Biological Approach

• What is the biological approach in psychology?

  It explains behavior based on how the brain functions and biological processes.
• How do psychologists view the brain's functioning?

  They refer to a range of different processes and structures within the brain.
• What are neurotransmitters?

  They are chemicals that control neural communication between neurons.
• How do drugs affect behavior according to the biological approach?

  They can alter neurotransmitter levels, which in turn affects 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?

  It explains how certain brain features have developed 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?

  It is a system of glands that release hormones influencing behavior.
• What is the function of adrenaline in the body?

  It prepares the body for a fight or flight response during emergencies.
• What are the effects of testosterone?

  It is linked to male body features and increased aggression.
• What is the role of the brain stem?

  It controls core abilities like heart rate and breathing.
• What is the cerebellum responsible for?

  It coordinates muscle movements and balance.
• What is localization of function in the brain?

  It is the idea that certain brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• What is Broca's area associated with?

  It is involved in speech production.
• How do neurotransmitters influence behavior?

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

  Feelings of well-being and happiness.
• What are SSRIs?

  They are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression and OCD.
• What does the concordance rate indicate in genetic studies?

  It shows the likelihood of one person having a disorder if another person has it.
• What is the diathesis-stress model?

  It explains that genetic vulnerability can lead to a disorder only in the presence of stressors.
• What is the role of evolutionary psychology?

  It explains how behaviors have been inherited and selected for survival advantages.
• How does aggression relate to evolutionary psychology?

  Aggressive behavior was useful for survival in early human societies.
• 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
  • Oversimplifies complex behaviors
• What is the significance of the case study of Tan?

  It revealed the role of Broca's area in speech production.
• How do biological psychologists study the genetic inheritance of behavior?

  They compare family members and twins to measure concordance rates.
• What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is the genetic code, while phenotype is the expression of that code.
• What is the prevalence rate of OCD in the general population?

  It is 2%.
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in identical twins?

  It is 68%.
• What is the concordance rate for OCD in non-identical twins?

  It is 31%.
• How do biological theories contribute to mental health treatment?

  They lead to the development of effective drug therapies.
• What is a criticism of biological determinism?

  It undermines the concept of personal responsibility for behavior.
• What is the role of fMRI scanners in biological psychology?

  They are used for direct observation of brain activity.
• What is the main focus of biological psychology?

  It studies the relationship between biological processes and behavior.
• How does the biological approach view mental health disorders?

  It sees them as influenced by biological factors like neurotransmitters and genes.
• Why is the biological approach considered scientific?

  It uses objective measurements and controlled research studies.
• What is the impact of drug therapies on mental health?

  They can help individuals return to normal functioning and improve quality of life.
• What is the role of the hippocampus in the brain?

  It is involved in memory formation.
• What is the function of the amygdala?

  It is involved in processing emotions.
• What is the role of the corpus callosum?

  It connects the two hemispheres of the brain.
• How does the biological approach explain the development of aggressive behavior?

  It suggests that aggression has been inherited as a survival trait.