biological approach

• What is the biological approach primarily concerned with?

  Genetics, specifically the cause of genotypes and phenotypes
• What does the term genotype refer to?

  Alleles inherited from parents
• How can environmental psychosocial factors influence genotype?

  They can affect the expression of the genotype
• What is the definition of phenotype?

  The observable characteristics of an individual
• What does predisposition mean in the context of genetics?

  Genes put us at risk, but the environment can trigger the development of a disorder
• What does the term interaction refer to in genetics?

  The relationship between genes and the environment
• What are observable aspects and characteristics referred to as?

  Phenotype
• What can lead to different phenotypes among individuals?

  Different genes
• How do identical twins differ in phenotype despite sharing 100% genetic makeup?

  • Identical twins may share different phenotypes
  • Environmental factors can influence their observable characteristics
• What do MZ and DZ twins share in terms of environmental factors?

  They share the same environment, cultural, and social factors
• What is the concordance rate?

  The percentage where both twins share a trait or disorder
• What is the concordance rate for MZ twins sharing a trait or disorder?

  50%
• What does a 50% concordance rate suggest about the influence of genetics on phenotype?

  It suggests that phenotype is not solely genetic but also influenced by environmental factors
• What is the purpose of brain scans in the biological approach?

  To investigate brain damage as a cause for mental health issues
• How do functional brain scans differ from regular brain scans?

  They allow a difference to be observed between normal patients and those with a mental health disorder
• What techniques are mentioned for brain imaging?

  MRIs, fMRIs, PET scans
• What does the biological approach believe about behavior?

  • Behavior is a product of genetics and physiology
  • All thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have a biological cause
  • Strongly determinist, viewing behavior as caused by biological factors
• What is the definition of genotype?

  Our genetic makeup, like eye color
• What is the definition of phenotype?

  Environmental factors affecting genetics
• How can malnutrition in childhood affect phenotype?

  It can decrease height due to environmental factors
• What are the two types of twins in twin studies?

  • Monozygotic (identical) twins
  • Dizygotic (fraternal) twins
• What is the genetic similarity of monozygotic twins?

  100% genetic similarity
• What is the genetic similarity of dizygotic twins?

  50% genetic similarity
• What did Holland's research find about anorexia rates in twins?

  MZ twins have a 56% concordance rate
• What does a 5% concordance rate in DZ twins suggest?

  Environmental factors influence anorexia development
• How are brain scans used in the biological approach?

  • Investigate brain damage as a cause for behavior
  • Use correlation analysis to compare brain structures
  • Compare 'normal' participants with those having mental disorders
• What structural difference is found in schizophrenics' brains?

  They have 20% larger ventricles
• What are ventricles in the brain?

  Fluid-filled sacs in the brain
• What role does neurochemistry play in behavior?

  • Studies chemicals in the brain
  • Investigates biochemistry as a cause for behavior
  • Compares neurotransmitter levels in mental disorders
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in behavior?

  They stimulate or calm the brain
• What neurotransmitter is associated with mood regulation?

  Serotonin
• What is the relationship between serotonin levels and depression?

  Low serotonin levels are found in depressed patients
• How does evolution influence human behavior?

  • Proposed by Charles Darwin
  • Natural selection affects inherited characteristics
  • Adaptive behaviors increase survival and reproduction
• What is natural selection?

  Process where inherited traits affect survival
• What is the purpose of the fight or flight response?

  To keep us safe in dangerous situations