Biological approach

• What is the basis of the biological approach to behavior?

  It focuses on biological structures and processes
• Why is understanding brain structure important in the biological approach?

  It explains thoughts, feelings, and behavior
• What do biopsychologists agree influences behavior?

  Genes influence behavior
• How do genes relate to behavior according to biopsychologists?

  Genes have evolutionary explanations for behavior
• What is heredity?

  Passing on characteristics through genes
• What do genes carry instructions for?

  Particular characteristics like intelligence
• What is the interaction between genes and the environment called?

  Phenotype
• How many chromosomes do most human cells contain?

  46 chromosomes
• What is the genotype?

  Individual's genetic make-up at conception
• How many genes does each individual have?

  Approximately 100,000 genes
• What does the phenotype represent?

  Interaction of genotype with the environment
• How do identical twins differ in phenotype despite having the same genotype?

  Due to environmental factors like diet
• What is the genetic basis of behavior?

  Psychological characteristics are inherited
• What is a common method to investigate the genetic basis of behavior?

  Twin studies
• What do concordance rates measure in twin studies?

  Extent twins share the same characteristic
• What percentage of genes do identical twins share?

  100% of the same genes
• What is the role of the central nervous system?

  It includes the brain and spinal cord
• What are the two main parts of the nervous system?

  Central and peripheral nervous systems
• What does the somatic nervous system do?

  Transmits sensory information to the CNS
• What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?

  Regulates involuntary bodily activities
• What are neurons?

  Basic building blocks of the nervous system
• What do neurotransmitters do?

  Transmit signals between neurons
• What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

  They trigger nerve impulses in neurons
• What is dopamine associated with?

  Drive and motivation
• What is serotonin's role in behavior?

  Maintains stable mood levels
• What is the main principle of the evolutionary theory of behavior?

  Genetically determined behavior enhances survival
• What happens to traits that enhance survival?

  They are passed on to future generations
• How does aggression relate to natural selection?

  It helps defend territory for survival
• What is a criticism of the biological approach?

  It is biologically deterministic
• What does biological determinism imply?

  Behavior is controlled by biological causes
• What is a strength of the biological approach?

  It has led to effective treatments for disorders
• How has biological research impacted treatment?

  Developed drug treatments for mental illnesses
• What ethical issues arise from drug treatments?

  Forced medication can harm patients
• What historical treatments have been criticized?

  Lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy
• What type of evidence supports the biological approach?

  Twin studies provide supporting evidence
• What do twin studies measure in the biological approach?

  Genetic influence on behavior
• What significant change occurred in 1950 regarding patient treatment?

  Introduction of pharmacology for managing conditions
• What ethical issues arise from the use of anti-psychotic medication?

  Patients may be forced to take medication
• What are the consequences of patients refusing anti-psychotic medication?

  It can lead to forced hospitalization
• What is a significant downside of forced medication for patients?

  They endure difficult side effects