Biological Approach AO1

Biological Approach

Methodology - Lab experiments, lab observations, case studies (twin and family), highly scientific 

Issues and Debates - Nature, Hard + Biological deteminism, Reductionist, Nomothetic

Main assumptions

• Behaviour and experiences are explained by biological factors and changes in brain structure
• Anything psychological is first phisiological
• The main focuses of influence are; genes, biological structures, neurochemistry, evolution
• Genes - The way we behave is embedded in our genetic makeuo. They are inherited from our parents but also our ancestors through the process of evolutionary adaptation. 
• Biological Structures - Various parts of the brain and it's functions, the nervous systems and neurons
• Neurochemistry - Chemical processes which take place in the nervous system. The level of neurotransmitters can affect mood and behaviour in individuals 
• Evolutions - Gradual change in species due to environmental pressures

Evolution

Darwin provided scientific evidence to show how random physical and behavioural changes enable it to adapt to its strongest genes and therefore survive or to become maladaptive or die. The mind and behaviour adapts to demands of environment. Genetically determined behaviour enhaces indivual survial e.g alturistic behaviour of parents risk life of children. 

Buss (1989) argues that mate choices have evolved because they lead to reproductive success. He studied 37 different cultures and found universal similarities in human preference. Women desired males with resources as they can provide for the family and men desired young physically attractive wome as indicates fertility and passing genes on to the next generation.

Twin studies

Twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates (the extent to which both twins share those traits) 

• Monozygotic Twins (MZ) - Share 100% of their genes 
  
• Dizygotic Twins (DZ)…