Biological approach

• What is the main assumption of the biological approach in psychology?

  Everything psychological is at first biological.
• Why must biological structures and processes be examined to understand human behavior?

  Because the mind lives in the brain and all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have a physical basis.
• How can understanding brain structure and function explain thoughts and behaviors?

  It provides insight into the physical basis of psychological processes.
• What is heredity?


  The passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes.
• What does it mean when a trait has high heritability?

  It means that the trait is significantly influenced by genetic factors.
• What are the two main concepts in the nature vs nurture debate?

  Genotype and phenotype.
• What is a genotype?


  The genetic code that is ‘written’ on the DNA of individual cells.
• What is a phenotype?


  The way genes are expressed through physical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics.
• How do biological psychologists view the interaction between inherited factors and the environment?


  They believe that human behavior depends on this interaction.
• What is the purpose of twin studies in psychology?

  To determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates between pairs of twins.
• What are identical twins also known as?

  Monozygotic twins.
• What are non-identical twins also known as?

  Dizygotic twins.
• What do concordance rates indicate in twin studies?

  The extent to which both twins share the same characteristic.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the biological approach in psychology?

  Strengths:

  • Uses scientific methods that can be replicated.
  • Provides clear predictions about behavior based on biological factors.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Reductionist, often oversimplifying complex behaviors.
  • Cannot fully separate nature vs nurture influences.
  • May overlook cultural differences in behavior.
• Why is the biological approach considered reductionist?


  Because it often attributes mental disorders solely to genetic or neurochemical factors.
• How does the biological approach utilize the scientific method?

  It employs experimental methods that can be replicated to ensure validity.
• What real-world applications have arisen from biological research?

  Applications include understanding neurochemical imbalances in conditions like depression.
• What is a limitation of the nature vs nurture debate in biological psychology?

  Findings could be interpreted as supporting nurture rather than nature due to shared environmental conditions among family members.
• How might cultural differences impact the validity of the biological approach?

  Cultural norms and values could also determine human behavior, challenging the biological perspective.