Biological Approach

• What is meant by inference in cognitive psychology?

  Going beyond the immediate evidence to make an assumption about an internal mental process
• What is one strength of the cognitive approach?

  Lots of empirical research support, explanatory power, useful applications in CBT, EWT
• Why are schemas important in cognitive psychology?


  To prevent cognitive overload and help us make sense of new information much quicker
• How are theoretical models used in cognitive psychology?

  They are used to describe and explain how we think internal mental processes work
• What does machine reductionism mean?

  Reducing something very complex like the mind of a human to something as simple as a computer
• What is a genome?

  The entire genetic material of an organism
• What does the biological approach focus on in relation to behavior?

  The influence of genes, biological structures, and neurochemistry on behavior
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is the inherited alleles/genes, while phenotype is the displayed characteristic
• What is the difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins?

  Monozygotic twins share 100% of the same genes, while dizygotic twins share 50%
• What is the definition of genotype?

  The inherited combination of genes
• What is the nature-nurture debate?

  The debate about whether behaviors are more influenced by nature (biological and genetic components) or nurture (upbringing and environmental influence)
• What does the biological approach assume about psychological phenomena?

  Everything psychological is first biological, meaning behavior has a biological cause
• What biological factors does the biological approach consider when explaining behavior?

  Genetics, biochemistry (hormones and neurotransmitters), brain structure, and evolutionary blueprint
• How is the genetic basis of behavior usually studied?

  By looking at twin studies
• What does concordance mean in the context of twin studies?

  Concordant if the other twin has the same behavior
• What is the definition of phenotype?


  The displayed characteristic
• What is the concordance rate?

  The percentage of twin sets in a sample who are concordant for the behavior
• What does a concordance rate indicate?


  The likelihood that a trait will be shared among pairs
• What does a higher concordance rate indicate?

  The more support for the genetic explanation of behavior
• What does a low concordance rate among identical twins suggest?

  Not due to genetics, mainly environmental
• What is the key difference between genotype and phenotype?

  The genotype is inherited, while the phenotype is not
• What are the main influences of the biological approach on behavior?


  • Genes
  • Biological structures
  • Neurochemistry
• How do flamingos illustrate the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Their genotype gives them white feathers, but their phenotype is usually pink due to pigments in their food
• What are the assumptions of the biological approach to behavior?

  • Everything psychological is first biological
  • Behavior has a biological cause
  • Factors include genetics, biochemistry, brain structure, and evolutionary influences
• What is the largest part of the brain?

  The cerebrum
• What are the key components of the genetic basis of behavior?

  • Studied through twin studies
  • Concordance rates indicate genetic influence
  • Higher concordance rates support genetic explanations
• What percentage of the total mass of the brain does the cerebrum make up?

  About 85%
• What is the outer surface of the cerebrum called?

  The cerebral cortex
• What functions is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

  Many higher-order functions such as thought and language
• How is the cerebrum divided?

  Into two halves (hemispheres) and four lobes
• What role do interactions between regions of the brain play according to biological psychologists?

  They help control different functions significant in determining our actions
• Which lobe is heavily involved in processing sight?

  The occipital lobe
• What is the role of the frontal lobe?

  Involved in speech, thought, and learning
• What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) do?

  Sends and receives information to and from the CNS
• What are the two main components of the central nervous system (CNS)?

  The brain and the spinal cord
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

  Manages the body's response to threats
• What is the role of neurons in the nervous system?

  They transmit nerve impulses as electrical signals
• What is the function of serotonin?

  Helps stabilize moods
• What is the effect of low levels of serotonin according to research?

  Can lead to increased aggression
• What is the role of dopamine?

  Related to drive or motivation