and highly objective methods, and technology (eg. MRI) makes it easy to accurately measure physiological and neural processes without bias
Give 2 weaknesses of the biological approach
- Real world application - antidepressant drugs do not work for everyone
- Biological determinism - this approach is seen as too simplistic and ignores the effects of the environment. A purely genetic explanation for behaviour becomes more questionable when looking at severe times - can violent crimes be excused by claiming their behaviour was controlled by a ‘crime gene’?
