Biological Approach

• Biological Approach

  • argues that behaviour is the product of physiological and biological processes within the body (e.g. genetics, CNS and neurochemistry )
  • Also argues that an individuals genetic makeup heavily influences their behaviour.
  • Chemicals and Hormones also influence behaviour
• Mechanisms of Heredity explains how characteristics are passed from one generation to another.
• Mechanisms of Heredity:

  • Genes carry instructions for particular characteristics but HOWEVER, these can change depending on:

  1. Interaction with other genes
  2. The environment

  The extent to which this happens is called Nature vs Nurture Debate
• Genotype - entire collection of genes

  Phenotype - how genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological aspects. It is influenced by ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.

  • For example, growing up in a stimulating environment will most likely make you smarter.
  • ! You may already carry the genes that allows you to be smart, but being in the environment allowed it to be REALISED.
• Genetic Basis of Behaviour:

  • Twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis.
  • We do this through looking at the concordance rates between twins.

  Concordance Rates - the extent to which they share the same characteristics
• Monozygotic Twins ( Identical Twins ) have higher Concordance Rates than Dizygotic Twins ( Non - Identical Twins ) because MZ Twins share the same identical genetic code
• MZ Twins share 100% of genes

  DZ Twins share 50% of genes

  • Therefore MZ twins will have higher concordance rates. HOWEVER, concordance rates can never be 100% because each twin has a different phenotype.
• Influence of Biological Structures:

  • Biological Psychologists believe that the structure of our organs (e.g. brain, CNS ) can determine our behaviours
• Influence of Biological Structures:

  • Neurons Transmit messages around the body.
  • Different Lobes within the Brain are linked to other functions:

  1. Occipital Lobe is for VISION
  2. Parietal Lobe is SENSORY
• Influence of Biological Structures:

  • Brain Damage has also been seen to effect behaviour ( e.g. Phineas Gage experienced damage to Frontal Cortex and as a result couldn't control antisocial behaviour )
• The Influence on Neurochemistry:

  • It has been seen that chemicals within our body can determine behaviour
  • Neurotransmitters are chemicals which send messages between neurons:

  ! If an INBALANCE occurs behaviour can be altered. This can be seen for example Low levels of Serotonin can cause depression
• Evolution and Behaviour:

  • Any behaviour that increases the chance of reproduction and survival will be passed onto other future generations.
  • This is why certain behaviours are still persistent with others till this day
  • E.G. Aggression and Intelligence