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What is the biological approach?
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?
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?
What is the biological structure?
An arrangement or organization of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.
What is neurochemistry?
What is neurochemistry?
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What are genotypes and phenotypes?
What are genotypes and phenotypes?
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What is evolution?
What is evolution?
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What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
What are the assumptions of the biological approach?
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Which approach does the biological approach contrast with?
Which approach does the biological approach contrast with?
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What do behavior geneticists study?
What do behavior geneticists study?
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Why do behavior geneticists use twin studies?
Why do behavior geneticists use twin studies?
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What are monozygotic and dizygotic twins?
What are monozygotic and dizygotic twins?
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What does it mean if identical twins have higher concordance rates than non-identical twins?
What does it mean if identical twins have higher concordance rates than non-identical twins?
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What was Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection?
What was Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection?
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What is a strength of the biological approach?
What is a strength of the biological approach?
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What is a further strength of the biological approach?
What is a further strength of the biological approach?
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What is a limitation of the biological approach?
What is a limitation of the biological approach?
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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.
