The biological approach -A-Level Psychology
-a perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
Assumptions:
-suggests that everything psychological has a biological basis ,so to study human behaviour biological structures and processes must be considered e.g genes,neurochemistry and the nervous system.This can then be used to explain thoughts and behaviours.
The genetic basis of behaviour:
Genetics can be used to study behavioural characteristics e.g intelligence.Twin studies are used to determine the likelihood that certain traits have a genetic basis,they compare the concordance rates between pairs of twins to see the extent to which both twins share the same characteristics.
Monozygotic twins share 100% of each others genes
Dizygotic twins share about 50% of each other’s genes.
Genotype and phenotype:
Genotype-the particular set of genes that a person possesses
Phenotype-the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.Is the way genes are expressed through physical,behavioural and psychological characteristics.
Biological psychologists believe that human behaviour depends on the interaction between nature and nurture.
Evolution and behaviour:
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection(that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual’s survival will continue in future generations)
Evaluation:
Scientific methods of investigation-precise and highly scientific methods are used to study the biological and genetic basis of behaviour e.g fMRIs and drug trials.This means that neural and biological processes can be measured accurately without bias.This means that the biological approach is based on reliable data.
Determinist view of behaviour-the biological approach is deterministic as it sees behaviour to be controlled by internal ,biological causes over which there is no control.This has implications in the legal system e.g one of the rules of law is that criminals are seen as morally and legally responsible for their actions.
The biological approach is a perspective in psychology that emphasizes the role of biological and physiological factors in behavior and mental processes.
Some key assumptions of the biological approach include the belief that behavior and mental processes are influenced by genetics, brain structure and function, and the nervous system.
Genetics play a significant role in the biological approach, as it is believed that many aspects of behavior and mental processes are inherited from our biological parents.
“Nature vs. nurture” refers to the debate about whether our behavior and mental processes are primarily determined by genetics (nature) or our environment and experiences (nurture).
The biological approach suggests that mental disorders are caused by abnormalities in the brain, genetics, or neurotransmitter imbalances.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between neurons, and they play a critical role in behavior and mental processes.
The amygdala is a part of the brain that is involved in the processing and regulation of emotions, particularly fear and anxiety.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout a person’s lifetime in response to experiences and environmental factors.
The biological approach provides insight into how our biology and physiology impact our behavior and mental processes, and helps us understand how different factors interact to influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Still got a question? Leave a comment
Leave a comment