Biological

• What does the biological approach assume about psychological behaviours?

  They have a biological root at their core
• Why is it necessary to look at biological structures, functions, and processes?

  To understand human behaviour comprehensively
• What are examples of biological structures, functions, and processes?

  • Genetics: inherited traits in behaviour
  • Neurotransmitters: serotonin's role in behaviour
  • Hormones: testosterone's role in behaviour
  • Brain structures: hippocampus's role in behaviour
• What does the biological approach assume about memory?

  It is a function of the hippocampus
• How does the biological approach explain depression?

  As a result of irregular neurotransmission
• What does the biological approach suggest about aggression?

  It is a product of excess testosterone
• What does the genetic basis of behaviour investigate?

  The extent to which behaviours are inherited
• What physical characteristics do people inherit from their parents?

  Natural hair and eye colour
• How are genes related to psychological traits?

  They influence traits like competitiveness and aggression
• What does an individual's genotype consist of?

  A combination of alleles that comprise a specific gene
• What is the role of twin studies in genetics?

  To investigate a genetic basis for specific traits
• What is compared in twin studies?

  Monozygotic (MZ) twins to dizygotic (DZ) twins
• What do concordance rates measure in twin studies?

  The rates of agreement in traits/behaviours
• What does a high concordance rate indicate?

  Evidence of a causal connection between twin type and trait
• What is expected if a characteristic is genetic in MZ twins?

  100% would share that characteristic
• What does genotype refer to?

  A person's particular set of genes
• What determines an individual's physical characteristics?

  Genotype
• When is genotype set or fixed?

  At the point of conception
• What does phenotype refer to?

  The expression of the genotype influenced by the environment
• How can environmental factors influence phenotype?

  By affecting traits like height and behaviour
• What might predispose a person to specific behaviours?

  Their genotype
• How can a secure home affect potential criminality?

  It may prevent the expression of criminal behaviour
• How do MZ twins differ in phenotype?

  Based on their upbringing and experiences
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?

  • Real-world applications like drug therapies
  • Family history predicts disease risk
  • Large sample sizes in twin studies
• What are the limitations of the biological approach?

  • Oversimplifies complex human behaviour
  • Ignores cognitive processing
  • Validity issues in twin studies
• What is the major endocrine gland known as?

  The pituitary gland
• What is the function of the frontal lobe?

  Linked to voluntary movement and expressive language
• What does evolutionary psychology explain?

  How specific human traits evolved via natural selection
• What is an example of an adaptive behaviour?

  Behaviours that increase survival and reproductive success
• What is the ultimate causes theory of behaviour?

  Behaviour is rooted in causes from the past
• How do genes drive evolution?

  By determining behaviours that enhance survival
• How is intelligence considered adaptive?

  It enhances human survival and resource acquisition
• What are the strengths of research into biological structures?

  • Uses objective, clinical methods
  • Results can be checked for consistency
  • Compelling evidence supports evolution and behaviour
• What are the limitations of research into biological structures?

  • Overly reductionist explanations
  • Ignores cognitive and social factors
  • Some behaviours are not advantageous today