The Biological Approach

Question 1

Define “concordance rate”.

Answer 1

-The % chance of one of the twin pair showing a behaviour characteristic that the other twin shows.

Question 2

Define “genotype”.

Answer 2

The genetic make-up i.e. the data in their chromosomes. This cannot be changed.

Question 3

Define “phenotype”.

Answer 3

What we can see; the observable expression of the genetic data. i.e. physical appearance, behavioural and psychological characteristics. This can be affected by the environment.

Question 4

Define “dizygotic”.

Answer 4

fraternal twins

Question 5

Define “monozygotic”.

Answer 5

identical

Question 6

What are the key assumptions of the Biological approach?

Answer 6

• Our behaviour is in our nature, which means behaviour is innate and pre-determined before birth.
• All behaviour can be explained and understood at the level of functioning of biological systems; to understand behaviour we need to understand the functioning of the body.
• Behaviour can be explained in terms of the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems, hormones, brain structures and neurotransmitters.

Question 7

Define “physiological”.

Answer 7

Biological

Question 8

Do scientists believe behaviour can be inherited?

Answer 8

-YES. Psychologists believe we inherit behavioural characteristics as well as physical characteristics.
Therefore certain behaviours are caused by inheritance.

Question 9

What research methods/studies are used?

Answer 9

• Twin studies
• Adoption studies
• Selective breeding studies
• Family studies
• Brain scans

Question 10

Define “evolution”.

Answer 10

• The process of humans changing over time and generations.

- Therefore, behaviours which help us survive are passed on in the genes.

Question 11

Define “natural selection”.

Answer 11

The characteristics that enable us to survive longer, and reproduce more often will be more prevalent in the next generation.

Question 12

Define “fitness”.

Answer 12

How adapted you are to the environment. i.e. a giraffe having along neck.

Question 13

Who had their Hippocampus removed and what does it control?

Answer 13

• HM had his hippocampus removed

- Learning and long term memory.

Question 14

What does the Wernicke’c area do?

Answer 14

Language development/comprehension

Question 15

What does the Broca’s area do?

Answer 15

Language production

Question 16

What does the amygdala do?

Answer 16

Controls emotions such as aggression

Question 17

What does the brain stem do?

Answer 17

Helps regulate breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 18

What does the hypothalamus do?

Answer 18

Controls hunger and regulates body temperature.

Question 19

Name 2 neurotransmitters and what they’re released.

Answer 19

• Dopamine: implicated on reward.
• Serotonin: associate with mood and being happy.
• Oxytocin: released during intimacy.
• Testosterone: aggression

Question 20

What are the strengths of the biological approach?

Answer 20

• Uses scientific methods so its objective and collects quantitative data.
• Has practical applications such as the use of drugs to treat a a mental illness or stress.
• Animal studies have shown biochemical changes in the brain due to drug misuse.

Question 21

What are the limitations of the biological approach?

Answer 21

• Reductionistic (ignores nurture)- ignores all other factors or causes of behaviour. This means its and incomplete explanation of behaviour. Unrealistic to assume behaviour is purely biological.
• Deterministic- controlled by internal or external factors therefore behaviour should be predictable- no free will, its programmed. -Small samples- hard to find volunteer MZ and DZ twins with schizophrenia, samples needs to fit the extent of the population validity.

Question 22

What does biological reductionism explain?

Answer 22

-Explains behaviour by reducing it to a physical level. Bio psychologists reduce behaviour to actions of neurons, hormones and neurotransmitters.