Biological

• Genotype


  The genetic make-up of an individual - a combination of inherited genetic material from both parents
• Phenotype


  The Observable characteristics of an individual - May different from genotype due to an interaction between genes and environment (epigenetics)
• Hormone


  Chemicals produced by endocrine glands, which cause a physiological reaction in cells (eg, testosterone, oestrogen, adrenaline)
• Gene


  Part of the chromosome of an organism carrying inheritable information
• Natural Selection 


  the process by which characteristics which enhance reproductive success and/or survival are passed down, thus becoming more widespread in the population
• Neurotransmitters 


  Chemical messengers which can stimulate or calm our brain - eg dopamine or serotonin
• Assumptions - Cause of Behaviour 


  Genes

  Natural Selection

  Evolution

  Hormones
• Assumptions - Scientific Method

  Scanning techniques - FMRIs, EEGs

  Family and twin studies

  Drug trials

  Heart rate, brain activity
• Assumptions - Animal research


  Rats - brain activity

  Lashley - Localisation of function

  Mutant Hamster Study - sleep-wake cycle
• Assumptions - Free Will


  No free will, but biological determinism
• Family Studies


  Look at whether people related to a person with a given behaviour also have that behaviour

  Percentages compared with the incidence rates in the general population

  If family rates are higher than population rates, this suggests that a behaviour runs in families (genetic)
• Twin Studies 


  Use concordance rates (percentage of co-twins with a behaviour given the first twin has it)

  By comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins, we can quantify genetic basis of behaviour

  If MZ>DZ, this supports the genetic basis of behaviour
• Evaluation - Applications

  Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental disorders (depression and OCD)

  Results inn people with mental disorders being able to manage their conditions and living a relatively normal life

  Allows them to get back to work - economical implications

  However, comes with side effects
• Evaluation - Reductionism 


  Focuses on biological and environment aspects

  Could be better than behavioural or cognitive approach as its more comprehensive
• Evaluation - Scientific 


  Scanning techniques (FMRI, EEG), family and twin studies, and drug trials are used in order to investigate genetic and biological basis of behaviour - these are precise and highly specific methods

  With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural process without bias

  The biological approach is based on reliable data

  However, FMRI and EEG have to be interpreted so not fully reliable