biological approach

• genotype:

  the genetic makeup of a person

  human genes are organised into 23 chromosome pairs

  each person has a unique genotype apart from identical twins

  you inherit 50% of your genes from your mother and 50% from your father
• phenotype:

  refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an individual.

  the phenotype can be influenced by both the genotype and environment

  phenotypes include both physical characteristics and behavioural characteristics

  identical twins have the same genotype but their phenotype may be different
• biological approach assumptions:

  the biological approach views behaviour as arising from physiological processes

  these include the influence of brain structures, as well as genetics, hormonal and neurochemical influences

  this approach emphasises the role of nature in determining our behaviour

  this approach would view the brain and the mind as the same. this is comparison to some psychologists who argued that the brain is physical and the mind is mental
• neurochemistry:

  neurochemistry refers to the chemicals in the nervous system, the most important for understanding behaviour are neurotransmitters

  neurotransmitters are the chemicals that are released into the synapse (gaps between neurons) that allow communication between neurons

  Atypical levels of neurotransmitters have been suggested to play a role in atypical behaviours
• brain structures:

  the main biological structure that control behaviour is the brain

  the brain is made up of a number of specific areas that control specific behaviours

  the hippocampus is known to be important for the formation of long term memory