Biological

What does the biological approach suggest about psychological phenomena?

Everything psychological is at first biological; to understand human behavior, we must look to biological structures and processes.

What is the significance of brain scanning techniques in psychology?

They have advanced the biological approach by providing insights into the biological basis of behavior.

How does the biological approach differ from the cognitive approach?

The biological approach sees the mind as residing in the brain, while the cognitive approach views mental processes as separate from the physical brain.

What are biological structures?

Any physical part or system in the body, such as the endocrine system.

What is neurochemistry?

The action of chemicals in the brain that influence thought and behavior, primarily through neurotransmitters.

What role do neurotransmitters play in mental health?

An imbalance of neurotransmitters can be implicated in mental illnesses, such as low serotonin levels in OCD and high dopamine levels in schizophrenia.

What is the genetic basis of behavior?

Psychological characteristics, like intelligence, are inherited similarly to physical traits like height and eye color.

What are concordance rates in twin studies?

The extent to which twins share the same characteristic, used to investigate genetic influences on behavior.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the actual genetic makeup, while phenotype is how genes are expressed through physical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics.

How does the environment influence phenotype?

Identical twins may have the same genotype but different phenotypes due to environmental factors affecting gene expression.

What is the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin?

It explains that genetically determined behaviors enhancing survival and reproduction are naturally selected to continue in future generations.

What is one strength of the biological approach?

It has real-world applications, such as the use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders.

How do antidepressant drugs relate to the biological approach?

They increase levels of neurotransmitter serotonin at synapses, which can help reduce depressive symptoms.

What did the study by Cipriani et al. (2018) reveal about antidepressants?

It found that while most antidepressants were more effective than placebos, their overall effectiveness was mainly modest.

What is a limitation of the biological approach regarding treatment?

It suggests that brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases of mental disorders, such as depression.

What methods does the biological approach use for investigation?

It employs precise and highly objective scientific methods to study the genetic and biological basis of behavior.

What scanning techniques are mentioned in the biological approach?

fMRIs and EEGs

What is a potential issue with the objectivity of biological measurements?

Objective methods may produce false positives, as shown in the study with a dead salmon in an fMRI scanner.

What does the biological approach suggest about human behavior?

It is governed by internal, genetic causes over which individuals have no control.

What is one biological explanation for criminal behavior?

Candidate genes, such as the MAOA gene, are implicated in offending behavior.

Why is the deterministic nature of the biological approach considered a limitation?

It removes individual responsibility for behavior, which is incompatible with the legal justice system.

What criticism did Karl Popper have regarding Darwin's theory of natural selection?

He claimed it cannot be falsified as we cannot directly observe evolution happening.

What evidence do some supporters of Darwin's theory cite?

Fossil records showing evolutionary changes, such as dinosaurs evolving into birds.

How might the biological approach explain different intelligence test scores between identical twins?

Differences in phenotype can arise from environmental influences despite identical genotypes.

What factors might influence the expression of genotype according to the biological approach?

Environmental factors can influence how genes are expressed, affecting phenotype.

What is the implication of John's interest in genetic testing for Alzheimer's disease?

His genotype alone will not determine if he will develop the disease due to the influence of environmental factors.

What might explain personality differences in identical twins raised apart?

Environmental influences can shape personality traits, leading to differences despite identical genotypes.

What does the biological approach imply about free will?

It suggests that individuals have limited free will due to genetic determinism.

What is a false statement about evolution according to the biological approach?

Evolution involves changes in behavior from one generation to the next.

What are the implications of the biological approach for understanding behavior?

It emphasizes the role of genetics and biology, potentially oversimplifying complex behaviors.

What is the significance of the study involving a dead salmon in fMRI research?

It highlights the potential for misleading results in biological research due to false positives.

How does the biological approach view the interaction between genes and environment?

It acknowledges that while genes influence behavior, environmental factors also play a crucial role.

What do Ellie and Lucy's differing scores suggest about their intelligence?

Ellie's and Lucy's phenotypes differ, indicating that Ellie might be more intelligent or better at intelligence tests than Lucy.

What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype in identical twins?

Identical twins have the same genotype, but their phenotypes can differ due to environmental influences.

What factors could influence the differing phenotypes of Ellie and Lucy?

Environmental factors such as different teachers or learning experiences could account for their different scores.

How might Steph's and Georgie's daughters' attitudes towards schoolwork differ?

Their differing genotypes may lead to different responses to stress and resilience, affecting their attitudes.

What biological factors might influence the daughters' attitudes towards schoolwork?

Differences in neurochemistry or biological structures may account for the differing attitudes of the daughters.

What does genotype refer to?

Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual.

What does phenotype refer to?

Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an individual resulting from their genotype and environment.

How can identical genotypes lead to different phenotypes?

Identical genotypes can lead to different phenotypes due to varying environmental factors and experiences.

What is a possible reason for Jemima being better at netball than Lily?

Jemima may practice more or have started lessons earlier than Lily, which are environmental factors influencing her skills.

How might environmental factors affect skin clarity between identical twins?

Differences in skincare routines, diet, or sun exposure can lead to varying skin clarity despite identical genotypes.

What does a genetic test reveal about an individual?

A genetic test reveals the genotype but not the phenotype or how genes interact with environmental factors.

What is the significance of environmental factors in relation to genotype?

Environmental factors can influence the expression of the genotype, affecting the phenotype.

What is the role of genes in personality development for identical twins?

Identical twins have a predisposition to develop similar personalities unless influenced by different environments.

What might account for different personalities in identical twins Holly and Rita?

Different encouragements and environmental influences may lead to Holly and Rita developing different personalities.

What is the maximum mark for responses that only refer to one daughter?

Responses that only refer to either Steph's or Georgie's daughters can be awarded a maximum of 2 marks.

What does the term 'environmental factor' refer to?

Environmental factors refer to external influences that can affect an individual's phenotype.

What is the implication of having the same genotype but different phenotypes?

It implies that environmental factors play a significant role in shaping observable traits.

What is the importance of using appropriate terminology in explanations?

Effective use of terminology enhances clarity and coherence in academic responses.

What is the potential impact of neurochemistry on schoolwork attitudes?

Differences in neurochemistry may affect how rewards and stress are perceived, influencing attitudes towards schoolwork.

What is the relationship between genotype and predisposition to disorders?

Genotype can indicate predisposition to disorders, but it does not determine whether an individual will develop them.

What is the significance of the interaction between inherited factors and the environment?

The interaction determines the expression of traits and the likelihood of developing certain conditions.

What does the term 'MZ twins' refer to?

MZ twins refer to monozygotic twins, who share identical genetic material.

How can different learning experiences affect identical twins?

Different learning experiences can lead to variations in skills and attitudes, despite identical genotypes.

What is the role of encouragement in personality development?

Encouragement can shape personality traits and behaviors, influencing the phenotype of an individual.

What is a key factor in the development of different attitudes towards schoolwork?

Genetic inheritance and environmental influences are key factors in shaping attitudes towards schoolwork.