The Biological Approach

Slides:



Advertisements
Similar presentations
What do they have to do with aggression? What is serotonin, what is low levels associated (possibly) with?
Advertisements

The Biological Perspective
Introducing Psychology
Beginnings PART 2 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.
NATURE vs. NURTURE.
Sexual Reproduction & Inheritance.
Unit 2 Understanding the Individual Methodology. You need to PET MRI Be able to describe and evaluate PET and MRI scanning techniques twin and adoption.
1.Behavior geneticists study the genetic basis of behavior and personality differences among people. 2.The more closely people are biologically related,
PSYB4. Can you answer this question? Discuss the biological approach in psychology. Refer to at least one other approach in your answer (12 marks)
Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation Science 1.9 (AS90948)
Unit 2 Understanding the Individual
Cell Division.
Objective: 10/20/15 Provided notes, SWBAT evaluate how evolved tendencies influence behavior, and describe the interactive effects of heredity & the environment.
Session 18. two Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology in terms of behaviour. Evaluate two relevant studies.
Methodology of the Biological approach
Review attachment. Activity 1: Whiteboards test. Activity 2: Multiple choice Activity 3: Exam Questions. Activity 4: The Specification.
Biological Level Of Analysis
MODULE 03 Nature and Nurture in Psychology. Behavior Genetics Studies the relative influences of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
Naturevs.Nurture. The Nature Argument (is sometimes compelling) This guy will never be….This guy!!! Why does Brad Pitt look the way he does?
The Endocrine System (the body’s chemical messenger system)
TASK Read, highlight and fill in pages 27, 28 and top of p.29 using this ppt.
Genetic Explanation Continued…..
MRS. MACWILLIAMS ACADEMIC BIOLOGY
Objective: The student will be able to understand genetics
PSYC 206 Lifespan Development Bilge Yagmurlu.
GENETICS & HEREDITY.
Sexual reproduction Requires two parents, a male and female.
“Our brains, nervous system, and endocrine system keep us aware of what is happening outside (and inside) our bodies; enable us to use language, think,
The Biological Approach
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Debate: Nature and Nurture
Bell Work In which phase on menstruation does ovulation occur? What is ovulation?
Debate: Nature and Nurture
Social Learning Theory
Heredity.
Psychology.
GENETICS & HEREDITY.
GENES AND HEREDITY.
Chapter 2: Biological Beginnings
Intro to genetics.
Nature VS Nurture intelligence.
AQA GCSE INHERITANCE, VARIATION AND EVOLUTION PART 2
Approaches in psychology: Posters
The Biological Approach
The Genetics of Inheritance
Is it all in the genes? NARTURE
Studying Twins and Adoptions Can Help Assess the Importance of Genes and Environment Genetics.
DNA and Inheritance.
HEREDITY VS ENVIRONMENT
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
GENETICS & HEREDITY.
EDEXCEL GCSE BIOLOGY GENETICS Part 2
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation Objectives:
Genetics & Heredity.
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Genetics and Diversity
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Biological & Cognitive Approaches revision.
GENETICS & HEREDITY.
The Biological Approach
TO WHAT EXTENT DOES GENETIC INHERITANCE INFLUENCE BEHAVIOR?
Developmental psychology.
Inheritance and evolution
Lesson Overview 17.1 Genes and Variation.
Genes and Inheritance We know from previous discussions that an egg contains half of the information needed to make a baby, and a sperm contains the other.
Biological Psychology Approach
Biological approach and OCD
Myers’ EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (6th Ed)
Presentation transcript:

The Biological Approach Specification details: Basic assumptions of the biological approach including: the influence of genes, biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour, genotype and phenotype, genetic basis of behaviour, evolution and behaviour. Pages 112-113 of course text book

What is the biological approach? The biological approach combines psychology and biology to provide *physiological explanations for human behaviour. Biological psychology tries to explain how we think, feel and behave in terms of physical factors within the body. *Physiology: the study of the body and its parts and how they function

