Biological Approach

• What is the biological approaches main assumption?

  That all behaviour can be explained as having a psychological cause; genetics, biological structures and neuro-chemistry at evolution.
• What is 'genetic basis of behaviour'?

  All behaviour can be explained through inherited genes, e.g. aggression or mental health.
• How do psychologists investigate genetic influence?

  To study a genetic basis of behaviour psychologists use twin studies (amongst other methods).
• What is a :-Monozygotic twin? (MZ)-Dizygotic twin? (DZ)

  MZ is 100% identical DZ is 50% identical
• What is a genotype and a phenotype?

  A genotype is the genetic makeup

  A phenotype is the way the gene is expressed.

  -(This is done via physical and biological characteristics, someone with T1 diabetes may not look like it because they manage it well).
• What did Gottesman find out about in his study of genetic influence?

  The greater the degree of genetic similarity a person has with someone who has SZ, the greater the risk that that person will also develop the disorder. Particularly striking for MZ twins, this is evidence that genes can be used to explain the origin of certain behaviours.
• What's the structure for answering a genetic basis question?

  (1)Explain why the concordance rate for MZ twins is higher than DZ twins.

  (2)Concordance rates are never 100%, what does this mean?
• Identical twins are separated at birth. When they meet at 35 they notice that one is more social than the other despite them being twins. Use your knowledge of genotype and phenotype to explain this difference.

  They both have the same genes so would have the same personality. The reason that they don't is due to their different environments which would effect their personality through environmental factors.
• What are chemical imbalances (neurochemistry) and what can they cause?

  The production/transmission of neurotransmitters may be dysfunctional in some way. E.g. chemical levels may be too high or too low causing a change in behavioural characteristics.
• In terms of damage to biological structures what can also explain a change in behaviour?

  Damage the the physical structure of the brain or dysfunction in particular systems can also explain specific behaviours.
• What is an evolutionary explanation for behaviour?

  Darwin's theory proposed that any behaviour or characteristics essential for survival will likely be passed down onto further generations. This means that those behaviours help us to survive as a species will be passed on.
• What are two examples of behaviour that may have an evolutionary background?

  Attatchment:

  Humans and animals form attachments because they help us to survive. Those we have an attachment with are more likely to offer us protection and feed us, etc.

  Phobias:

  Prepare us to avoid threats based on our ancestors experiences. This explains the common phobias like heights, snakes and the dark.
• How is a phenotype expressed?

  Through physical and biological characteristics