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?

  Psychologists divide the brain into different areas and identify large structures with distinct 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.
• What role do genes play in the biological approach?

  Genes influence the development and functioning of the human brain.
• Why is evolution important in understanding the biological approach?

  Evolution explains why certain genes that influence behavior have been retained for survival.
• What is the largest biological structure influencing behavior?

  The endocrine system is the largest biological structure influencing behavior.
• 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 function of the adrenal gland?

  The adrenal gland activates the fight or flight response by releasing adrenaline.
• 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 behavior.
• What is the primary function of the brain?

  The brain is the center of all conscious and unconscious processes.
• What is localization of function in the brain?

  Localization of function is the idea that certain brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• What is serotonin linked to?

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

  SSRIs are used as antidepressants to treat depression and OCD.
• What is the concordance rate in genetics?

  The concordance rate measures the likelihood of one person having a disorder if another person has it.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  The diathesis-stress model explains that genetic vulnerability can lead to disorders when combined with stressors.
• How does evolution relate to behavior?

  Evolution suggests that behaviors that provide survival advantages are inherited and become more common.
• What is a positive evaluation of the biological approach?

  The biological approach has led to effective drug therapies for mental health conditions.
• What is a criticism of biological determinism?

  Biological determinism can undermine the concept of personal responsibility for behavior.
• Why is the biological approach considered scientific?

  The biological approach uses objective measurements and controlled research studies.
• How do family and twin studies contribute to understanding genetics in behavior?

  Family and twin studies help measure concordance rates to understand genetic influences on behavior.
• What is the role of the hippocampus in the brain?

  The hippocampus is involved in memory formation.
• What is the role of the temporal lobe?

  The temporal lobe processes auditory information.
• What is the role of the occipital lobe?

  The occipital lobe is responsible for visual perception.
• What is the role of the parietal lobe?

  The parietal lobe receives sensations from across the body.
• What is the role of the frontal lobe?

  The frontal lobe is responsible for rational decision-making.
• How does the biological approach relate to OCD?

  The biological approach explains OCD through genetic, neurochemical, and structural factors in the brain.
• What is the significance of the case study of Tan?

  The case study of Tan revealed the role of Broca's area in speech production.
• What is the role of action potentials in neural communication?

  Action potentials are electrical signals that travel along neurons to transmit information.
• How do neurotransmitters affect mood?

  Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine influence mood and emotional well-being.
• What is the impact of drug therapies on mental health?

  Drug therapies can effectively reduce symptoms of mental health conditions by altering neurochemical processes.
• What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype refers to the genetic code, while phenotype is the expression of that genetic code in observable traits.
• What is the significance of the diathesis-stress model in psychology?

  The diathesis-stress model highlights the interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors in the development of disorders.
• How does the biological approach evaluate the role of nurture and nature?

  The biological approach emphasizes the influence of nature but acknowledges that nurture also plays a role in behavior.
• How do environmental factors influence behavior according to the biological approach?

  Environmental factors can interact with genetic predispositions to influence behavior.
• What are the implications of biological determinism in psychology?

  Biological determinism can lead to the belief that behavior is entirely controlled by biological factors, undermining personal responsibility.
• What is the role of fMRI scanners in biological psychology?

  fMRI scanners are used to observe brain activity and understand the biological basis of behavior.
• How do biological theories contribute to mental health treatment?

  Biological theories have led to the development of effective drug therapies for mental health conditions.