Biological Approach

• What are the key topics covered in the biological approach?


  • Genetic basis of behavior
  • Influence of biological structures on behavior
  • Influence of neurochemistry on behavior
  • Evolution and behavior
• What does the biological approach to psychology assume about behavior?


  Behavior can be explained using biological processes
• What determines the color of your eyes according to the biological approach?


  The information in your genes
• How are psychological characteristics viewed in the biological approach?


  As biological and potentially passed on genetically
• What are genes a part of?


  A chromosome
• What do genes contain that codes for physical and psychological features?


  DNA
• How are genes inherited?


  From parents
• How do researchers explore the role of genetics in behavior?


  • By studying twins
  • Comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins
• What are monozygotic twins?


  Identical twins from one fertilized egg
• What are dizygotic twins?


  Non-identical twins from two separate fertilized eggs
• What is the genetic similarity percentage for monozygotic twins?


  100% DNA
• What is the genetic similarity percentage for dizygotic twins?


  50% DNA
• What are concordance rates in twin studies?


  The degree of genetic similarity for a particular trait
• What should we find if OCD is genetic when comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins?


  A higher concordance rate for monozygotic twins
• What do genotype and phenotype refer to?


  Genotype is genetic makeup; phenotype is expression of that makeup
• What does genotype refer to?


  The particular set of genes a person possesses
• What does phenotype refer to?


  The expression of the genotype and its interaction with the environment
• How can environmental factors influence phenotype?


  They can affect the expression of genetic information
• What might a genetic test reveal about dementia?


  It may indicate a higher likelihood of developing dementia
• What environmental factors can influence the development of dementia?


  Diet and quality of sleep
• What is the outer surface of the brain called?

  The cerebral cortex
• How is the cerebral cortex divided?


  Into two hemispheres and different lobes
• What is localization of function in the brain?


  The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions
• What is the frontal lobe thought to be involved in?


  Personality characteristics, decision making, and movement
• Where is the motor area of the brain located?


  Towards the back of the frontal lobe
• Where is the somatosensory area located?


  In the parietal lobe
• What is the visual area responsible for?


  Receiving and processing visual information
• What is the auditory area responsible for?


  Analysis of speech-related information
• How do the hemispheres of the brain control the body?


  The left side controls the right side and vice versa
• Which side of the brain is thought to be dominant for language?


  The left side
• What is the hippocampus thought to play a significant role in?


  Memory and learning
• How does neurochemistry influence behavior?


  • Neurons transmit signals electrically and chemically
  • Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that influence mental states
• How many neurons are thought to be in the nervous system?


  Around 100 billion
• What percentage of neurons are contained in the brain?


  Approximately 80%
• What happens if there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain?


  It can cause changes in behavior and mental disorders
• Which neurotransmitter imbalance is associated with depression?


  Serotonin
• Which neurotransmitter imbalance is associated with schizophrenia?


  Dopamine
• What is evolution in the context of psychology?


  • Gradual change in inherited traits of a species
  • Adaptation to the environment through natural selection
  • Survival of the fittest
• What does "survival of the fittest" mean in evolutionary terms?


  Those with stronger genes survive and pass on their genes
• What is an example of a reflex that illustrates evolutionary principles?


  The rooting reflex in babies