biological approach

• What does the biological approach suggest about humans?

  Humans are biological organisms made up of physiological processes.
• What is the implication of the biological approach regarding thoughts and cognitive processes?

  All thoughts, ideas, and cognitive processes must be biological in origin.
• How does the biological approach view the mind in relation to the brain?

  The mind 'lives' within the brain and is not separate from it.
• What must be understood to explain behavior fully according to the biological approach?

  The actions of genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and neurochemical mechanisms.
• What can heritability coefficients quantify?

  The genetic or biological basis of a certain characteristic.
• What is the heritability coefficient of IQ according to Plomin?

  0.5
• What does behavior genetics study?

  The influence of an organism’s genetic composition on its behavior and the interaction of heredity and environment.
• How is an individual's genotype defined?

  It is their genetic make-up.
• What is an individual's phenotype?


  It is the physical expression of their genotype.
• How does the interaction between phenotype and environment affect behavior?

  It results in individual behavior.
• Why can two people have the same genotype but different phenotypes?


  Due to personal choices or the influence of epigenetics.
• What is epigenetics?


  A change in gene expression without altering an individual’s genetic make-up.
• What are some examples of epigenetic markers?

  DNA methylation and histone tail modification.
• How can environmental factors influence epigenetic markers?

  Through exposure to specific diets and pollution.
• What is natural selection?


  The mechanism of evolution that suggests genetically-determined behavior gives a selective advantage.
• What does natural selection suggest about behaviors that provide a selective advantage?

  They will be present in future generations.
• What is evolution defined as?

  The process by which organisms change over time due to changes in heritable traits.
• What is an example of a genetically-determined behavior with a selective advantage?

  Avoiding fire and deep water.
• What does the term 'prepared stimuli' refer to in Seligman’s theory?

  Behaviors that have evolved to provide a selective advantage.
• How does Lamarck's example of an animal relate to natural selection?

  It illustrates how certain traits can be better adapted for survival.
• How can specific cows producing more milk be seen as an example of natural selection?

  It increases the chance of survival of their young.
• What are the potential application questions related to the biological approach?

  1. How certain genetic and psychological disorders demonstrate the interaction between genotype and phenotype.
  2. An explanation of why two individuals can have the same genotypes, but different phenotypes.
  3. Examples of behaviors which have a ‘selective advantage’.
  4. Comparative points between the biological approach and the cognitive approach.
• What is a practical application of the biological approach in mental health treatment?

  Development of psychoactive drugs targeting specific candidate genes or altering neurotransmitter levels.
• What is an advantage of drug treatments compared to cognitive therapies?

  They require minimal effort on the part of the patient.
• What is biological determinism?


  The belief that all behavior is caused by internal biological forces over which we have no control.
• What are the implications of biological determinism for the judicial system?

  It raises questions about moral responsibility for actions influenced by genetic factors.
• How could the discovery of a 'criminal gene' affect sentencing?

  It could lead to diminished responsibility and shorter prison sentences.
• What could be the economic impact of revealing genetic information about mental health disorders?

  Individuals may be denied health insurance and jobs based on their genetic information.
• What is a limitation of twin studies in understanding nature vs. nurture?

  Twin studies cannot differentiate between the effects of nature and nurture due to shared environments.
• Why do MZ twins show higher concordance rates for mental disorders compared to DZ twins?

  Because MZ twins share 100% of genes, while DZ twins share only 50%.
• What assumption do twin studies make about MZ twins?

  That the only differences between MZ twins are genetic.
• What does the interactionist approach suggest about behavior?

  Behavior cannot be explained purely in genetic terms without accounting for social contexts.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the biological approach?

  Strengths:

  • Provides a clear biological basis for behavior.
  • Practical applications in drug development.
  • Helps understand mental health disorders.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Can lead to biological determinism.
  • May overlook environmental and social factors.
  • Ethical implications in the judicial system.