Biological Approach

• Genotype


  An organism's genetic makeup, or allele combinations.
• Phenotype


  The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
• Concordance rates - MZ


  100%
• Concordance rates - DZ


  50%
• Genetic Tests


  reveals an individuals genotype, but will only show whether a person has predispositions to developing a specific conditions
• Evolution


  Genes have adapted to become useful to our survival and are passed onto offspring
• Nervous System


  System of nerves which allows you to register touch, move, breathe, feel and think. Made up of neurons
• Central Nervous System (CNS)


  consists of the brain and spinal cord
• Neurochemistry


  Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning
• Nuerotransmitters


  Chemical messengers, across the synapse, bind with receptors
• BA: Supporting Evidence (Strength)

  Lots of supporting evidence; supports the assumption that genetics are involved in causes of behaviour because when there is a higher proportion of genes shared, the disorder is MORE likely
• BA: Practical Applications (Strength)


  Real-life applications to support the approach. This means that there is evidence for the biological basis of some disorders.
• BA: Correlational Data (Weakness)


  Correlation between neurotransmitter levels and mental disorders. This means it is only a relationship. Cannot be concluded that neurotransmitter levels cause the behaviour.
• BA: Contradictory Evidence (Weakness)


  Concordance rates in twin studies are never 100%. This suggests that behaviour is not purely genetic. Approach fails to recognise the role of the environment on behaviour.
• BA: Deterministic View (Weakness)


  Suggests no conscious control over human behaviour. This means that individuals do not have free will over their behaviour.
• Biological Approach: Key Assumptions


  -Everything psychological is at first biological

  -Behaviour originates from biological structures: genes, nervous system and neuroochemistry

  -The mind is within the brain so all behaviour has a physical basis