biological

• What are the basic assumptions of the biological approach?

  • Biochemical imbalances can affect behaviour - neurochemistry (hormones)
  • Brain physiology can affect behaviour - different parts of the brain structure control different behaviors
  • Behaviours can be inherited
  • Direct correlation between brain activity and cognition
  • Everything psychological is at first biological
• What is the definition of evolution?

  A gradual change of species over time and generations

  • Charles Darwin
• What is the definition of natural selection?

  characteristics that increase the chance of survival (fear of snakes/spiders as cause danger) are passed through genetics
• What is Kin altruism?

  behaving in such a way as to benefit a genetic relatives chance of survival even if this is at a personal cost
• What is the principle of differential amplification?

  those who adapt to their environment will survive and reproduce and those who do not will die out
• Outline assumption two - neurochemistry

  affected by hormones and neurotransmitters - biological imbalances lead to disorders such as OCD/schizophrenia
• What is the definition of a genotype?

  genetic code passed on from parents
• What is the definition of a phenotype?

  observable characteristics
• What is the equation for a phenotype?

  Genotype + environment = phenotype
• What is the definition of a concordance rate?

  the extent that twins have similar characteristics/traits
• Are identical twins monozygotic or dizygotic?

  Monozygotic - one cell splits
• Are non-identical twins monozygotic or dizygotic? 


  Dizygotic - two separate eggs
• Why are adoption and twin studies used to study genetical impacts on behaviour ?

  Compare traits passed on from adoptive vs biological parents
• What is PKU?


  inherited error of metabolism
• What biological structures are our bodies made up of?

  Central nervous system

  Endocrine - hormones
• Is credibility a strength or weakness of the biological approach?

  Strength - uses scientific methods + empirical evidence

  e.g, examination of brain through fMRI's etc
• Is applicability a strength or weakness of the biological approach?

  Strength - if we can understand neurochemical processes we can create treatments for psychological disorders

  e.g, antidepressants increase serotonin levels

  HOWEVER, these do not always work as some people are genetically resistant
• Is social sensitivity a strength or weakness of the biological approach?

  Weakness - can be used to excuse criminal behavior due to the influence of genetics

  e.g, high levels of aggression + lack of empathy
• What are some objections to the biological approach?

  • Over-reliance on animal research - the human mind is much more complex so not accurately represented
  • Lack of free will - advocates determinism too much, doesn't encapsulate individuality

  HOWEVER, it is a fact that genotype is affected by the environment
• Are differences a strength or weakness of the biological approach?

  Weakness - ignores the mental processes and focuses on overt behaviour unlike cognitive approach
• Outline the Maze Bright Rats experiment

  • Robert Tyron

  Multi-decade selective breeding experiment

  Rats are either 'maze-bright' or 'maze-dull' - determined by charted errors while completing maze

  Selectively breed rats

  'Maze-bright' rat's offspring = fewer mistakes
• What were the conclusions of the Maze Bright Rats experiment?

  • Genetics are a significant factor in behavior and ability
  • As rats were randomly sampled the initial determination of 'maze-bright' vs 'maze-dull' was random
  • Offspring ability is solely based on their genetics as their environments were controlled and identical