Biological

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  • Created by: KayshaN
  • Created on: 17-01-18 10:48
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  • Biological Approach
    • Assumptions
      • suggests everything psychological is at first biological
      • so we must look at biological structures and genes, neurochemistry and nervous system
      • understanding of brain structure can help explain behavior
      • in contrast to cognitive that sees mental processes of mind bring separate
    • The genetic basis of behavior
      • twin studies used to see likelihood that traits have genetic basis
      • if identical twins are found to have high concordance rates than non identical would suggest genetic basis
        • Bc MZ twins share 100% genes and DZ only 50%
      • Bc MZ twins share 100% genes and DZ only 50%
    • Genotype and Phenotype
      • Genotype- genetic makeup
      • Phenotype- way genes are expressed through physical, behavioral and psychological characteristics
      • for example- twins despite having the same genes they become different looking from other factors e.g. phenotype
    • Negatives
      • Determinist- implications for justice system as suggests criminals not responsible, no criminal gene
      • Causal Conclusions- biological approach offers explanation for mental illness- neurotransmitters in the brain. The evidence comes from studies that show a particular drug decreases symptoms of metal illness. Discovering association between 2 factors does not mean is the cause.
      • Cannot Separate nature and nurture- identical twins, non identical twins and family members all have genetic similarities. Therefore then biological approach says any sims in way they look/behave must be genetic. However, there is confounding variable --> nurture and environment
    • Positives
      • Scientific Methods of investigation- uses scientific methods. Twin studies, experiments, EEG.
      • Real Life Application- increased understanding of biochemical led to the development of psychoactive drugs to treat mental illness
    • Evolution
      • Charles Darwin- natural selection

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