The Biological Approach

Question 1

Identify the core assumptions of biopsychologists are that behaviour is affected by

Answer 1

1. Genes: can influence behaviour
2. Evolution: behaviour evolves in the same way as physical characteristics. Humans and animals have evolved through the same process so it is valid to study animals.
3. Central nervous system: see to be the origin of how the world is seen and acted upon.
4. Biochemistry: varying levels of chemicals found in the brain/body are said to be related to behaviour.

Question 2

Define hereditary in terms of the influence of genes on behaviour

Answer 2

Process where characteristics are passed from one generation to the next through genes

Question 3

Discuss the influence of genes on behaviour

Answer 3

Genes carry the instructions for a particular trait. Biopsychologists believe behavioural characteristics are inherited the same way as physical characteristics.

This suggests behaviours may be inherited from one/both biological parents as all individuals share 50% of their genes with each parent.

Question 4

Define genotype

Answer 4

An individuals genetic makeup, providing the genetic code for how that individual will develop.

Question 5

Define phenotype

Answer 5

Expression of an individuals’ genetic makeup. This can be influenced by the environment and other external factors.

Question 6

What are the two key types of studies which help explain the genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 6

Twin studies and adoption studies

Question 7

Explain twin studies in terms of research investigating the genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 7

• Compare pairs of monozygotic (MZ, identical) and dizygotic (DZ, non identical) twins
• This is because MZ twins are 100% genetically the same and DZ twins are 50% genetically the same
• The number of MZ twins and DZ twins both having a behaviour is calculated. This is the concordance rate.
• This is compared which gives an indication as to how much a behaviour is genetic.
• If the shared behaviour is more likely when the twins are MZ, genetically the same, then the argument is that the behaviour has a genetic component.

Question 8

Evaluate the use of twin studies in research of the genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 8

Concordance rates in monozygotic (MZ) twins are never 100%

Question 9

Explain adoption studies in terms of research investigating the genetic basis of behaviour

Answer 9

• Examine concordance rates between an adopted child and their biological parent.
• These children share 50% of genes with their biological parent but 0% with their adopted parent.
• These studies show if there is a high concordance rate between an adopted child and their biological parent, then the behaviour must be genetic because it isnt possible for the child to have learnt the behaviour from their biological parent as they did not raise them.

Question 10

Evaluate the use of adoption studies in terms of research in the genetic basis

Answer 10

If a child is not adopted from birth, it is difficult to claim that high concordance rates suggest that the behaviour is purely genetic.

Question 11

Discuss evolution in terms of behaviour

Answer 11

• Physical characteristics and behaviour evolve in humans because individuals in a species naturally differ from each other and at least some of this behaviour is inherited.
• Natural selection suggests any genetically determined behaviour is the result of an individuals drive to survive.

Question 12

Name the three human behaviours which may have resulted from the process of evolution

Answer 12

• Maternal love
  -Mate preferences
• Aggression

Question 13

Discuss the role of maternal love in evolution

Answer 13

• Form of parental investment which is an evolved behaviour because it is a powerful emotion which increases the chances of a woman’s offspring surviving
• This therefore increases the chances of genes being passed on to future generations
• Therefore it is adaptive.

Question 14

Discuss the role of mate preferences in evolution

Answer 14

(Who you want to form an intimate relationship with)
- This is an evolved behaviour because it is adaptive.
- Males prefer: females who display characteristics of fertility so she is more likely to give birth
- Females prefer: characteristics in males which display status because this increases the chances of him being able to provide resources which leads to increased chance of survival of the offspring.

Question 15

Explain the role of aggression in terms of evolution

Answer 15

• Can improve survival rates, access to resources and help protect territory.
• This means an aggressive individual becomes more attractive to potential mates and therefore increases chances of reproduction.

Question 16

What is neurochemistry

Answer 16

The biochemistry of the central nervous system (CNS)

Question 17

Explain the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour

Answer 17

1. Nerve impulse reaches the end of one neuron.
2. Neurotransmitter is released and travels from one neuron to the next across a junction called a synapse.
   - Some neurotransmitters trigger the receiving neuron to send an impulse and stimulate the brain into action.
   - Some inhibit nerve impulses in order to calm the brain and balance a persons mood.

Question 18

Evaluate the biological approach

Answer 18

+ Produces successful treatments (drugs)
+ Uses the scientific method when investigating human behaviour and the assumptions are based off strong empirical evidence.
- Partially based on experiments which use non-human participants.
- Oversimplistic as it takes the nurture side of the nature vs nurture debate.
- Takes the reductionism side of the reductionism vs holism debate.
- Supports the determinism side of the freewill vs determinism debate.