Biological

• Bio psychology: a perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body
• Genes: A section of DNA that makes up chromosomes and codes for a specific physical or psychological feature
• Biological structure: an arrangement of parts to form an organism
• Neurochemistry: chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functions
• Genotype: the particular set of genes a person posses
• Phenotype: the characteristic of an organism determined by genes and environment
• Evolution: the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
• low serotonin = depression / OCD
• High dopamine = schizophrenia
• Natural selection: The process by which individuals with certain inherited characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce than others
• Adaptive advantages in humans: memory, attachment, mental disorders
• Sexual selection: females Are more particular in choosing a mate as they have limited time and more attachment to the offspring so only the best males are chosen
• Darwin's theory of evolution: natural selection + sexual selection
• Behavioural geneticists study if behavioural characteristics are inherited the same way as physical characteristics
• Behavioural geneticists use twin studies
• Identical twins are monozygotic and share 100% DNA and the same environment
• Twins are dizygotic and share 50% and the same environment
• Siblings share 50% DNA but do not share the same environment
• Concordance: the rate of similarity represented as a percentage
• If MZ concordance is higher than DZ concordance the trait is influenced by biology
• If MZ concordance and DZ concordance are similar the trait is influenced by the environment
• Strengths of bio approach:

  scientific and objective - uses precise objective methods and scientific equipment

  real life applications - psychoactive drugs to treat depression via serotonin uptake, reduce symptoms
• Weaknesses of bio approach:

  doesn’t work for all - Cipriani 2018 found people found placebos only slightly less effective than actual antidepressants

  biological determinism - no free will, all controlled by genes, identical twins phenotypes opposes full gene control, creates criminal excuse