Biological Approach

• Biological approach assumes there is a direct correlation between brain activity and cognition
• The Biological approach assumes that behaviour can be affected by genetics, biochemical imbalances (hormones), brain psychology etc
• A Genotype is the genetic make up of an individual as a combination of inherited genetic material
• Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands which cause a physiological reaction in cells
• A Gene is part of a chromosome carrying inheritable information
• Natural Selection is the process by which the most favourable characteristics become more widespread in a population
• Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers which can stimulate or calm the brain
• A Phenotype is the observable characteristics of an individual
• Twin studies allow us to measure concordance rates
• Monozygotic twins share all genetic material
• Dizygotic twins share half of all genetic material
• Twin, family, and adoption studies are useful for the biological approach
• Biological approach has real-life applications as it has increased the understanding of biochemical processes which leads to development of drugs for mental illnesses
• Drugs may not be 100% effective by themselves so suggest a more holistic approach is needed
• Biological approach is reductionist as it ignores the roles of emotions and sociocultural context
• Biological approach is determinist as it says we do not have free will because we are controlled by our genetics