Psychology: The Biological Approach Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the biological approach?

A perspective that emphasizes the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

What are genes?

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features.

What is the biological structure?

An arrangement or organization of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.

What is neurochemistry?

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning. Signup and view all the answers

What are genotypes and phenotypes?

Genotype: The particular set of genes a person possesses; Phenotype: The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution?

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the assumptions of the biological approach?

It suggests that everything psychological was once biological, focusing on biological structures and processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach does the biological approach contrast with?

The cognitive approach. Signup and view all the answers

What do behavior geneticists study?

Whether behavioral characteristics are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Why do behavior geneticists use twin studies?

To determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis by comparing concordance rates. Signup and view all the answers

What are monozygotic and dizygotic twins?

Monozygotic: Identical twins; Dizygotic: Non-identical twins. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if identical twins have higher concordance rates than non-identical twins?

This suggests a genetic basis for certain traits. Signup and view all the answers

What was Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection?

The main principle is that genetically determined behavior that enhances survival will continue in future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of the biological approach?

A strength is its use of scientific methods of investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a further strength of the biological approach?

The biological approach has real-life applications. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the biological approach?

The approach is based on a determinist view of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biological Approach in Psychology

Emphasizes the importance of physical processes like genetic inheritance and neural function in understanding behavior.
Suggests that psychology originates from biological processes.

Genes

Composed of DNA, genes encode both physical traits (e.g., eye color, height) and psychological traits (e.g., intelligence, mental disorders).
Genes are inherited from parents to offspring.

Biological Structure

Refers to the organization of parts forming organs or living systems.

Neurochemistry

Focuses on brain chemicals that regulate psychological functioning, influencing mood and behavior.

Genotypes and Phenotypes

Genotype: The specific set of genes possessed by an individual.
Phenotype: The expression of genes influenced by both genetics and environmental factors.

Evolution

Involves changes in inherited characteristics of a population across generations, contributing to species adaptation.

Assumptions of the Biological Approach

Proposes that psychological phenomena are ultimately rooted in biological factors.
Stresses the need to explore biological structures and processes to fully understand human behavior.

Contrast with Other Approaches

The biological perspective posits that the mind resides in the brain, contrasting with cognitive approaches that view mental processes as separate from physical processes.

Behavioral Geneticists

Investigate whether behavioral traits like intelligence and personality are inherited similarly to physical traits, such as height.

Use of Twin Studies

Employed by behavioral geneticists to assess the genetic basis of traits by comparing concordance rates between twins.

Types of Twins

Monozygotic (MZ) twins: Identical twins sharing 100% of their genes.
Dizygotic (DZ) twins: Non-identical twins sharing about 50% of their genes.

Concordance Rates Significance

Higher concordance rates in MZ twins compared to DZ twins suggest a genetic basis for certain characteristics or behaviors.

Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection

Proposes that behaviors enhancing survival and reproduction are likely to be passed down through generations.

Strengths of the Biological Approach

Utilizes scientific methods such as neuroimaging and drug trials, providing reliable and precise data regarding behavior's genetic and biological underpinnings.
Enables real-life applications, notably the development of psychoactive drugs for mental disorders, improving patient quality of life and reducing hospitalization rates.

Limitations of the Biological Approach

Adopts a deterministic view of behavior, attributing actions to biological causes beyond individual control, which can conflict with societal and legal notions of accountability.

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Description

Dive into the key concepts of the biological approach in psychology with these flashcards. Learn about the significance of genetics, neural functions, and how they influence both physical and psychological traits. Perfect for students wanting to strengthen their understanding of biological perspectives in psychology.