Biological Approach

• What are the key components of the biological approach to psychology?

  • Genetic basis of behavior
  • Influence of biological structures on behavior
  • Influence of neurochemistry on behavior
  • Evolution and behavior
• How does the biological approach view humans?

  As biological beings whose behavior can be explained through biological processes
• What psychological characteristics are considered to be biological and potentially passed on genetically?

  Intelligence, personality, and mental illness
• What are the two main types of twins studied in genetics?

  Monozygotic and dizygotic twins
• What are concordance rates in twin studies?

  The degree of genetic similarity for a particular trait
• If one monozygotic twin has OCD, what does a higher concordance rate suggest?

  That OCD may have a genetic component
• What do the terms genotype and phenotype refer to?

  Genotype refers to genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the expression of that genotype
• How can environmental factors influence phenotype?

  They can affect the expression of genetic information
• What is the outer surface of the brain called?

  Cerebral cortex
• How is the cerebral cortex divided?

  Into two hemispheres, each subdivided into lobes
• What is localization of function in the brain?

  The theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions
• What is the role of the frontal lobe?

  Involved in personality characteristics, decision making, and movement
• Where is the motor area of the brain located?

  Towards the back of the frontal lobe
• What does the somatosensory area do?

  Processes information from our senses
• What is the function of the visual area in the brain?

  Responsible for receiving and processing visual information
• What is the role of the auditory area in the brain?

  Responsible for analysis of speech-related information
• How do the hemispheres of the brain control the body?

  The left side controls the right side of the body and vice versa
• Which side of the brain is thought to be dominant for language?

  The left side
• What is the role of the hippocampus?

  It plays a significant role in memory and learning
• How does neurochemistry influence behavior?

  • The nervous system contains around 100 billion neurons.
  • Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit information between neurons.
  • Imbalances in neurotransmitters can lead to changes in behavior and mental disorders.
• What is the approximate percentage of neurons found in the brain?

  80 percent
• What happens if there is an imbalance of serotonin in the brain?

  It has been associated with depression
• What is the association of dopamine imbalance in the brain?

  It has been associated with schizophrenia
• What is evolution in the context of psychology?

  • Gradual change in inherited traits of a species over generations.
  • Involves adaptation to the environment through natural selection.
  • "Survival of the fittest" concept: stronger genes survive and are passed on.
• What is an example of a reflex that aids in survival according to the biological approach?

  The rooting reflex in babies