The biological approach

define biological approach

perspective which emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body, such as genetic inheritance and neural function

define biological structure

any physical part or system in the body that helps support, sustain or perform any vital functions in our bodies for example the brain, heart, legs, skin, nerves and blood

define cognitive neuroscience

the brain structures that underline cognitive processes

define evolution

the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

define genetic

chromosomes which consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism- transmitted from parent to offspring

define genotype

particular set of genes that a person possesses

define neurochemistry

the chemicals that assist in the activity of transmission throughout the nervous system

define phenotype

the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment

define concordance rate

the extent to where twins share the same behaviour

what is a monozygotic twin

identical twin-share 100% of genes

what is a dizygotic twin

non identical twin-share about 50% of genes

strength of real world application

increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental health conditions-has promoted treatment of clinical depression using antidepressant drugs

weakness of real world application

antidepressant drugs don’t work for everyone-challenges the biological approach as it claims that brain chemistry alone should explain depression

describe not so objective methods

biological methods may lack validity/false positives in data

describe biological determinism

-biological approach is determinist in that it sees human behaviour as genetic, so have no control over

-but there is proof that genotype is heavily affected by environment

-arguments that crime can be excused because of crime gene

-suggests biological view is often too simplistic and ignores affects from environment

describe natural selection

-natural selection is hard to falsify with so much proof'

-fossil records provide evidence for evolution

-natural selection is supported by scientific evidence, although testability is debated