The Biological Approach (Approaches) Flashcards
The biological approach
Our genetics, hormones and nervous system influence our behaviour
Assumptions of the biological approach
Everything psychological is at first biological
Behaviour is influenced by genetics
The mind lives in the brain
Influence of biological structures on behaviour
Glands influence behaviour by releasing hormones
eg fight or flight response from adrenaline released by the adrenal glands increase alertness
Influence of genes on behaviour (3)
Genes influence how the brain and neurons are formed and function
Genotypes are the genetic codes
Phenotypes are the expression of the genotype
Influence of neurochemistry on behaviour
Neurotransmitters are released at the synapse to enable communication between 2 neurones
These neurotransmitters play a range of roles in influencing behaviour
Influence of neurotransmitters on behaviour (4)
Serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and glutamate
Serotonin is associated with happiness
Dopamine is linked to pleasure,
Noradrenaline influences attention
Glutamate affects learning and memory
Evolution and behaviour
Inherited, innate behaviours provide survival advantages and are selected for and become common in future generations
Monozygotic
One Zygote. This is when twins are formed when a fertilised cell splits in two and forms two separate embryos
Dizygotic
Two Zygotes. When twins are formed when two separate eggs both become fertilised by different sperm cells
Concordance rates
‘agreement between’. This refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics.
Dizygotic twins will show lower concordance rates.
Genotype
The genes and the characteristics corresponding with them
Phenotype
The observable characteristics that depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors
Heterozygous
The genotype consists of two different alleles, for example, Bb
Homozygous
The genotype consists of two alleles that are the same, for example, BB
2 Strengths of the biological approach
-has highly scientific and objective methods such as fMRIs and EEGs, meaning data is reliable
-can lead to treatments and intervention to those suffering mentally
Limitations of the biological approach
-belief that behaviour is caused by biological factors has implications. “criminal gene” could challenge legal principles of responsibility
-deterministic, meaning that it claims there to be no free will
