biological approach

→biological approach explains behaviour by looking at how our genes, brain, hormones and nervous system affect the way we think, feel and act

examples

  • Brain: Different brain areas are involved in memory and emotions.

  • Genes: We may inherit certain characteristics from our parents.

  • Hormones: Hormones can influence our moods and behaviour.

  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain can affect how we feel and behave


the b r a i n

in the CEREBRUM we have 4 lobes:

→frontal

  • responsible for personality + contains motor cortex (movement)

  • contains Brocha’s area- speech production

→parietal

  • has the somato’s sensory cortex- responsible for our senses e.g. sight

→occipital

  • responsible for processing visual information

→temporal

  • responsible for auditory processes

  • contains Wernicke’s area- language comprehension

at the base is the BRAINSTEM which connects the BRAIN to its SPINAL CORD

there are 2 hemispheres: left + right, which work contralaterally (left controls the right, vice-versa)

they are connected by the carpus collosom

Term

Simple definition

genotype

An individual's genetic makeup

phenotype

An individual's observable characteristics, influenced by both genes and the environment


twins terms

term used to describe identical twins: monozygotic

term used to describe non - identical twins: dizygotic

  • concordance rate: a measure of similarity (% usually) between 2 people on a given trait


eval

strengths

SCIENTIFIC METHODS

biological psychologists can use brain scans, genetic research and measurements of hormones or neurotransmitters.

→this can provide objective, measurable evidence and improve scientific understanding.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

biological explanations have contributed to treatments such as medication for some psychological disorders.

this gives the approach practical value, although biological explanations and treatments do not work equally well for everyone

weaknesses

BIOLOGICAL REDUCTIONISM

the approach may oversimplify behaviour by explaining it through biology while neglecting social experiences, learning and thought processes.

NATURE- NURTURE INTERACTION

behaviour is rarely explained by biology alone. Environmental experiences can also influence development, and genes and environment may interact.

BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM

if behaviour is explained as the result of biological causes, this may underestimate conscious choice and personal control.

CORRELATION DOES NOT PROVE CAUSATION

for example, finding a relationship between brain activity and a behaviour does not automatically prove that the brain activity caused the behaviour. The relationship could be more complex.