Psychology Paper 2- Biological Approach

biological approach assumes that

all behaviour can be explained in terms of biological factors and processes- all throughts, behaviours and feelings have a physical basis

biological factors and processes for example

genetics, biological structures and neurochemical factors

biological approach assumes that most behaviour is due to

evolved innate drives

biological approach believes that

physical traits of brain should be studied, not behaviours

genotype

genetic makeup

phenotype

physical expression of genes and environment

gene

segment of dna determining one characteristic

evolution

changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over generations via natural selection

biological approach believes that the brain structure is

localised

type of study used most in biological approach

twin studies including adoption studies

mz twins share

100% of dna

dz twins share

50% of dna

in twin studies, what are studied

concordance rates

concordance rates

the likelihood that a person will develop a trait if their twin has it

biological approach includes

neurochemistry

neurochemistry is

the actions of chemical processes in the brain and the nervous system

neurotransmitters

chemical messengers which allow neurons in the brain to communicate with each other

examples of neurotransmitters

dopamine and serotonin

high levels of dopamine can cause

impulsive or psychotic behaviour eg. schizophrenia

low levels of serotonin can cause

depression

strengths of biological approach

twin studies, very scientific, objective, real world applications

strength of biological approach- twin studies

support genetic basis of behaviour

strength of biological approach- very scientific

eg. fmri scans used

strength of biological approach- real world applications

eg. in antidepressants

biological approach weaknesses

determinist, reductionist, difficult to determine cause and effect, drugs are not always effective, socially sensitive

weakness of biological approach- reductionist

doesn’t account for learnt behaviour or influence of environment on development or behaviour

weakness of biological approach- socially sensitive

when it comes to crime- if all behaviour is biologically driven, becomes problem in justice system as based on theory of free will- people can’t be blamed for crimes if they have no control over it