AO1 - Biological Approach

• The biological approach assumes all behaviour is innate.
• The biological approach studies genetics, biochemistry and the brain.
• The biological approach uses scientific methods to measure behaviour.
• Genetic explanations of behaviour focus on inherited characteristics.
• Genetic explanations use twin studies to support their findings, especially MZ twins who share 100% of their DNA.
• Concordance rates are used in twin studies to tell us the level of agreement between the characteristics, the higher the concordance rate, the greater the genetic similarity.
• Concordance rates are usually measured by % giving a level of agreement.
• The genotype is the genetic make-up of an individual (actual DNA).
• The phenotype is the way genes are expressed through physical characteristics.
• The most important biological structure in behaviour is the brain, which consists of 2 cerebral hemispheres called the cerebrum.
• One way messages are passed within the brain is by neurotransmitters.
• Hormones are a way messages are passed around the body.
• The brain has many parts such as the limbic system which is linked to aggression and the hippocampus which is thought to be where short-term memory occurs.
• Neurochemistry refers to the actions of chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters.
• Dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline are examples of neurotransmitters.
• Twin studies include MZ (identical) and DZ (non-identical) pairs.
• The biological approach supports the nature side of the debate.
• Evolution is the process by which a species adapts to its environment.
• Genetic material is passes on through generations by the process of reproduction.
• Darwin suggested natural selection increases the chances of a species survival.
• Natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
• Natural selection is now regarded as the main process that brings about evolution.