Biological Approach

• What is the biological approach in psychology?

  The biological approach claims that behavior is due to how the brain functions.
• How do psychologists categorize the brain?

  Psychologists divide the brain into different areas and identify large structures with different roles.
• What influences the brain's functioning?

  The brain's functioning is influenced by chemical signals called hormones and neurotransmitters.
• What are neurotransmitters?


  Neurotransmitters are chemicals that control neural communication between neurons.
• How can drugs alter behavior according to the biological approach?

  Drugs can alter neurotransmitters, which in turn can change behavior.
• What role do genes play in the biological approach?

  Genes influence the development of the human brain and behavior.
• Why is evolution important in understanding the biological approach?

  Evolution explains why certain genes that aid survival have been retained in humans.
• What are the defining features of the biological approach?

  • Assumes humans are biological beings
  • Behavior explained through biology
  • Influences from biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution
• What is biological psychology?


  Biological psychology is a fundamental part of psychology that focuses on biological influences on behavior.
• Why is it important to understand biopsychology early in psychology studies?

  Understanding biopsychology is crucial as it helps in grasping core ideas that will appear in various units.
• How does the endocrine system influence behavior?

  The endocrine system releases hormones that act as chemical messengers affecting behavior.
• What is the fight or flight response?

  The fight or flight response is activated by the adrenal gland releasing adrenaline in response to perceived threats.
• What are the effects of adrenaline during an emergency situation?

  Adrenaline increases blood flow to the brain and muscles while reducing blood flow to digestion and skin.
• What are sex hormones linked to in terms of behavior?

  Sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen are linked to sexual characteristics and aggression.
• What is the role of the brain in behavior?

  The brain is the center of all conscious and unconscious processes influencing behavior.
• What connects the brain to the body?

  The brain is connected to the body by the brain stem.
• What is the cerebellum responsible for?

  The cerebellum is involved in coordinating muscle movements and balance.
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  The four lobes are occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes.
• What is the limbic system's function?

  The limbic system is the emotional center of the brain.
• What does localization of function refer to in the brain?


  Localization of function is the idea that certain brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• How does the case study of Tan contribute to our understanding of brain function?

  The case study of Tan revealed that damage to Broca's area affects speech production.
• What is the synapse?


  The synapse is the gap between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released.
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

  Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory, affecting the likelihood of a new electrical charge in the postsynaptic neuron.
• What is serotonin associated with?

  Serotonin is linked to feelings of well-being and happiness.
• What is the function of dopamine?

  Dopamine is a reward neurotransmitter responsible for intense pleasure.
• What are SSRIs?


  SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression and OCD.
• How do SSRIs work?

  SSRIs work by stopping the reuptake of serotonin, enhancing its activity in the synapse.
• What does the meta-analysis by Samor suggest about SSRIs?

  The meta-analysis suggests that SSRIs significantly reduce the symptoms of OCD compared to placebos.
• What is the relationship between genes and behavior?

  Genes instruct how cells are formed and function, influencing behaviors like aggression and mental health conditions.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is the genetic code, while phenotype is the expression of that genetic code.
• How do psychologists study genetic inheritance of behavior?

  Psychologists compare family members and twins to measure concordance rates for disorders.
• What does a higher concordance rate in family members suggest?

  A higher concordance rate suggests a genetic influence on the disorder.
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  The prevalence rate of OCD in the general population is 2%.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic vulnerability interacts with stressors to influence behavior.
• How does the diathesis-stress model evaluate the biological approach?

  The model shows that biological processes alone do not fully explain behavior, highlighting the role of environmental factors.
• How does evolution relate to behavior?

  Evolution explains that behaviors that provide survival advantages are selected for and become more common in a species.
• What is the role of aggression in early human societies?

  Aggression was useful for protecting families and hunting prey in early human societies.
• How does the biological approach evaluate mental health conditions?

  The biological approach has led to the development of effective drug therapies for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
• What is a criticism of the biological approach regarding behavior?

  A criticism is that it leads to biological determinism, undermining personal responsibility for behavior.
• What is the significance of scientific methods in the biological approach?

  The biological approach is regarded as highly scientific due to its use of objective measurements and controlled research studies.