Biological Psychology Overview

Questions and Answers

What does the biological approach view humans as?

Emotional beings

Biological organisms (correct)

Social beings

Psychological beings

What is a gene?

A part of the chromosome that carries information in the form of DNA.

What does genotype refer to?

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Define phenotype.

The observable characteristics of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

The process by which inherited characteristics that improve reproductive success are passed on. Signup and view all the answers

What does evolution refer to?

Changes in inherited characteristics over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nervous system?

Carries messengers from one part of the body to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the brain composed of?

A cluster of neurons. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals released at the synapse of a neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What are hormones?

Chemicals produced by the endocrine system. Signup and view all the answers

What do twin studies determine?

The likelihood of a trait being genetic. Signup and view all the answers

What are MZ twins?

Twins with identical genes. Signup and view all the answers

What are DZ twins?

Twins with different genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concordance rate?

The percentage of twins who share the same trait. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Approach

Views humans as biological organisms, providing biological explanations for psychological functioning and behavior.

Gene

A DNA segment located on chromosomes that carries genetic information, inherited from parents to offspring.

Genotype

Represents the genetic constitution of an individual, consisting of the genes received from both parents.

Phenotype

Refers to the observable traits of an individual, resulting from the interplay between genetics and environmental factors.

Natural Selection

A mechanism by which advantageous inherited traits enhance reproductive success, leading to those traits becoming prevalent in the population over generations.

Evolution

The process through which inherited traits change over time due to natural selection, impacting species over long periods.

Nervous System

A complex network that transmits messages throughout the body using nerve cells and electrical impulses.

The Brain

Composed of clusters of neurons that collaborate to process sensory input and generate responses.

Neurotransmitters

Biochemical substances released at synapses to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals between neurons.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that regulate various biological processes and states in the body.

Twin Studies

Research studies that assess the genetic influence on traits by comparing the similarities between monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.

MZ Twins

Identical twins formed from a single zygote that divides into two embryos, sharing the same genetic material.

DZ Twins

Fraternal twins who develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm, possessing different genetic makeup like regular siblings.

Concordance Rate

Reflects the proportion of twins that share a specific trait, providing insights into the genetic contribution to that trait.

Description

Explore key concepts in Biological Psychology through this quiz. Topics include the biological basis of behavior, genetics, and the nervous system. Enhance your understanding of how biology shapes psychological functioning.