Biological Approach

Question 1

What is the genotype of an individual?

Answer 1

The genetic material that we are born with, the set of chromosomes that direct the development of traits.

Question 2

What does the phenotype represent?

Answer 2

The extent to which each genetic characteristic is expressed, resulting from the interaction of the genotype with the environment.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Genotype + Environment = _______

Answer 3

Phenotype

Question 4

How can an individual’s genotype influence their behavior?

Answer 4

It provides the genetic basis for traits like aggression, but expression (phenotype) can be influenced by environmental factors.

Question 5

What is the assumption of behavioral genetics?

Answer 5

Our behavioral characteristics can be determined by our unique genetic make-up in a similar way to physical characteristics.

Question 6

What does heritability refer to in the context of behavioral genetics?

Answer 6

The extent to which a trait is determined by genetics.

Question 7

What is the significance of twin studies in behavioral genetics?

Answer 7

They compare concordance rates between monozygotic and dizygotic twins to determine the genetic basis of behavioral characteristics.

Question 8

What were the findings of Joseph (2001) regarding antisocial behavior in twins?

Answer 8

There was a high degree of heritability for both childhood and adult antisocial behavior, indicated by high concordance rates.

Question 9

List some methods used to study the genetic basis of behavior.

Answer 9

• Twin studies (MZ and DZ twins)
• Adoption studies
• Family studies

Question 10

True or False: Identical twins have identical genotypes but can still show differences in their phenotypes.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What is biological determinism in the context of psychology?

Answer 11

The idea that behavior is determined by genetic factors.

Question 12

What is the relationship between biochemical imbalances and behavior?

Answer 12

Biochemical imbalances and brain physiology can affect behavior.

Question 13

What assumption is made about inherited behavior?

Answer 13

Behavior can be inherited as it is determined by genetic information.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Biological explanations are found across virtually all other areas of the spec, including _______ and _______.

Answer 14

Psychopathology; Aggression

Question 15

What are twin studies used for in psychology?

Answer 15

To draw conclusions about the genetic basis of a particular behavioural characteristic

Question 16

What do concordance rates measure in twin studies?

Answer 16

The extent to which both twins share the same characteristic

Question 17

What is the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?

Answer 17

Monozygotic twins are identical, while dizygotic twins are non-identical

Question 18

What did Joseph (2001) study regarding MZ twins?

Answer 18

He studied 32 MZ twins reared apart and found high heritability for antisocial behaviour

Question 19

What methods are used in addition to twin studies to study genetics and behaviour?

Answer 19

• Adoption studies
• Family studies

Question 20

What do biological psychologists believe about behavioural characteristics?

Answer 20

They have evolved in the same way as physical characteristics

Question 21

What does the process of natural selection propose about behavioural characteristics?

Answer 21

Those that helped individuals survive and reproduce were passed on through genes

Question 22

What characteristics are suggested to have increased survival chances for our ancestors?

Answer 22

• Intelligence
• Aggression

Question 23

What is the role of the Limbic System in the brain?

Answer 23

It is primarily responsible for emotional responses and behaviours

Question 24

What does the Biological approach claim about differences in biological structures?

Answer 24

They could directly influence an individual’s behaviour

Question 25

How can a responsive limbic system affect a person's behaviour?

Answer 25

It may lead them to interpret situations in a more hostile way

Question 26

What are neurotransmitters?

Answer 26

Chemicals that neurons use to communicate with one another

Question 27

Name two examples of neurotransmitters.

Answer 27

* Serotonin * Dopamine

Question 28

What can low levels of serotonin influence in behaviour?

Answer 28

Impulsivity behaviours associated with OCD

Question 29

What are hormones and where are they produced?

Answer 29

Chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system

Question 30

What happens when a hormone is released?

Answer 30

It is secreted into the bloodstream and travels to the required site in the body

Question 31

What is the effect of high levels of testosterone on behaviour?

Answer 31

It can result in more aggressive behaviour

Question 32

What are pathways of the brain believed to influence?

Answer 32

People's behaviours ## Footnote Low levels of serotonin have been linked to impulsivity behaviours associated with OCD.

Question 33

What are hormones?

Answer 33

Chemicals produced by glands of the endocrine system ## Footnote Hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel to required sites in the body.

Question 34

How can high levels of testosterone affect behaviour?

Answer 34

Can result in more aggressive behaviour

Question 35

What is a strength of the biological approach?

Answer 35

Uses controlled experimental methods and advanced technology to collect objective data

Question 36

What real-life application does the biological approach have?

Answer 36

Makes clear predictions about the effects of neurotransmitters on behaviour ## Footnote Drugs like SSRIs are developed to treat conditions such as depression and OCD.

Question 37

What does reductionism involve in the context of the biological approach?

Answer 37

Explaining complex behaviours by breaking them down into their smallest components

Question 38

What is a limitation of the biological approach related to twin studies?

Answer 38

Difficult to separate the influence of nature and nurture

Question 39

What is the advantage of twin (MZ)-adoption studies over regular twin studies?

Answer 39

Can isolate nature and nurture influences

Question 40

What issue arises from using a genetic explanation of behaviour?

Answer 40

May lead to genetic screening and discrimination against individuals

Question 41

True or False: Identical twins always have identical traits.

Answer 41

False ## Footnote Identical twins can have different phenotypes despite sharing the same genotype.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The result of an interaction between a person's genotype and the environment is called _______.

Answer 42

[phenotype]

Question 43

Fill in the blank: A type of chemical that transmits messages between neurons is called _______.

Answer 43

[neurotransmitter]

Question 44

What measures the extent of similarity between twins for a specific behavioural characteristic?

Answer 44

Concordance rate