Biological Approach

• What does the biological approach focus on regarding behavior?

  Influence of genes and neurochemistry
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype is genetic makeup; phenotype is observable traits
• What is the mechanism behind evolution according to Darwin?

  Natural selection
• How do adaptive behaviors affect reproductive success?

  Adaptive behaviors increase chances of survival and reproduction
• What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?

  • Influence of genes on behavior
  • Biological structures affect behavior
  • Neurochemistry impacts psychological functioning
• What is the role of attachment according to Bowlby?

  Attachment is innate and biologically programmed
• What is an example of evolutionary behavior in humans?

  Facial expressions signaling emotions
• What reflex helps infants survive by seeking food?

  Rooting reflex
• How did the peppered moths evolve due to industrial pollution?

  Darker moths survived better than lighter ones
• What does heredity refer to in genetics?

  Passing characteristics through genes
• What is the heritability coefficient for purely genetic traits?

  1.0
• What is the concordance rate for schizophrenia in MZ twins according to Gottesman and Shields?

  48%
• What does the diathesis-stress model explain?

  Interaction between genetic predisposition and stress
• What does the central nervous system (CNS) comprise of?

  Brain and spinal cord
• What are the two main parts of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

  Somatic and autonomic nervous systems
• What connects the two hemispheres of the brain?

  Corpus callosum
• What happens if Broca's area is damaged?

  Person may suffer Broca's aphasia
• What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

  Transmit nerve impulses across the synapse
• What neurotransmitter is linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

  Dopamine
• What is the effect of SSRIs on serotonin levels?

  They increase serotonin availability
• How does the biological approach view human behavior?

  As determined by internal or genetic causes
• What is a criticism of the biological approach regarding behavior?

  It oversimplifies complex behaviors
• How does the biological approach relate to the nature-nurture debate?

  It favors the nature side of the debate
• What is a potential issue with animal research in biological psychology?

  Extrapolation to humans may be problematic
• What are the evaluation points of the biological approach?

  1. Use of scientific methods
  2. Useful applications in treatment
  3. Determinism in behavior
  4. Reductionism in explanations
  5. Nature vs. nurture debate
• What is the definition of a phenotype?

  Characteristics determined by genetics and environment
• Which statement about evolution is false?

  Evolution involves common genetic material between species
• What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

  Phenotype results from genotype and environment
• What is an example of a disorder caused by a defective gene?

  PKU leading to learning difficulties
• How do MZ twins differ from DZ twins in genetic similarity?

  MZ twins share 100% of genes
• What is the significance of the concordance rate in twin studies?

  Indicates genetic influence on traits
• What does the term 'biological reductionism' refer to?

  Reducing complex behaviors to biological factors
• What is the implication of the biological approach for the legal system?

  Challenges the notion of free will
• How does the biological approach view the influence of nurture?

  It undervalues the influence of nurture
• What is the role of scientific methods in the biological approach?

  Makes investigations objective and replicable
• What is the effect of neurotransmitter imbalances on behavior?

  May cause abnormal behaviors and thoughts
• What is the purpose of PET scanners in biological psychology?

  To understand neuron actions in the CNS
• What is the significance of the rooting reflex in infants?

  Helps infants find food for survival
• How does the biological approach explain the giraffe's neck?

  As an adaptation for reaching food
• What is the relationship between nature and nurture in the context of twin studies?

  Both influence traits in twins