the biological approach Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is the main assumption of the biological approach?
Everything psychological is first biological. To explain behaviour, we must understand how genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain chemistry influence it.
What physical processes does the biological approach emphasize?
It emphasizes genetic inheritance and neural function.
How are twin studies used in the biological approach?
They compare concordance rates between twins to determine the genetic basis of traits.
What is Darwin’s contribution to the biological approach?
Darwin’s theory of natural selection suggests that behaviours enhancing survival are passed down generations.
What is a genotype?
A person’s actual genetic makeup or the set of genes they possess.
What is a phenotype?
The physical expression of a person’s genotype.
What do heritability coefficients measure?
They measure how much genetics influence a trait.
What is the heritability coefficient of IQ and what does it mean?
IQ has a heritability coefficient of 0.5, meaning it’s equally influenced by nature (genes) and nurture (environment).
Why is the biological approach considered reliable?
Because it uses scientific methods like FMRI scanning and twin studies, with strict control of variables.
What is a practical application of the biological approach?
It has led to effective drug treatments like antidepressants and antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine), which are low-effort and time-efficient.
What criticism arises from twin studies in the biological approach?
Higher concordance rates in MZ twins might be due to shared environments, not just genetics, so behaviour can’t be solely explained by genetics.
