The Biological Approach

• What does the biological approach assume about psychological processes?

  They have a biological basis
• According to the biological approach, where is the mind located?

  In the brain
• What do higher concordance rates in MZ twins suggest?

  A genetic influence
• What do twin studies measure in the context of genetics and behavior?

  Concordance rates
• What percentage of genes do MZ twins share?

  100%
• What percentage of genes do DZ twins share?

  50%
• What is a person's genetic makeup called?

  Genotype
• What is the observable expression of genes called?

  Phenotype
• What two factors shape behaviour, according to the interactionist approach?

  Nature and nurture
• What is the name of Darwin's theory related to the transmission of traits?

  Natural selection
• According to natural selection, what happens to adaptive behaviours?

  They persist across generations
• According to natural selection, what happens to maladaptive behaviours?

  They die out
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?

  • Scientific methods provide reliable data
  • Real-world applications improve lives & benefit the economy
• Which scientific methods are mentioned as strengths of the biological approach?

  Brain scans, twin studies, drug trials
• What are the weaknesses of the biological approach?

  • Diathesis-Stress Model suggests behaviour results from both biology & environment
  • Biological determinism raises legal & ethical issues
• What does the Diathesis-Stress Model suggest about behaviour?

  Results from both biology & environment
• What is the problem with biological determinism?

  It suggests behaviour is pre-determined
• What kind of issues does biological determinism raise?

  Legal and ethical issues
• Who originated the Diathesis-Stress Model?

  Meehl