Biological Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

• there is a physical cause for our behaviour > must look to biological structures & processes within the body to understand human behaviour
• three main biological factors: genetics, biological structures, neurochemistry

Question 2

What is the impact of neurochemistry on behaviour?

Answer 2

• refers to the action of chemicals in our brain much thoughts & behaviour relies on chemical transmission in the brain
• occurs using neurotransmitters
• imbalance of neurochemicals has been implicated as possible cause of mental disorders e.g. low levels of serotonin = OCD

Question 3

What is the Genetic basis of behaviour?

Answer 3

• twin studies are used to assess whether certain physiological characteristics have a genetic basis
  achieved by analysing concordance rates (extent to which twins share same characteristic)
• e.g. expect MZ twins to be concordant if characteristic is genetic
• not true for DZ, expect less concordance
• environments assumed to be constant

Question 4

What is genotype?

Answer 4

• a persons actually genetic makeup , what is ‘written’ in their DNA of the nucleus
• genotype is made up of genes inherited by both parents

Question 5

What is phenotype?

Answer 5

the physical appearance of an individual as a result of both genes and the environment

Question 6

What do many biological psychologists accept?

Answer 6

that much of human behaviour depends upon interaction between inherited factors (nurture) and the environment (nature)

Question 7

What is Evolution?

Answer 7

refers to the changes that takes place as individuals become adapted to their environment

Question 8

What is the theory of natural selection?

Answer 8

• Darwin - individuals must compete with each other for access to resources
• those who survive go on to reproduce and pass characteristics onto their offspring (advantageous)

Question 9

What is a strength of the biological approach?

Answer 9

• uses the scientific method
• these include brain scanning techniques such as fMRIs & EEGs, twin studies & drug trials
• it is possible to accurately measure biological processes in ways that are not open to bias =based on objective data

Question 10

What is a limitation of the biological approach?

Answer 10

• it is deterministic
• sees human behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes over which we have no control
  ignores the idea that individuals have a choice (free will) of how to behave
• issue as it removes personal responsibility from people which may have implications
• e.g. if a gene is ‘blamed’ for criminal behaviour this has implications for the legal system

Question 11

How does the biological approach have real life application?

Answer 11

• research into the role of neurochemistry
• associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders
• e.g. promoted the treatment of clinical depression using antidepressants that increase neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain
• drugs associated with the reduction in depressive symptoms
• real world value

Question 12

What is a counterpoint to the real world application of bio approach?

Answer 12

• research has found that antidepressant drugs not that effective for everyone
• brain chemistry may not account for all cases of depression or OCD > environmental factors