The Biological Approach

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  • The Biological Approach
    • Assumptions
      • It investigates how neurobiology impacts behaviour
      • Much of human behaviour has physiological causes which may be genetically or environmentally altered
      • Genes affect behaviour and influence individual physiology differences between people
      • They study the brain, central nervous system and hormones
      • Heredity is the passing of characteristics
      • Gene development depends on interaction with other genes and the environment
      • Genotype: genetic code in the DNA Phenotype: observable characteristics from the genotype
    • Influences on behaviour
      • Biological structures
        • The PNS consists of the ANS and SNS
        • The NS consists of the brain and the spinal cord
        • Our body consists of millions of cells and neurons which communicate
        • Behaviour is caused by the NS consisting of the CNS and PNS
      • Neuro-chemistry
        • Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced in brain and NS
        • They trigger neurons to send and impulse
        • They stimulate the brain into action (excitory) Dopamine
        • They calm the brain and inhibit nerve impulses (inhibitory) Serotonin
      • Hormones
        • They are chemicals produced by the endocrine gland
        • Signals from the brain influence hormonal secretion into the blood stream
        • They travel to target cells and stimulate receptors
        • Their presence causes a physical response
      • Evolutionary
        • The genotype is changeable and can be changed by natural selection
        • Charles Darwin emphasised natural selection and sexual selection
        • Species with a particular trait provide them with an advantage and survive
        • As we compete to access resources those who survive must reproduce

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