The Biological approach

• What are 3 assumptions of the Biological Approach

  1. Biological structures and processes influence behavior:

  This assumption emphasizes that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are rooted in physical structures like the brain and nervous system. For instance, different brain regions (e.g., the amygdala or prefrontal cortex) are associated with specific functions like emotion regulation or decision-making.

  2. Behavior has a genetic basis:

  The biological approach assumes that behavior can be inherited through genes. Traits, mental disorders, and tendencies may be passed down from parents to offspring. For example, twin and adoption studies are often used to study genetic influences on conditions like schizophrenia or intelligence.

  3. Neurotransmitters and hormones affect behavior:

  This assumption highlights the role of chemical messengers in influencing behavior. For instance, imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine are linked to mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. Similarly, hormones like cortisol and testosterone play roles in stress response and aggression.
• What are the research methods used in this approach?

  -Lab experiments and observations

  -Objective brain recordings and scanning
• What are psychologists interested in finding out?

  they are interested in trying to find out and provide evidence for the extent to which behaviors or a characteristic such as intelligence are the product of inheritance or environmental influences.
• What are the methods of investigating the genetic basis of behavior

  - Family studies

  - Twin studies

  - adoption studies
• Family studies


  looking for the existence of genes amongst families, and that any resemblance between family relatives could be a result of both genes and shared environment.

  Galton said that "all-natural abilities are inherited"

  however, with alcoholism, there is a suggestion of a biological predisposition to the addiction
• Adoption studies


  Involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological or adoptive parents to see the impact of nature or nurture
• Twin studies


  -psychologists like studying twins to investigate the genetic basis of behavior

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  MZ- monozygotic- one zygote, these twins are formed when a fertilized cell splits into two and forms two embryos.

  DZ- dizygotic- two zygotes, these twins are formed when 2 separate eggs become fertilized by different sperm cells

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  Concordance rates: the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics.

  there should be 100% concordance rates in MZ twins but DZ twins will have lower rates.

  comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart.
• Genotype and Phenotype


  Genotype- genes only determine the potential for characteristics

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  Phenotype- the observable characteristics of an individual depend on the interaction of the genetic and environmental factors
• What is the difference between the genotypes and phenotypes

  the genotype is the genetic programming that provides the phenotype

  genotype + environment = phenotype
• Natural selection


  animals with a particular trail that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce thereby passing on their adaptive traits to their offspring. These behaviours need to adapt to the environment that the animal is living in
• what were the 2 main concepts of the evolutionary theory

  Natural selection

  sexual selection
• Strengths of the biological approach

  - is scientific, we can find the cause and effect using physiology and behaviour.

  - measurements can be objective as it can be performed by machines eg, PET and EEG scans

  - Understanding how an abnormal brain works can shed light on normal brain functioning.
• Limitations of Biological approach

  - Deterministic, believes we are determined by our physiological, genetic, or evolutionary makeup thus stating we have no free will.

  -Reductionists, states all human behavior can be explained through bio. processes and we are therefore not unique amongst ourselves, presenting humans as "biological machines"

  -Small or restricted samples make findings difficult to generalize.

  -Lacks ecological validity due to the lab exp.
• what is natural selection

  Natural selection explains how traits or behaviors that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on to future generations.
• what is survival of the fittest

  It means that individuals with traits or behaviors that increase their survival in the environment are more likely to live and reproduce.
• how does natural selection apply to human behaviour

  Behaviors like aggression, attachment, and mate preferences are shaped by evolutionary advantages. For example, Bowlby's attachment theory suggests forming attachments increases infant survival.
• what is evolution


  the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
• what is sexual selection

  :Sexual selection is a type of natural selection where traits or behaviors evolve because they increase an individual's chances of attracting a mate and reproducing. For example, displaying traits like physical attractiveness or resourcefulness may enhance mate choice, ensuring the survival of those traits in future generations.
• how is this approach SCIENTIFIC (AO3 + )

  The biological approach uses objective, scientific methods like brain scans (e.g., fMRI, EEG) and genetic testing. This increases reliability and allows for precise measurement of biological processes linked to behavior.
• How has the biological approach led to practical applications? (AO3 + )

  It has contributed to effective treatments, such as drug therapies for mental health conditions like depression (SSRIs) and schizophrenia (antipsychotics), improving quality of life.
• How does the biological approach support the nature side of the debate? (AO3 +)

  It provides evidence that behavior is influenced by genetics and biology, such as twin studies showing high concordance rates for mental disorders like schizophrenia.
• Why is the biological approach reductionist? (AO3 - )

  It simplifies complex behaviors to biological processes, such as hormones or genes, ignoring psychological, social, and environmental influences like upbringing or culture.
• How does the biological approach have limited free will? (AO3 - )

  It assumes behavior is determined by biology, such as genetics or brain chemistry, suggesting humans have little control over their actions, which undermines the concept of free will.
• Why can the biological approach be criticized for its focus on nature? (AO3 - )

  It overemphasizes the role of biology and may neglect environmental and social factors, such as life experiences, which also influence behavior.
• an interaction between an individuals phenotype and the environment results in....


  the individuals behaviour :)
• define "epigenetics"


  a change in gene expression without a change in the DNA sequence itself. for example epigenetics DNA methylation can be left on DNA due to certain environments factors, such as specific diets and pollution.
• Why can two individuals have the same genotypes but different phenotypes?

  Differences in phenotypes can arise due to factors like the environment, epigenetics, gene interactions, incomplete penetrance, and variable expressivity.