What is it

avatar
Created by
Sam Tennant

Cards (9)

  • Three basic assumptions of biological approach:
    1. Human behaviour can be explained by looking at biological stuff such as hormones, genes and evolution
  • Three basic assumptions of biological approach:
    2. Explain all behaviour using biological causes, unwanted behaviour could be modified or removed using biological causes
  • Three basic assumptions of biological approach:
    3. Experimental research conducted using animals can inform us on human behaviour and biological influences
  • Genetics explain behaviour:
    1. Conception, the egg and sperm join up to give a total of 46 chromosomes
    2. Each chromosome made of coil of DNA --> made of genes
    3. Genes contain info making us unique in appearance
    4. Genes important for development of brain
  • Darwin's theory of evolution:
    • People better adapted to environment through having better genes and more likely to survive and reproduce useful genes
    • Less well-adapted less likely to survive to reproduce and pass genes on
    • Natural selection early humans became better adapted to their environments
    • Phobias and aggression evolved because of survival advantage
  • Genotype = genes they have
    Phenotype = Characteristics their genes produce
  • Genetics can explain psychological traits:
    • Faulty genes known to cause some diseases that have psychological effects
    • Biological psychologists reckon genetics can explain psychological traits such as gender
    • Study genes to see which ones develop into mental illness and addiction
    • Twin studies and adoption studies useful
  • Strengths of biological approach
    • Approach can provide evidence to support or disprove a theory
    • Scientific approach
    • Found for mental health problems or for unwanted behaviour such as aggression
  • Weaknesses of biological approach
    • Doesn't factor influence of people's environment, their family childhood experiences or social situation
    • Biological approach for negative behaviour can lead to individuals or groups avoiding taking personal responsibility for behaviour