Approaches - The Biological Approach

Biological Approach

Explains all aspects of psychological functioning in terms of physical factors within the body (eg. genes). It considers the genetic basis of behaviour as well as the influence of biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour

Monozygotic (MZ) twins

Share 100% of genes (identical genotypes), born from the same egg - this means they have the same potential + ability to develop certain traits (eg. IQ), whether this is reached is determined by their environment

Dizygotic (DZ) twins

Share around 50% of their genes (the same genetic similarity as siblings) - this means they have different genotypes

Genetic basis of Behaviour

Some behavioural geneticists study if psychological traits are inherited in the same way as physical traits via genes

Study of twins in biological approach

Twins are used to investigate whether their genes cause them to be concordant (similar) for a specific trait - eg.) If MZ twins are more concordant for a specific trait than DW twins, we assume this is due to genetic factors (same genotype)

Genotype

The set of genes/genetic make-up an an individual has

Phenotype

The observable characteristic of an individual that are the expressed genes of a person - THESE ARE INFLUENCED BY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environmental effects on phenotype

Many Biological psychologists accept that much of human behaviour depends on the interaction between genes and the environment. (eg. Genes for an extroverted personality - not exposed to lively social situations in an environment - Genes for extroverted personality are not expressed (potential not used) - SAME FOR IQ

Brain 

Different behaviours have been localised to different areas of the brain within each cerebral hemisphere - this connection has been studied by looked at brain injuries to specific areas and seeing how it effects behaviour

Frontal Lobe

Involves speech, learning and though

Temporal lobe

Involves hearing and memory

Parietal lobe

Involves touch and taste

Occipital lobe

Involved in vision

Nervous system

A specialised network of neurones transmitting electrical impulses/action potentials to enable communication between all parts of the body as its main function

Central Nervous system (CNS)

Made up of Brain and Spine

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Carries information to and from the CNS. Made up of the Somatic Nervous system (governs voluntary action) and the Autonomic Nervous system (governs involuntary bodily functions - breathing)