The Biological Approach Flashcards
What is the biological approach
-it views humans as biological organisms and so provide biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning
What is the influence of genes on behaviour
Genes-heredity
-heredity is the passing of characteristics from one generation to another through genes
-these genes carry instructions for a particular characteristic but how this develops depends on the interaction of the gene with other genes and the influence of the environment
What is a genotype and phenotype
-genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual
-phenotype-the physical appearance that results from this inherited info
What is the genetic basis of behaviour
-each individual processes a unique combination of genetic instructions so we differ from each other in personality
-the term heritability refers to the amount of variability in a trait within a population that is attributed to genetic to genetic differences between individuals within a population
-twin studies=twins can either be monozygotic (MZ) meaning identical twins or dizygotic(DZ) is non identical
MZ twins share 100% of their genes/genotypes but DZ twins only share 50% of genes
What is the influence of biological structures on behaviour
The brain:
-the cerebrum makes up most of the brain controlling high order functions such as thoughts and language
-it is divided in 4 diff parts known as lobe:frontal lobe=involves speech,thoughts and learning,temporal lobe=hearing and memory,parietal lobe=sensory info ie touch,occipital lobes=visual info
Hormones:
-hormones are chemicals secreted in the bloodstream to target cells causing physiological reactions of cell altering its activity
-it’s found high levels of hormone testosterone cause someone to be more energised or even angry
Neurons and nervous system
-nervous system carries messages to parts of the body by neurons and transmit electrical signals
-many aspects of behaviour are under neural control ie sexual
What is the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour
- a neurotransmitter is a chemical and released when a nerve impulse reaches to the end of one neuron
-neurons travels along the synapse
-neurotransmitters and trigger neurons to the brain in order to calm the brain and balance moods
-serotonin is a neurotransmitter to maintain a stable mood ie low levels of aggression
-dopamine is a neurotransmitter to drive our motivation x
What is the influence on evolution on behaviour
-Charles Dawin argued that over time organisms are adapted to their environment through evolution
-refers to the changes in the characteristics of a population over time this is natural selection
-it enhances an individuals survival which is passed on to the next generation
-the behaviours are passed on to offspring and become more widespread in population
AO3-strength-use if the scientific method
+the biological approach uses the scientific method as its main method of investigation
-experimental studies take place in highly controlled environments so researchers can replicate research studies
-the use if sophisticated imaging and recording techniques has increased the precision of experimental research
-these techniques have contributed to the scientific validity of the biological approach
AO3-weakness-the approach is a reductionist
— a weakness of the approach is it is reductionist
-it is criticised for its belief that complex behaviour can be broken down into the action of genes,neurochemicals and hormones
-eg many explanations of mental disorders are reductionist because genes and neurochemical imbalances are believed to be the cause of these disorders
-therefore in order to conduct a scientific investigation we need to take in account other factors that influence a behaviour ie emotional and cultural factors
AO3-strength-real life application
+the biological approach provides clear predictions by the effects of neurotransmitters on behaviour which led to biological research in he real world
- research into the role of neurochemical imbalance in depression has led to an effective drug treatment
-research in circadian rhythms and their effects on psychological well being has led to improvements in the working conditions of shift workers
-further demonstrates the values of adopting a biological approach to study human behaviour
AO3-weakness-dangers of genetic explanations
—research suggesting a genetic basis for criminal behaviour has led to concerns about how this info may be used
-critics claim that this may lead to genetic screening to identify the genetic discrimination against those who do criminal activity
- this created the danger that genes will be used as a convenient explanation for complicated human behaviour
- therefore this will effect the judiciary system and rightful punishments for criminals
