Biological

• Biological approach

  • focuses on the biology of the brain
  • Nature side of the nature - nurture argument
  • Argues for genetic influence on behaviour
• Assumptions

  1. genetics - genes of a person influences their behaviour
  2. behaviour evolves the same way physical characteristics evolves through evolutionary adaptations
  3. The central nervous system - brain is seen as the main focus when explaining behaviour
  4. chemistry of the body - levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters in the brain) (hormones in the body) relate to an individuals behaviour (influence reactions to the environment)
• Influence on genes on behaviour

  • genotype - an individuals genetic makeup (determines characteristics such as eye or hair colour
  • phenotype - what happens when a genotype mixes with the environment
• Genetic basis of behaviour

  • identical twins are 100% genetically identical
  • use of twin and family studies look at the impact that genes and environment can have on behaviour
• Evolution and behaviour

  • idea is based around adaptiveness
  • a mutation which leads to a characteristic or behaviour occurring
• The nervous system

  • two parts ( The central and the peripheral)
• CNS

  • the brain and spinal chord (transfers messages to and from the environment)
  • psychologists often look at the brain for behaviour and most actions are generated from the CNS
• The Peripheral Nervous System

  • sends and receives information to the CNS
  • Nervous system for the limbs and torso
  • the somatic system also receives information from the skin
  • EG. the temperature of the environment
• The neuron

  • a nerve cell (transfers information between the nervous system)
• The endocrine system

  • NOT a part of the nervous system
  • maintains hormone levels in the blood
  • Pituitary gland - secretes hormones
  • level of hormones in the system can affect an individuals behaviour
• Neurochemistry

  • the biochemistry of the nervous system
  • neurotransmitters
  • eg. high levels of dopamine are related to schizophrenia
• Evaluation (weaknesses)

  • some explanations are too simplistic and arent enough for the complexity of human behaviour
  • reductionist
• Evaluation ( strengths)

  • Uses scientific methods eg. brain scans
  • not subjective
  • biopsychology research can result in practical applications being developed eg. drugs to help symptoms of mental disorders