5.BIOLOGICAL APPROACH

• What is the biological approach?

  The biological approach argues that as humans are biological beings their behaviour should be explained as a result of biological structures and processes.Biological structures include the hormonal and nervous systems
• What is an example of the influence of biological structures on behaviour?

  One way biological structures influence behaviour is the endocrine system- which is system of glands that releases chemical messengers called hormones
• Explain the influence of biological structures on behaviour during the fight or flight response?

  During the fight or flight response, the brain signals the adrenal gland to release adrenaline.This hormone travels through the bloodstream,enhancing blood flow to the brain and muscles while decreasing it to digestive organs and skin.In an emergency this priorities quick thinking,attentions and reflexes over digestion and reduces potential blood loss from less critical areas
• What are genes?

  They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism and

  psychological features - these are transmitted from parents to offspring i.e.inherited
• What is an example of a genetic basis to behaviour?

  One example of a genetic basis to behaviour is the SERT gene: this part of the genetic code influences serotonin

  transport and has been associated with the development of OCD - resulting in compulsions
• What are genotypes?


  Genotypes are the genetic codes in the DNA for the characteristics of an organism whereas phenotypes are the physical expression of the genotype.
• What do biological psychologists argue about genotypes and phenotypes?

  Biological psychologists argue that there are genotypes for behaviours and the phenotype is the expression of the behaviour
• How do biological psychologists study the genetic inheritance of behaviour?

  Psychologists study the genetic inheritance of behaviour using concordance rates,the probability that a person will have

  a disorder if a relative does.Higher concordance rates among genetically closer relatives suggests a genetic influence
• What is a positive of using concordance rates?

  The general population has a 2% prevalence rate for OCD, and first degree relatives of people with OCD have a 10%

  concordance rate ; non identical [dizygotic] twins have a 31% rate and identical [monozygotic] twins have a 68% rate - these higher rate in close family members suggest that genes do not have an influence on behaviour
• What does the theory of natural selection state?

  Darwin's theory of natural selection states that organisms with traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to pass these traits to their offspring.
• What is an example of natural selection applied to psychology?

  Evolutionary psychologists suggest that in early hunter-gatherer societies, male aggression was beneficial for protecting families, hunting and competing for male.Less aggressive males were less likely to reproduce, leading to aggressive traits being passed on - although high aggression is less advantageous in society today ,the reason for modern males displaying high aggressions than females may be due to inheriting ancestral traits
• EVALUATION : SCIENTIFIC METHODS

  Biological theories argue that biological structures and genes influence behaviour are backed up by a range of research

  studies for example replicable and objective fMRI brain activation studies show Broca's area is active when neurotypical brains produce language.Drug trials like Soomros's meta-analysis demonstrate drugs like SSRIS significantly reduced OCD symptoms by influencing the activity of neurotransmitters and concordance rate research on twins with OCD suggests that genes do not have an influence on behaviour
• EVALUATION : REAL LIFE APPLICATION

  A benefit of the biological approach is its practical applications, particularly in developing drug therapies for mental

  health condition like Schizophrenia,ocd and depression.These therapies such as SSRIS that reduce serotonin reuptake,target specific neurochemical processes.This is a strength of the biological approach because it means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life rather than remain in hospital
• EVALUATION :BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM


  Biological determinism is the belief that all actions are predetermined by biological factors,has significant

  implications.Arguing criminal behaviour is due to a 'criminal gene' could challenge legal principles of responsibility as individuals cannot choose their genes.Suggesting mental health issues are solely biological which could individuals have no control over their conditions potentially making them reliant on medications like antidepressants.A cognitive soft determinist perspective that individuals can influence their own mental states and actions is more empowering
• evaluation: cannot separate nature and nurture


  Identical twins, non-identical twins andmembers of the same family all havegenetic similarities. Therefore, the biologicalapproach argues, any similarities in the way that they look or behave must be genetic. However, there is an important confounding variable. They are also exposed to similar environmental conditions. This means that findings could just as easily be interpreted as supporting nurture rather than nature. This approach also has difficulty accounting for the fact that, in research studies, DZ twins often show higher concordance rates than pairs of ordinary siblings (as in the 'Apply it' example above right). This is likely to be explained by the influence of nurture as DZs and ordinary siblings both have about 50% (on average) genes in common.