Biological Approach Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the biological approach
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
Definition of genes
Genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical and psychological features of an organism. They were transmitted from parent to offspring
Describe Genotype vs phenotype
Genotype is a set of genes that a person possesses
Phenotype is the characteristic of an individual determined by the interaction of genes and the enviroment
What is the nervous system ?
Is divided into two parts the CNS Central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
CNS consists of the brain and spinal code.
PNS sends information to and receives information from the CNS. It is further subdued into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
What is neurotransmitter ?
Is chemicals .An imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain has been implicated as a possible cause for mental disorders e.g ocd
What is evolution
The main principle of natural selection is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival and reproduction will continue in future generations .
The processor is more likely to survive, reproduce and then pass on these traits.
6 marker for genes
1)genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes physical and psychological features of an organism. Transmitted from parents to offspring.
2) genes are inherited from one generation to the next and carry instructions for particular characteristics. How characteristics develop is partly due to the gene and the enviroment
3)twin studies are used in inheritance study’s. The likelihood that certain traits have genetic basis is determined by comparing concordance rates between twins.
4)MZ twins share 100% of each other DNA. DZ twins share 50%. If MZ twins are found to have a higher concordance rate than DZ twins, it suggests the characteristic being investigated has a genetic basis
5) genotype is the genetic code in the DNA and the phenotype is the physical appearance that results from thr interaction between inherited factors and the environment.
6) for example hair. Someone genotype means they have naturally blonde hair however they have red hair due to their phenotype
3 evaluations for biological approach
LU- it is biologically reductionist. It explains behaviour by breaking it down into genes, hormones, neurotransmitters. For example the BA explains ocd through low levels of serotonin only. It ignored the cognitive and environmental factors that can contribute to OCD. This suggest the biological view is often to simplistic and explanations ignore the mediating effect of the enviroment.
SU- has been successful in developing treatments for psychological disorders. The premise is that neurotransmitters imbalance are involved in mental disorders and therefore drug treatments can correct this. SSRI stop reputable or serotonin in the synapse and increase the levels in the post synaptic neuron. Therefore the BA has helped improve the lives of many sufferers
LU- it cannot explain cause and effect.the approach often explains the cause of mental illness such as OCD through deficiency in certain neurotransmitters. This conclusion is reached because drugs that increase or decreeese neurotransmitters reduce symptoms of the sufferer. However discovering an association between two factors does not mean one causes another. The biological apparoach therefore implies causal conclusions when their findings are based on correlation.
