The Biological Approach

• What is the biological approach in psychology?

  The biological approach explains behavior based on how the brain functions and biological processes.
• How do psychologists categorize the brain's functions?

  Psychologists divide the brain into different areas and identify large structures with specific roles.
• What influences the brain's functioning?

  The brain's functioning is influenced by chemical signals called hormones and neurotransmitters.
• What are neurotransmitters?

  Neurotransmitters are chemicals that control neural communication between neurons.
• How can drugs alter behavior according to the biological approach?

  Drugs can alter neurotransmitter levels, which in turn can change behavior.
• Why are genes important in the biological approach?

  Genes are crucial because they determine the development of the human brain and influence behavior.
• How does evolution relate to the biological approach?

  Evolution explains why certain brain features have developed and been retained for human survival.
• What are the defining features of the biological approach?

  • Assumes humans are biological beings
  • Behavior explained through biology
  • Influences from biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution
• What is the endocrine system?

  The endocrine system is a body-wide system of glands that release hormones.
• What role does the adrenal gland play in behavior?

  The adrenal gland releases adrenaline during the fight or flight response.
• What are the effects of adrenaline on the body?

  Adrenaline increases blood flow to the brain and muscles while reducing blood flow to digestion.
• What are sex hormones linked to?

  Sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen are linked to sexual characteristics and aggression.
• What is the largest biological structure influencing behavior?

  The brain is the largest biological structure influencing behavior.
• What is the function of the brain stem?

  The brain stem controls core abilities like heart rate and breathing.
• What does the cerebellum do?

  The cerebellum is involved in coordinating muscle movements and balance.
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  The four lobes are occipital, temporal, parietal, and frontal.
• What is the limbic system responsible for?

  The limbic system is the emotional center of the brain.
• What is localization of function in the brain?

  Localization of function is the idea that certain brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• How does the case study of Tan support the biological approach?

  Tan's case showed that damage to Broca's area affected speech production, linking brain structure to behavior.
• What is the synapse?

  The synapse is the gap between two nerve cells where neurotransmitters are released.
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

  Neurotransmitters can be excitatory or inhibitory, affecting the likelihood of a new electrical charge in the postsynaptic neuron.
• What is serotonin linked to?

  Serotonin is linked to feelings of well-being and happiness.
• What are SSRIs and their function?

  SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that enhance serotonin activity in the synapse.
• What did the meta-analysis by Samor reveal about SSRIs?

  The meta-analysis showed that SSRIs significantly reduce OCD symptoms compared to placebos.
• How do genes influence behavior?

  Genes instruct how cells are formed and function, influencing behaviors like aggression and mental health conditions.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is the genetic code, while phenotype is the expression of that genetic code.
• What is concordance rate?

  Concordance rate is the likelihood of one person having a disorder if another person has it.
• What does a higher concordance rate in identical twins suggest?

  A higher concordance rate in identical twins suggests a genetic influence on the disorder.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  The diathesis-stress model explains that genetic vulnerability can lead to a disorder only in the presence of stressors.
• How does the diathesis-stress model evaluate the biological approach?

  The model shows that biological processes alone do not fully explain behavior, highlighting the role of environmental factors.
• How does evolution relate to behavior?

  Evolution suggests that behaviors providing survival advantages are inherited and become more common in a population.
• How does aggression relate to evolutionary psychology?

  Aggression in early societies was beneficial for survival and reproduction, leading to its inheritance in modern humans.
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?

  • Real-life applications in drug therapies
  • Highly scientific with objective measurements
  • Provides research evidence for mental health conditions
• What are the weaknesses of the biological approach?

  • Leads to biological determinism
  • May undermine personal responsibility
  • Overlooks the influence of environmental factors
• What is the role of fMRI scanners in biological psychology?

  fMRI scanners are used to observe brain activity and structure in a scientific manner.
• How do biological theories contribute to mental health treatment?

  Biological theories have led to the development of effective drug therapies for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
• What is the impact of anti-depressants on mental health?

  Anti-depressants help individuals return to normal functioning and improve their quality of life.
• How does the biological approach ensure reliability in findings?

  The biological approach uses direct observation and controlled research studies, enhancing the reliability of findings.
• What is the consequence of biological determinism in psychology?

  Biological determinism can undermine the concept of personal responsibility in behavior and mental health disorders.
• What is the role of Patreon supporters in the creation of educational content?

  Patreon supporters enable the creation of educational content by providing financial support for resources and videos.