Biological Approach

• What is the main belief of the Biological Approach in psychology?

  Everything psychological is rooted in biological processes.
• How do proponents of the Biological Approach explain human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors?

  They explain them in terms of physical features within the body.
• What are the three factors that can influence behavior according to the Biological Approach?

  1. Genes through evolution
  2. Biological structures (e.g., the brain)
  3. Neurochemistry (neurotransmitters and hormones)
• What is the belief regarding the mind and the brain in the Biological Approach?

  The mind and the brain are considered to be the same thing.
• What does Assumption 1 of the Biological Approach state about behavior?

  Behavior can be explained by a person's genetics.
• How do bio psychologists believe genes affect behavior?

  Genes inherited from parents affect behavior similarly to physical characteristics through evolution.
• What is a genotype?

  The genetic makeup of an individual inherited from biological parents.
• What is a phenotype?

  How behaviors and traits become expressed through the interaction of genotype and environmental influences.
• How is phenotype determined?

  Phenotype is determined by:

  • Genotype
  • Environmental influences
• What is the significance of investigating genetics on behavior using twins?

  • Monozygotic (MZ) twins: identical twins
  • Dizygotic (DZ) twins: non-identical twins
  • Concordance rates indicate genetic influence on behavior
• What are concordance rates?

  The probability that two people with shared genes will develop the same organic disease.
• What does it suggest if MZ twins show greater concordance in behavior than DZ twins?

  It suggests that genes influence that behavior.
• Why is behavior not entirely caused by genes according to the Biological Approach?

  Because MZ concordance rates are not 100% and they share the same environment.
• What is evolution in the context of the Biological Approach?

  Any change in heritable traits within a population across generations.
• What causes evolution according to the Biological Approach?

  Genetic mutation that increases chances of survival or reproduction.
• What is natural selection?

  The process by which adaptive mutations are passed on to the next generation.
• What does Assumption 2 of the Biological Approach state about behavior?

  • Behavior can be explained by a person's biological structures.
  • The brain has two hemispheres that specialize in functions.
  • Localisation indicates specific brain areas control certain behaviors.
• Who is Phineas Gage and why is he significant?

  Phineas Gage experienced a radical personality change after an accident involving his frontal lobe.
• What does Assumption 3 of the Biological Approach state about behavior?

  Behavior can be explained by a person's neurochemistry.
• How do hormones influence behavior?

  Hormones act as chemical messengers that can influence behavior and physical characteristics.
• What is the master gland of the endocrine system?

  The pituitary gland.
• What role does testosterone play in behavior?

  Testosterone is associated with aggression and risk-taking behavior.
• What is the function of neurotransmitters?

  Neurotransmitters carry signals across synapses in the nervous system.
• What neurotransmitter is associated with schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease?

  Dopamine.
• What neurotransmitter is linked to anxiety and irritability?

  Serotonin.
• What are the strengths of the Biological Approach?

  Strengths:

  • Uses scientific methods (e.g., brain scans, lab experiments)
  • Provides reliable data with good internal validity
  • Effective practical applications (e.g., drug treatments for mental illnesses)
• Why is the deterministic view of behavior considered a weakness?

  It implies individuals have no responsibility for their actions.
• How does the Biological Approach view aggression?

  It sees aggression as caused by internal chemicals like testosterone.
• How does the Biological Approach's reductionist view affect its understanding of behavior?

  It oversimplifies behavior by focusing only on biological factors and ignoring environmental influences.
• What are the weaknesses of the Biological Approach?

  Weaknesses:

  • Deterministic view on behavior, implying no free will
  • Reductionist approach, ignoring environmental influences
  • Drug treatments may not be successful for everyone