Biological approach

Cards (11)

  • 3 assumptions of biological approach
    1. Can only fully understand behaviour if we look to biological structures and processes within the body
    2. our genes , neurochemistry and nervous system are the basis of any psychological process/ behaviour
    3. human behaviour is genetically determined through process of evolution And natural selection
  • Difference between genotype and phenotype
    Genotype - individuals genetic make up
    phenotype - the product of what happens once the genotype has interacted with the environment ( Hair colour , height , blood type , eye colour )
    phenotype is the physical manifeststion of an organisms allelic combination (genotype )
  • 2 example Of how the genotype has interacted with the environment
    PKU - rare genetic disorder if left unchecked can cause learning difficulties, if detected early enough it can be controlled through diet
    how active you are on weight
  • Difference between MZ twins and DZ twins
    MZ - share 100% of their genes
    DZ-share 50% of their genes
  • Concordance
    The presence of the same trait in Both members of a pair of twin
  • How do twin studies allow us to see the genetic influence on behaviour
    • if MZ TWINS show a higher likelihood of sharing behaviours /disorders than DZ twins —-> suggests a genetic component
    • this is thought to be because the only difference between the pairs of twins is how genetically similar they are
  • 4 biological factors which influence behaviours
    genes , neurochemistry , nervous system and evolution
  • Example showing the behaviour of neurotransmitters on our behaviour
    Increased levels of dopamine leading to schizophrenia
  • 2 examples of the influence of the nervous system on our behaviours
    • Damage to the limbic system ( emotional centre in brain ) = increased aggression
    • damage to Broca’s area = inability to produce speech
  • Example of a behaviour that could become widespread due to evolution
    AGRESSION :
    • agression in our ancestry = more able To gather resources and protect family
    • more likely to survive
    • increased chances of reproduction
    • genetics for aggression passed onto generations
    • aggression becoming more widespread
  • What is biological approach
    Personality Is influenced by biological factors e.g genetics and biochemistry