Unit 1 - Biological Approach

Question 1

3 assumptions of the biological approach

Answer 1

Evolutionary experiences
Localisation of brain function
Neurotransmitters

Question 2

Two areas within evolutionary influences

Answer 2

Theory of natural selection (enhancing genes passed down)

Environment of evolutionary adaptiveness (environment species adapts to due to selective pressures)

Question 3

Explain Localisation of brain function

Answer 3

Certain areas are responsible for different functions

Question 4

4 brain areas …

Answer 4

Frontal lobe (thinking, creativity)
Parietal lobe (sensory info, pain, temp)
Temporal lobe (memory processing, auditory, speech)
Occipital lobe (visual processing, receive info from eyes)

Question 5

Explain neurotransmitters…

Answer 5

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are found in nervous system
Send signals/messages
Passes though neurons and synapses

Question 6

Biological assumption links to human behaviour

Answer 6

Schizophrenia (neurotransmitters too much dopamine)
Relationship formation (neurotransmitters oxytocin link to bonding)

Question 7

The Biological therapy is …

Answer 7

Drug therapy

Question 8

Drug therapy involves which types of drugs?

Answer 8

Psychotherapeutic 
Anti depressants (SSRI’s)
Anti anxiety (Benzodiazapines, Beta blockers)

Question 9

Strengths of drug therapy

Answer 9

Effectiveness is high

Relatively cheaper than others ie. therapy

Question 10

Weaknesses of drug therapy

Answer 10

Side effects
Underlying cause not treated
Unethical to give inferior treatment
Lack of valid consent

Question 11

Classic study of biological approach

Answer 11

Raine - brain abnormalities

Question 12

Methodology of Raine’s study

Answer 12

Quasi experiment
Matched pairs
Ex group - 41 participants, charged with manslaughter or NGRI
Control group - 41 participant

Question 13

Procedure of Raine’s study

Answer 13

Opportunity sample
PET Scan 
10 mins before injection - practiced CPT
30 seconds before - started CPT
Injected with tracer, flurodeoxyglucose
32 minus after injection - PET Scan given

Question 14

Findings of Raine’s study

Answer 14

Ex group
- reduced activity in brain areas previously linked to violence
- lower activity in cortical regions
Control
- increased activity in cerebellum + right hemisphere
Both performed similar of CPT

Question 15

Conclusions of Raine’s study

Answer 15

Supports previous research
Suggests neural processes underling violence
Reduced brain activity could be a predisposition

Question 16

Strengths of Raine’s study

Answer 16

G - large sample
R - scans are objective, so no bias, scientific  
A - PET scans used in legal systems 
V - internal validity 
E - improve marketing techniques

Question 17

Weaknesses of Raine’s study

Answer 17

G - small sample, all american, opp sample
R
A
V - PET scans only indicate, limited population validity & ecological validity
E - stressful being in a PET scan, no withdrawal

Question 18

5 areas to look at when debating ethics of neuroscience

Answer 18

Understanding conscience 
Treating criminal behaviour 
Enhancing neurological function
Improve marketing techniques 
Society and the economy

Question 19

Strengths of the biological approach

Answer 19

N
U - assumes psychical cause this drug therapy treatment 
R
D
S- includes key features FORCE

Question 20

Weaknesses of the biological approach

Answer 20

N - general principles, ignores Individual difference
U
R - ignores other explanations, reductionist
D - doesn’t acknowledge free will thus deterministic