Biological Approach

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

  All thoughts, feelings, and behaviours have a physical basis because the mind lives in the brain.
• How does the biological approach contrast with the cognitive approach?


  The biological approach studies the mind in relation to the brain, while the cognitive approach studies the mind separately from the brain.
• What does the biological approach suggest about the basis of human behaviour?

  Human behaviour can be explained in terms of localised areas of the brain.
• What is the implication of damage to certain parts of the brain according to the biological approach?


  Damage to certain parts of the brain can lead to behavioural changes.
• Which case study supports the brain localisation theory?


  The case study of Phineas Gage supports the brain localisation theory.
• What happened to Phineas Gage in 1848?


  • Worked on a rail line in the USA
  • Had an accident with a dynamite explosion
  • A piece of iron went through his skull
• What physical injuries did Phineas Gage sustain from the accident?


  He lost sight in his left eye and had scarring, but otherwise recovered physically.
• How did Phineas Gage's personality change after the accident?


  He experienced a loss of inhibition and became rude and hostile.
• What was believed to be the cause of Phineas Gage's personality change?


  The area of his brain that was damaged by the iron was believed to be responsible for personality.
• What factors must be considered to fully understand behaviour according to the biological approach?


  • Genes
  • Nervous system
  • Neurochemistry
• What does neurochemistry refer to?

  Neurochemistry refers to the action of chemicals in the brain using neurotransmitters.
• How can an imbalance of neurochemicals affect mental health?


  An imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been seen as a possible cause of mental disorders.
• What is an example of a neurochemical imbalance related to OCD?


  Low levels of serotonin are associated with OCD.
• What is an example of a neurochemical imbalance related to schizophrenia?

  Overproduction of dopamine is associated with schizophrenia.
• How are psychological characteristics and behaviours inherited?


  • Inherited through genes
  • Twin studies compare concordance rates
• What does concordance mean in the context of twin studies?


  Concordance refers to the extent to which twins share the same characteristics.
• How do identical twins differ from non-identical twins in genetic studies?


  Identical twins share 100% of the same genes, while non-identical twins share 50% of the same genes.
• What are genotype and phenotype?


  • Genotype: actual genetic makeup of an organism
  • Phenotype: physical expression of genetic makeup (e.g., eye colour)
• How can environmental factors affect identical twins?


  Environmental factors can alter the appearance of identical twins.
• What theory did Charles Darwin propose in the 19th Century?


  • Natural selection
  • Genetically determined behaviours enhance survival
• What is natural selection?

  Natural selection is the process where genetically determined behaviours that enhance survival continue in future generations.
• What happens to traits that are advantageous for survival?


  Traits that are advantageous for survival are more likely to be passed on to future generations.
• What occurs if an individual survives but does not reproduce?

  If an individual survives but does not reproduce, the traits do not remain in the gene pool for successive generations.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the biological approach?


  Advantages:

  • Real-world application in treating mental disorders
  • Use of scientific methods (e.g., fMRIs, EEGs)

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Antidepressants may not work for everyone
  • Deterministic view of behaviour
• How does the biological approach apply to the treatment of mental disorders?

  The biological approach has led to the development of psychoactive drugs, such as antidepressants.
• What did the study by Andrea Cipriani et al (2018) find regarding antidepressants?


  The study found wide variations in effectiveness among 21 antidepressant drugs.
• What is a criticism of the biological approach regarding determinism?


  The biological approach is criticized for being deterministic, seeing behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes over which we have no control.
• What is a limitation of the biological approach concerning environmental influences?


  The biological approach is considered too simplistic as it ignores the influence of the environment on phenotypes.
• How do twin studies work?

  Compare concordance rates of monozygotic/dizygotic twins