Biological Approach

• key assumptions of the biological approach

  - explains human behaviour in terms of physical factors: genes, CNS, neurotransmitters

  - views humans as biological organisms
• how is influence of genes on behaviour demonstrated?

  - through twin and family studies

  - Gottesman: risk of developing schizophrenia due to % of genes shared: 48% in MZ, 17% in DZ
• define genotype

  - genetic makeup of an individual
• define phenotype

  - observable characteristics, a result of the genotype interacting with the environment
• define concordance rate

  - probability that a pair of individuals will both have a certain characteristic

  - if a trait is entirely due to genetics, concordance of MZ twins should be 100%
• what are the 3 terms associated with evolution and behaviour?

  - evolution

  - natural selection

  - sexual selection
• identify some biological structures

  - broca's area (speech production)

  - amygdala (emotional responses)
• A03, biological approach

  - ignores the interaction of the environment and biological structures: Maguire + taxi drivers

  - biological determinism: suggests human behaviour/thought processes are out of our conscious control, goes against free will

  - scientifical methods

  - development of effective treatments