biological

• the three assumptions are - Genetics, neurochemistry, Evolution
• Genetics - NZ, identical twins, 100% concordance, 100% concordance for schizophrenia

  DZ, non identical
• Neuro chemistry - chemicals in the brain: neurotransmitters e.g serotonin

  Depression, low activity of serotonin in the brain, antidepressants increase serotonin
• Evolution - changes over a long time, adaptation, survival of the fittest, natural selection, survival selection
• Biological approach: The biological approach attempts to explain behaviour in terms of different biological processes, including genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, etc. According to the biological approach, the brain and the mind are identical, and brain physiology and biochemical imbalances can affect behaviour. Biological psychologists also believe that behaviour can be inherited, as it is determined by genetic information.
• Genetics are tested through - twin studies and adoption studies
• areas brain structure has been investigated -

  • aggression - hypothalamus and amigdala involved
  • memory - hippocampus involved in long term memory
  • psychopathology - differences in the prefrontal cortex
• brain scans - used to examine patterns of brain activity and anatomy
• types of brain scans:

  • PET scans
  • CAT scans
  • MRI scans
  • functional MRI scans
  • SQUID magnetometry - measures magnetic field generated when neutrons are activated and produces an accurate image