The biological approach Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are the assumptions for the biological approach?
The biological approach suggests that everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully understand human behaviour, we must look to biological structures and processes within the body, such as, genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system. An understanding of brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviour.
Who is the main researcher?
Charles Darwin.
Define biological structure.
An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.
Explain the genetic basis of our behaviour.
Behaviour geneticists study whether behavioural characteristics are inherited the same way as physical characteristics. Twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates between pairs of twins; the extent to which both twins share the same characteristics. Identical twins (monozygotic) have a higher concordance rate that non identical (dizygotic) twins. This is because MZ twins share 100% of each others genes whereas DZ twins share about 50%.
Define genes.
They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism.
Define and explain genotype and phenotype.
Genotype is the particular set of genes that a person possesses. Whereas, phenotype is the characteristics of an individual.
The expression on genotype in influenced by environmental factors for example twins may look different because one has dyed their hair. So, despite sharing the same genes, the way twins genes are expressed are different. This illustrates that human behaviour depends upon an interaction between inherited factors and environmental factors.
Genotype + environment = phenotype.
Explain the evolutionary theory.
The main principle of this theory is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals survival will continue in future generations. In nature this selection is taken place naturally. The possessor is more likely to survive, reproduce and pass these traits.
Define evolution.
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.
Explain the strengths of the biological approach.
1) The biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly scientific methods. These include scanning techniques such as fMRI. With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias. This means it is based on reliable data.
2) Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to a development of psychoactive drugs that treat mental illnesses. This is a strength as the biological approach can be used for real life application.
3) It offers explanations for mental illnesses in terms of the action of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can be supported by the studies shown by drugs.
Explain the weaknesses of the biological approach.
1) The biological approach claims to have discovered causes where only an association exists. Discovering as association between two factors does not mean that one is the cause.
2) The biological approach is determinist in the sense that it sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes over which we have no control over. One of the rules of law is that offenders are morally responsible for their action. The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’ may over complicate the system.
3) There are other factors that affect behaviours of humans such as environmental factors. This is why concordance rates are never 100%
