Biological approach

• Genotype


  The genetic information in the DNA of an individual's cells
• Phenotype


  The expression of the genotype. How the genotype interacts with the environment
• Excitatory neurotransmitters


  Stimulate the brain into action eg: dopamine. If you have too much dopamine then you can develop schizophrenia
• Inhibitory neurotransmitters


  Calm the brain + balance mood - seratonin. If you have too little then you can develop depression
• Strength


  Uses scientific methods

  Findings are reliable and valid as the methods are controlled

  Suggests that the biological approach increases scientific credibility of psychology
• Weakness


  It sees all behaviour as being governed by biological processes - which we have no control over (deterministic).

  Becomes problematic when talking about crime.

  Suggests the biological approach ignores the effects of the environment.
• Occipital lobe


  Receiving and processing visual info
• Temporal lobe


  analysis of speech related info
• frontal lobe

  problem solving, movement, personality
• parietal lobe


  processing info from our senses
• concordance rate


  the likelihood of a twin sharing the same characteristics of the other twin
• CNS


  brain + spine
• PNS (peripheral nervous system)


  somatic and automatic
• Weakness


  It is reductionist (the belief that behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into its parts, such as the action of genes).

  We cannot fully understand behaviour without taking into account other factors - cognitive, emotional and cultural factors play a part and influence behaviour.