Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
The Biological Approach - Coggle Diagram
The Biological Approach
Assumptions
Genetics : The genes an individual possesses influences their behaviour , this also means there is belief in the process of evolution . This is because it is believed that behaviour evolves in the same way physical characteristics through the process of evolutionary adaption . This also suggests that the explanation of animals can tell us about our own behaviour
The central nervous system , which comprises the brain and spinal cord : The brain is seen as the main focus when explaining behaviour , as it is seen to be the origin of how the world is seen and acted upon by an individual
The chemistry of the body : Varying levels of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) and the body (hormones) are thought to be related to an individuals behaviour . They are believed to influence reactions to the environment . The chemistry of the body is a rapidly advancing approach due to the progession of technology and understanding of researchers
Genotype
The genotype is an individuals genetic makeup , which occurs at conception and provides the genetic code for how that individual will develop
Each individual is thought to have around 100,000 genes
-
-
Phenotype
-
With a psychical characteristic such as height the genotype dictates the maximum height the individual can reach but environmental factors such as nutrition will affect how likely the person is to achieve their potential height
This is the same for psychological characteristics in that there may be genetic predisposition to a behaviour but it may not express itself due to the environment inhibiting its development
-
Evolution and behaviour
Initially there was a mutation in the genetic make up of an individual which leads to a characteristic or behaviour occuring
If that change means that the survival and/or chance of reproduction are increased then the gene gets passed on , this means the mutation has been adaptive for the individual and it then has every chance of being adaptive for subsequent organisms
Biological psychologists believe that intelligence and aggression ( improves survival rates , better access to resources , protects territory , easier to find a mate so better chances of reproduction ) were adaptive and became part of the evolutionary process
-
The behaviour in animals occurs in the same way so biological psychologists believe that examination of non human behaviour is useful
There is research now into the genetic basis of aggression and the MAOA gene which is found in 1/3 in men ( lea et al 2005-2006 ) . It is looking for potential genetic underpinning to aggressive and risk taking behaviour
The nervous sytem
-
The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord and they are pivotal in transferring messages to and from the environment but they also act as the centre from which all the physiology of the individual is controlled
Breathing , eating , the heart beat and the sense are all co-ordinated from the central nervous system .
The peripheral nervous system sends and recieves information to the central nervous system as its is the nervous system for the limbs and torso which collect information from the environment in terms of temperature , pain and threat .
The autonomic system is important for survival of the individual and affects the reaction to threat , along with returning the body to normality after an acute reaction
The somatic system within the peripheral nervous system comprises the muscles attached to the skeleton and is therefore very important in movement . The somatic system also receives information from the skin , for example temperature of environment
The Neuron is a nerve cell which transfers information between the nervous systems . There are billions within the human body and they vary depending on their job
The endocrine system
-
-
-
The most important gland is the pituitary gland which is located in the brain and it sometimes called the master gland as it instructs other glands to secrete hormones when necessary
Biological psychologists argue that the level of a hormone can affect the behaviour of an individual
Neurochemistry
-
-
In the brain the transmission of chemicals is via the cerebral fluid and these chemicals are called neurotransmitters and are seen to be very important in affecting behaviour
An example of this is that high levels of a neurotransmitter called dopamine are related to schizophrenia
Evaluation
Adopts scientific methods for investigation using measures which are largely objective such as brain scanning and biochemical levels
One of the strongest supporters of the nature perspective in the nature nurture debate as it argues for genetic influence on behaviour
Biopsychology research can result in practical applications being developed such as drugs that can help symptoms of people struggling with pyschological problems
Some of the explanations are too simplistic do not do the complexity of human behaviour justice . This means that is is reductionist as they can often fail to acknowledge the role of the environment in behaviour
-
-
-
