C4 - Biological approach

Question 1

Key features

Answer 1

• Everything psychological is at first biological (e.g. genes)
• The mind & body are one and the same (contrast with cognitive approach - mind separate from brain)
• Imbalance of neurotransmitters cause mental disorders (e.g. low serotonin in OCD)

Question 2

Genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 2

• Psychological characteristics (e.g. intelligence) are inherited
• Concordance is the extent to which twins share same characteristics
• Higher concordance rates among identical twins (100%)
• Lower concordance rates among non-identical twins (50%)
• Evidence of a genetic basis

Question 3

Difference between genotype & phenotype

Answer 3

• Genotype is actual genetic make-up
• Phenotype is way that genes are expressed (physical, behavioural or psychological characteristics)
• Phenotype influenced by environmental factors
• Human behaviour depends on interaction of nature & nurture

Question 4

Theory of evolution explains behaviour

Answer 4

• Darwin’s natural selection theory
• Genetic behaviour that enhances survival & reproduction passed on to future generations
• Genes give advantages

Question 5

Evaluations of the biological approach (SSL)

Answer 5

S - Real-world application
S - Scientific methods
L - Determinist explanations

Question 6

Evaluations of the biological approach - Real-world application (S)

Answer 6

• Understanding neurochemical processes in brain led to psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders
• Drugs that treat depression increase levels of serotonin at synapse & reduce depressive symptons
• People with depression can manage it & live normal life, rather than in hospital

Question 7

Evaluations of the biological approach - Scientific methods (S)

Answer 7

• To investigate genetic & neurochemical factors, approach uses precise & objective methods
• Scanning techiques (e.g. fMRI), assess biological processes without bias
• Approach based on objective & reliable data

Question 8

Evaluations of the biological approach - Determinist explanations (L)

Answer 8

• See human behaviour governed by internal, genetic causes that we have no control of
• But, phenotype is influenced by environment. Genetically identical twins don’t look & think exactly the same
• Approach too simplistic & ignores mediating effects of environment