biological approach

• assumption

  • everything psychological is first biological
  • must look at biological structures, genetics, neurochemistry, nervous system
  • thoughts feelings and behaviours have a physical basis
• Brain Structures

  CEREBRUM= grey matter in outer layer(cerebral cortex) and white in the centre

  • cerebral cortex has 4 parts:
  • Occipital lobe- process visual info
  • Frontal lobe- planning and abstract thinking
  • Parietal lobe- integration of info from senses
  • Temporal lobe- hearing, memory, emotion and language

  CEREBELLUM= balance and muscular coordination

  BRAINSTEM= basic bodily functions e.g. heartbeat regulation
• Genetic and Behaviour

  Genotype= genetic makeup

  Phenotype= observable characteristics determined by genetic and the environment

  Twin studies:

  • MZ= identical twins and share 100% genes, DZ= non-identical and share around 50% same genes
  • twin studies reveal the importance of environmental and genetic influences on traits
  • concordance rates= match of traits in twin pairs
  • if completely genetically determined MZ twins have 100% concordance rates and DZ have %
• Evolution and Behaviour

  natural selection = the idea that behaviours that enhance an individuals survival are passed down to future generations

  • take place naturally through genetics
• EVAL

  😃positive real world applications

  • increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain -> development of psychoactive drugs
  • enable those with mental illnesses to live relatively normal lives
  • great value to society

  😔biologically determinist view

  • behaviour is governed by innate biological processes to which we cannot control
  • legal system and wider society- people cannot be held accountable for their actions as they are not in control of their behaviours
  • excuses for negative behaviour, reduce value