Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
The Biological Approach - Coggle Diagram
The Biological Approach
Twins
If genetics are important, MZ twins should be more similar than DZ twins (nature) but twins also share the same environment (nurture).
-
LANGE (1930): investigated 13 MZ twin pairs and 17 DZ twin pairs where 1, from each pair, had been in prison. 10 of the MZ twin pairs and 2 of the DZ twin pairs showed criminal behaviour.
-
-
These types of studies often have a small sample size as twin sets, with specific characteristics, are difficult to find. This makes the findings difficult to generalise.
-
-
Genes
Genotype
The actual set of genes of an individual has, or is made up of. The genetic material is made up of DNA given by the sperm and egg of the parents.
Phenotype
An individual's anatomical features or observed traits e.g. behavioural and physical characteristics.
-
Behaviours are inherited in the same way as physical characteristics e.g. specific genes implicated in OCD. Neurochemistry can also explain behaviour e.g. low levels of serotonin in OCD.
-
Family, twin and adoption studies have shown the difference between genetics and environment (nature vs nurture).
Evolution and Behaviour
EVOLUTION: the change in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.
NATURAL SELECTION: the process by which animals which are well adapted to their environment will pass their advantageous characteristics on to their offspring which makes them more likely to survive.
Charles Darwin proposed the natural selection theory to explain evolution,
GENOME LAG: environments that species have adapted to have changed and continue to change. Evolution is relatively slow but environments can change overnight; this can lead to maladaptive behaviour.
Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction will be passed onto future generations.
Evaluation
Measurements can be objective as performed by machines which allows more accurate and precise measurements.
-
It is a Scientific approach, we can find cause and effect relationships.
It's deterministic as it believes we are determined by our physiological, genetic or evolutionary make-up. Doesn't account for free will.
Understanding how an abnormal brain works can shed light on normal brain functioning. impact of biology on behaviour can lead to the development of treatment and intervention.
-
-