The Biological Approach

• What does the biological approach attempt to explain regarding behavior?

  It explains behavior as the direct product of interactions within the body.
• What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?

  • Direct correlation between brain activity and cognition
  • Biochemical imbalances can affect behavior
  • Brain physiology can affect behavior
  • Behavior can be inherited
• How does brain activity relate to cognition according to the biological approach?

  There is a direct correlation between brain activity and cognition.
• What can biochemical imbalances affect according to the biological approach?

  Biochemical imbalances can affect behavior.
• How does brain physiology influence behavior?

  Brain physiology can affect behavior.
• What does the biological approach suggest about the inheritance of behavior?

  Behavior can be inherited as it is determined by genetic information.
• Who published "On the Origin of Species" and in what year?

  Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.
• What does Darwin's theory of natural selection describe?

  It describes that characteristics not suited to a species’ environment will die out over time.
• How do genes relate to behavior according to the biological approach?

  Genes form a basis of behavior as both behavior and genes appear to be heritable.
• Give an example of behavior that might have a genetic basis.

  Aggressive behavior, as it has survival benefits.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  • Genotype: genetic configuration of an individual
  • Phenotype: combined effects of genetic makeup and environment on behavior
• What does the nature-nurture debate highlight in psychology?

  It highlights the relative influence of biology and environment on individual characteristics.
• What do biological psychologists assume about interactions between brain regions?

  They assume these interactions are significant in determining our actions.
• Which lobe is heavily involved in processing sight?

  The occipital lobe.
• What role do electrical impulses play in behavior?

  They enable internal communication that directs our behavior.
• How are impulses transmitted between neurons?

  Impulses are transmitted at synapses where neurotransmitters are released.
• What is associated with neurochemical imbalances in the brain?

  They are often associated with abnormal behavior.
• Which neurochemical is linked with the brain's natural pleasure system?

  Dopamine.
• What is the function of the endocrine system?

  It regulates the circulation of hormones released into the bloodstream.
• What is the fight or flight response?

  It is an evolutionary survival mechanism that prepares the body for imminent danger.
• What research methods are commonly used by the biological approach?

  • Animal studies
  • Case studies
  • Drug therapy
  • Scans
  • Twin/family studies
• Why are animal studies used in the biological approach?

  They investigate biological mechanisms that govern human behavior where ethical guidelines would not allow human participation.
• What is a limitation of using animal studies?

  Some argue that complex human behavior cannot be replicated in non-human animals.
• What is a famous case study in the biological approach?

  The case of Phineas Gage.
• What did the case of Phineas Gage demonstrate?

  It demonstrated personality alteration after a brain injury.
• How can drug therapy manipulate behavior?

  By altering an individual’s biochemistry.
• What techniques are used to gauge brain physiology and activity?

  Techniques such as MRI, PET, and CAT scans are used.
• What do twin/family studies investigate?

  They investigate the heritability of behavior.
• What is a concordance rate in twin studies?

  It is the likelihood that both twins develop a characteristic.
• What is a limitation of twin studies?

  They can be time-consuming due to long delays in follow-up data collection.
• What does evidence suggest about identical twins and schizophrenia?

  If one identical twin develops schizophrenia, there is a roughly 48% chance the other will also develop it.
• What is the concordance rate for non-identical twins developing schizophrenia?

  It is about 17%.
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?

  • Useful scanning research techniques for investigating brain functions
  • Strong nature viewpoint in the nature-nurture debate
  • Scientific experimental methods providing empirical evidence
• What are the weaknesses of the biological approach?

  • Considered reductionist, oversimplifying complex behavior
  • Unable to explain the phenomenon of consciousness
  • Does not account for environmental influences