BIOLOGICAL APPROACH

• The biological approach first emerged in the 1980S
• What does the biological approach suggest about understanding human behavior?

  We must look at biological structures and processes within the body and ignore environmental forces.
• What are the basic assumptions of the biological approach?

  Behavior is affected by neurochemistry (hormones and neurotransmitters), genes, and biological structures.
• What elements are included in neurochemistry according to the biological approach?

  Hormones and neurotransmitters.
• How do biological psychologists view the development of behavioral characteristics?

  They believe they are developed in the same way as physiological characteristics by the genome.
• How can evolutionary theory be used in the biological approach?

  It helps us understand adaptive behavior.
• What methods do biological psychologists use to gather evidence for the biological approach?

  • Twin studies and their concordance rates
  • Family studies
  • Adoption studies
• Why are twin studies important in the biological approach?

  They help assess the genetic contribution to behavior through concordance rates.
• What is the role of family studies in the biological approach?

  They help to understand the hereditary aspects of behavior.
• What do adoption studies reveal in the context of the biological approach?

  They provide insights into the influence of genetics versus environment on behavior.