Psychology - Approaches to Psychology - The Biological Approach

?
What is the Biological Approach?
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural functioning
1 of 18
What Are Genes?
They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (such as eye colour, height) and psychological features (such as mental disorder, intelligence). Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring - inherited
2 of 18
What is a Biological Structure?
An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing
3 of 18
What is Neurochemistry?
Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning
4 of 18
What is a Genotype?
The particular set of genes that a person possesses
5 of 18
What is a Phenotype?
The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment. Physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics. For example, phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder that can be prevented by a restricted diet
6 of 18
What is Evolution?
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
7 of 18
How do we Fully Understand Human Behaviour?
We must look at biological structures and processes within the body, such as genes, neurochemistry and the nervous system
8 of 18
How are Behaviours Inherited?
Inherited in the same was as physical features such as height/eye colour. For example, the 5HT1-D beta gene implicated in OCD. Neurochemistry also explains behaviour, for example low serotonin levels in OCD
9 of 18
How Does the Biological Approach Challenge the Cognitive Approach?
From a biological perspective, the mind lives in the brain - meaning that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis. This is in contrast to the cognitive approach which sees the mind as separate from the brain
10 of 18
How are Twin Studies Used to Investigate the Genetic Basis of Behaviour?
Concordance rates are calculated - sharing of characteristics. Higher concordance rates among MZ twins than DZ twims is evidence of a genetic basis. For example, 68% of MZ twins both have OCD compared with 31% of DZ twins (Nestadt et al. 2010)
11 of 18
How do Genotypes and Phenotypes Link to the Nature Versus Nurture Debate?
Human behaviour depends on both nature and nurture, this is evidenced through the example of phenylketonuria (genetic disorder - can be prevented by restricted diet - environmental)
12 of 18
What was Charles Darwin's Theory?
Natural selection. Genetically determined behaviour - passed to future generations (especially ones which enhance survival and reproduction). These genes are adaptive and give them advantages. For example, attachment in babies promote survival.
13 of 18
AO3 - Its Use of Scientific Methods of Investigation
Investigates genetic/biological basis of behaviour - precise/highly scientific methods. For example, fMRI scans and drug trials. Accurately measures biological/neural processes in ways that aren't open to bias. Approach is based on reliable data
14 of 18
AO3 - Real-Life Application
Increased understanding in biochemical processes in the brain - development of psychoactive drugs e.g. treats depression. Not effective for all patients - revolutionised treatment for many. Strength - sufferers can live a relatively normal life.
15 of 18
AO3 - Casual Conclusions about Neurotransmitters are Difficult to Establish
Neurotransmitters - role in mental illness - studies found certain drugs reduce symptoms - levels of neurotransmitter. Nurotransmitters = cause of certain disorders. Limitation - approach claims to have discovered causes - only an association exists
16 of 18
AO3 - The Approach is Based on a Determinist View of Behaviour
Human behaviour - governed by internal, biological causes - no control. However - legal system - offenders - responsible for actions. 'Criminal gene' - complicates this. Research - implications for wider society - criminals - excuse their behaviour
17 of 18
AO3 - Methodological Problem is the Difficulty of Separating Nature and Nurture
MZ, DZ and family members - genetic similarities - behaviour is genetic. Confounding variable - family members exposed to similar environmental conditions. Limitation for the approach - findings - interpreted as supporting nurture rather than nature
18 of 18

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (such as eye colour, height) and psychological features (such as mental disorder, intelligence). Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring - inherited

Back

What Are Genes?

Card 3

Front

An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

The particular set of genes that a person possesses

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
View more cards

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Psychology resources:

See all Psychology resources »See all Approaches resources »