psych - biological approach

• what is are the strengths of the biological approach?

  It has real-life applications, such as the use of psychoactive drugs to treat depression, it has ecological validity, it uses scientific methods (such as scanning techniques/twin studies).
• What is a weakness of the biological approach?

  Its reductionalist (ignores environmental factors) and its deterministic
• What is the definition of genotype?


  Genotype is the genetic makeup or code that cannot be changed.
• What is the definition of phenotype?


  Phenotype is the environmental expression of genes.
• What is PKU?


  PKU is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe learning difficulties.
• How can PKU be detected in babies?


  It can be detected using a prick test.
• How can PKU be treated?


  It can be treated through a protein diet and avoiding artificial sweeteners.
• What does the diathesis-stress model suggest?

  It suggests that genetic vulnerability is influenced by environmental influences and traumatic events.
• What are the two main components of the nervous system?

  The two main components are the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS).
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) consist of?

  The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, which decide behavior.
• What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  The PNS is the messenger system that transports messages to and from the CNS.
• What do neurons do?

  Neurons send electrical signals across our bodies.
• What is the endocrine system responsible for?

  The endocrine system is responsible for the transfer and secretion of hormones via the glands.
• Which gland is considered the most important in the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland is the most important gland.
• What are the assumptions of the biological approach?

  • Behaviour can be inherited.
  • Brain physiology and hormonal imbalances can alter behaviour.
  • There is a direct correlation between brain activity and cognition.
  • To understand behaviour, we must look at biological structures and processes in the body.
• What distinguishes monozygotic twins from dizygotic twins?

  Monozygotic twins are identical and come from the same egg, while dizygotic twins are fraternal and come from two different eggs.
• What percentage of DNA do dizygotic twins share?

  Dizygotic twins share 25% of DNA.
• What do concordance rates indicate about shared behavior?

  If the concordance rate is closer to 100%, then the behavior is more genetically influenced.
• What does it indicate if monozygotic twins have a higher concordance rate than dizygotic twins?

  It indicates that the behavior is more influenced by genetics.
• What does it indicate if dizygotic twins have a higher concordance rate than monozygotic twins?

  It indicates that the behavior is more influenced by environmental factors.
• What does it mean if monozygotic and dizygotic twins have the same concordance rate?

  It indicates that the behavior is influenced by environmental factors.