biological approach

• What does the biological approach believe about psychological processes?

  They are first physiological processes.
• Why must we look at biological processes to understand human behavior?

  Because all thoughts and feelings have a physical basis.
• What are the key concepts of the biological approach?

  1. The genetic basis of behaviour
  2. Genotype and Phenotype
  3. Evolution and behaviour
  4. Influence of biological structures and neurochemistry
• What do psychologists seek to determine regarding behaviors and characteristics?

  The extent of genetic versus environmental influence.
• What do biological psychologists believe about genes?

  They determine behaviours and characteristics.
• If a characteristic is genetic, what would we expect to observe?

  It to run in families.
• What does a higher similarity in identical twins suggest about a behaviour?

  It suggests a genetic basis for that behaviour.
• What is the SERT gene associated with?

  Regulation of serotonin levels.
• How does a faulty SERT gene relate to OCD?

  It can cause lower serotonin levels.
• What does the COMT gene regulate?

  Production of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
• What is the relationship between the COMT gene and OCD?

  A specific allele is more common in OCD sufferers.
• What did Nestadt et al (2000) investigate?

  The influence of genes on OCD.
• What was the chance of developing OCD for first-degree relatives of sufferers?

  11.7% chance compared to 2.7% in healthy relatives.
• What does the concordance rate refer to?

  The probability of both twins having a trait.
• Why are twin studies used in psychology?

  To determine genetic versus environmental influences.
• What does a higher concordance rate in MZ twins suggest?

  It suggests a genetic basis for the trait.
• What does a concordance rate not being 100% imply?

  Other factors may influence the trait.
• What is the genotype?

  An individual's actual genetic make-up.
• How does the phenotype differ from the genotype?

  Phenotype is the expression of the genotype.
• What might prevent a genetic predisposition from manifesting?

  Environmental factors and stresses.
• What is a key principle of Darwin's theory of natural selection?

  Behaviours enhancing survival are selected.
• How does Bowlby's theory of attachment relate to evolution?

  Attachment provides a survival advantage.
• What does the preparedness argument by Seligman (1971) suggest about phobias?

  They are adaptive fears from our past.
• How do biological psychologists explain behaviour?

  By relating it to brain functioning.
• What is neurochemistry?

  The biochemistry of the central nervous system.
• Why are neurotransmitters important in the biological approach?

  They affect behaviour significantly.
• What might low serotonin levels cause?

  OCD and depression.
• What might high levels of dopamine cause?

  Schizophrenia.
• What is a strength of the biological approach?

  It has real-life applications in treatment.
• How has the biological approach contributed to mental health treatment?

  By developing drugs for mental health issues.
• What is a counter-argument to drug treatments?

  They may not address underlying issues.
• What scientific methods does the biological approach use?

  Brain scans, twin studies, laboratory experiments.
• Why can the scientific status of the biological approach be questioned?

  It often relies on correlational data.
• What does the biological approach often ignore?

  The influence of environmental factors.
• What does the free will-determinism debate consider?

  The role of choice in human experiences.
• What does hard determinism suggest?

  Free will is not possible due to biology.
• What issue does the biological approach raise regarding criminal responsibility?

  Can we punish victims of their biology?