The Biological Approach

• How does neurochemistry influence behaviour?

  • neurotransmitters - transmit messages between neurons
  • an imbalance of neurotransmitters causes mental disorders and can lead to a difference in behaviour
• What are twin studies used for?

  • twin studies are used to investigate whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic influence on behaviour
  • this is achieved by analysing concordance rates - the extent to which twin share the same characterstics
  • Monozygotic twins = 100% identical
  • Dyzygotic twins = 50% share of the same gene
• What is a genotype?

  • the genetic makeup
• What is a phenotype?

  • physical characteristics and features
• What is evolution?

  • gradual change in inherited traits of a species over many generations through adaption to the environment, natural selection and survival of the fittest
• What is natural selection and survival of the fittest?

  • proposed by Charles Darwin
  • those who possess the advantageous genes are more likely to survive - girraffes and long necks/ naturally selected
  • survival of the fittest - those who have the strongest genes will survive and pass on their genes
• What are the strengths of the biological approach?

  • One strength of the biological approach is that it has real life application. Drugs can be made to treat mental disorders.
  • Another strength of the biological approach is that it uses scientific methods. This means that there is control over extraneous variables and based on reliable data
• What are the limitations of the biological approach?

  • a limitation of the biological approach is that it is biologically deterministic. Ignores the effect of the environment and is too reductionistic
• What are the assumptions of the biological approach?

  1. All human behaviour is biological at first
  2. You need to study biological processes such as genetics, biological processes and neurochemistry
  3. The mind and the brain are the same