biological approach

Question 1

key assumptions behind biological approach

Answer 1

The genes an individual possesses influences behaviour

Behaviour has evolved through evolutionary adaption

Question 2

Evolution

Answer 2

Charles Darwin stated that our behaviour has adapted and changed over time through natural selection. This is where advantageous characteristics are passed on through genetics continually increase our ability to survive

Question 3

the influence of genetics

Answer 3

The influence of genetics: Hereditary refers to the ideas the characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next through genetics. These characteristics can be physical or psychological.

To examine the extent to which genes influence behaviour, there are often carried out using twins. These studies often compare the likelihood of one characteristic being present in monozygotic twins or dizygotic twins. If MZ twins show higher concordance rate, then there is argued to be a genetic component.

It was very rare to get 100%, therefore this suggests behaviour has both genetic and environmental factors:

• Genotype: the genes an indivudual possesses
• Phenotype: observable traits/characteristics due to a
  combination of genetics and environmental factors

Question 4

Biological structures

Answer 4

Biological structures: the nervous system is divided into

CNS: brain and spinal cord, responsible for controlling behaviour and regulation body’s physiological processes

PNS:
somatic controls skeletal muscles

autonomic controls organs and is involved in the fight or flight response

Question 5

endocrine system

Answer 5

The endocrine system: maintains levels of hormones in the bloodstream that are released by glands.

The main gland is the pituitary gland located in the brain as it is responsible for stimulating the release of hormones from other glands in the body.

Question 6

Neurochemistry

Answer 6

Neurotransmitters: neurons communicate with each other by releasing a chemical messengers know as neurotransmitters where the level of the neurotransmitter released can affect behaviour (e.g. low levels of serotonin = OCD)

Hormones: released from glands in the body that affect the behaviour of individuals (e.g. high testosterone = aggressive behaviour)

Question 7

biological approach +

Answer 7

+) BA studies are highly objective and scientific. Experimental studies take place in highly controlled environments which allows other to replicate research studies under the same experimental conditions, which increases the reliability of research

+) BA has practical applications. Discovering abnormal levels of neurotransmitters such as low serotonin which is linked to OCD has led to the development of SSRIs which increase these levels and have shown to be very effective.

+) BA allows people to know if they have possible genetic vulnerabilities to certain mental disorders, which can allow them to avoid environmental situations likely to trigger symptoms or develop coping skills to protect them from potential influences

Question 8

Biological approach -

Answer 8

-) BA is biologically reductionist. Criticised as we cannot fully understand behaviour without taking into account all different factors which influence it. These include environmental, cognitive etc. which have have an impact on behaviour