biological approach

• assumes:

  1. genetics - the genes someone has influences behaviour, evolution (behaviour undergoes evolution)
  2. CNS - brain and spinal cord, main focus when assessing behaviour
  3. chemistry of the body - hormones secreted impact behaviour
• the genotype is an individuals genetic makeup, every persons is different
• the phenotype is what happens when the genotype interacts with the environment
• genes have adapted and mutated over time
• biological psychologists believe that psychological processes have been passed down.
• the CNS is the peripheral nervous system,
• a neuron is a nerve cell which transfers information throughout the nervous system
• neurotransmitters are chemicals within the cerebral fluid that transmit signals
• neurochemistry is the idea that neurotransmitters transport hormones
• adrenaline is an example of a neurotransmitter; fight or flight response
• noradrenaline is an example of a neurotransmitter; concentration response
• dopamine is an example of a neurotransmitter; pleasure response
• serotonin is an example of a neurotransmitter; mood levels
• this approach is useful because...

  it can help medicate people

  however...

  it looks at things too scientifically as proven by Rogerian therapy
• occipital lobe


  depth and perception

  sight

  manages hallucinations
• temporal lobe


  auditory area (hearing)

  spacial navigation
• thalamus


  processing information from body (regulating things)
• pituitary gland


  regulate growth, health and sex hormones
• pons

  unconscious processing (eg dreams)
• spinal cord


  connect brain to spine + nervous system
• dendrite


  receive information from other neurons called pre-synaptic neurons
• node of Ranvier 


  recharge the action potential along the axon
• axon terminal


  transmit messages to other cells via use of neurotransmitters at synapses
• myelin sheath

  insulates and speeds up transmission