The Biological Approach

Question 1

What is the Biological Approach?

Answer 1

it emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body e.g. genetic inheritance in explaining behaviour

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

• the genes of an individual influences their behaviour
• the brain is the main focus when explaining behaviour
• the mind lives in the brain so all thoughts, feelings & behaviour have a physical basis

Question 3

What are twin studies used for?

Answer 3

• to determine the likelihood that certain traits are inherited from genetics by comparing concordance rates between the pairs ( the extent to which twins share the same characteristic)
• if monozygotic (identical) twins have high concordance rates than dizygotic (non-identical) twins for a certain topic then it would suggest a genetic basis because MZ twins share 100% of their genes whilst DZ share 50%

Question 4

What is genotype & phenotype?

Answer 4

genotype - an individual’s entire genetic makeup
phenotype - how the genotype is expressed into observable characteristics

Question 5

What does the genotype & phenotype illustrate to biological psychologists?

Answer 5

majority of human behaviour depends on the interaction between genetics (nature) and the environment (nurture)

Question 6

What was Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection?

Answer 6

• any gene that increases a species’ survival is passed onto future generations through reproduction so they are more likely to survive in their environment

Question 7

Evaluation: Scientific methods of investigation

Answer 7

• biological approach uses highly scientific methods to investigate genetic & biological basis of behaviour
• methods include: fMRI scans, family & twin studies and drug trials
• it’s possible to accurately measure biological processes through advances in tech without any bias
• biological approach is based on reliable data

Question 8

Evaluation: Real-life application

Answer 8

• increased understanding of biochemical processes in brain led to development of psychoactive drugs which treat mental illnesses like depression
• this is a strength as it has revolutionised treatment of mental disorders for many but not all
• this is strength since sufferers are able to manage their condition & live a relatively normal life

Question 9

Evaluation: Casual conclusions

Answer 9

• biological approach offers explanations for mental illness in terms of neurotransmitters
• evidence comes from studies that show certain drug reduces symptoms of mental disorder
• discovering association between 2 factors doesn’t mean 1 is a cause
• this is a limitation for biological approach since it claims to have discovered causes where only association exists

Question 10

Evaluation: Can’t separate nature & nurture

Answer 10

• both types of twins & members of the family share similar genetics therefore biological approach argues any similarities in behaviour & appearance is genetic
• findings could also be easily supported by nurture rather than nature since they are exposed to similar environmental conditions
• approach has difficulty accounting that DZ twins have higher concordance rates - this must be due to nurture since ordinary siblings also share 50% of their genes