Basic assumptions Everything psychological is at first biological The approach investigates how biological structures and processes within the body impacts on behaviour. Much of human behaviour has a physiological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered. Genes affect behaviour and influence individual psychological differences between people. Evolutionary psychology considers genetic influences in common behaviours Psychologists should study the brain, nervous system and other biological systems, e.g. hormones, chemicals acting on the brain The mind lives in the brain (in contrast to the cognitive approach sees mental processes of the mind as being separate from the physical brain)

Genetic basis of behaviour Psychologists are interested in trying to determine and provide evidence for the extent to which behaviours, or a characteristic such as intelligence, are the product of inheritance (genes), or environmental influences

Methods of investigating the genetic basis of behaviour There are different methods for investigating the extent to which psychological characteristics are affected by inheritance from parents and evolution genetic basis of behaviour: twin studies family studies adoption studies selective breeding

Twin studies Psychologists are interested in studying twins in order to investigate the genetic basis of behaviour Zygote A fertilised egg Monozygotic (MZ) One zygote – these twins are formed when a fertilised cell splits into two and forms two separate embryos Dizygotic (DZ) Two zygotes – these twins are formed when two separate eggs both become fertilised by different sperm cells

Twin studies Concordance rates: agreement between This refers to the extent to which a pair of twins share similar traits or characteristics i.e. there should be 100% concordance rates between MZ twins if a particular characteristic /trait is a genetic one DZ twins will show lower concordance rates Comparisons can be made between twins raised together and twins raised apart

Family studies 1869 - Francis Galton ‘…all natural abilities are inherited’ This is a simplistic viewpoint – Galton later had to agree that any resemblance between family relatives could be a result of both genes and shared environment However, with alcoholism for example, there is a suggestion of a biological predisposition to the addiction

Adoption studies These studies involve comparing a trait or characteristic between adopted children and their biological or adoptive parents.

Selective breeding This method involves artificially selecting male and female animals for a particular trait. These animals are then put together in order to breed and produce offspring. Selective breeding has been used to demonstrate how a number of behavioural characteristics may have a genetic basis. e.g. ‘maze bright’ rats

Genetic basis of behaviour There is evidence from twin, family and adoption studies to suggest that certain behaviours, for example, intelligence, are genetically determined Research has shown that the environment can play more of a role in determining behaviour than genetics Selective breeding studies have demonstrated how a number of behavioural characteristics, for example aggression, can have a genetic basis

Genotype and phenotype The basic units of heredity are called genes Genes function in pairs and the recombination of genes from parents to offspring provides the basis for genetic variability Genes only determine the potential for characteristics (genotype) The observable characteristics of an individual (phenotype) depend on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.

What is a Genotype? The actual set of genes an individual has, or is made up of, is a genotype. The genetic material is made up of DNA, for sexually reproducing organisms, which are given by the sperm and egg of the parents.

What is a Phenotype? An individual's anatomical features or observed traits, such as behavioural and physical characteristics (shape, metabolic activities, size, and colour, etc.), fall under an individual's phenotype. These behavioural characteristics and physical attributes are what determines an individual's ability to reproduce and survive in the environment.

The Difference between Genotypes and Phenotypes The genotype is the genetic programming that provides the phenotype To a large extent, an individual's phenotype is determined by its genotype. However, genes are only part of the equation Genotype + environment = phenotype

Example Hair is a good example. An individual's genes determines whether or not they have hair on their head, but how long this hair remains depends on environmental factors, such as excess sunlight, chemicals used on the head, or poor diet. This shows that phenotype is influenced by the environment

Twins Identical twins are another good example of the interaction between inheritance (genotype) and environment. They have the same genetic makeup and they look alike, but they possess different phenotypes. Identical twins have differences that allow those who are close to them to tell them apart. Also, their fingerprints are different. Twins are genetically the same - any differences you may see between them – for example in personality, tastes and particular aptitudes – are due to differences in their experience or environment.

Recessive and dominant genes A gene can be recessive or dominant. A recessive gene only shows if the individual has two copies of the recessive gene. For example, the gene for blue eyes is recessive. You need two copies of the gene to have blue eyes. A dominant gene always shows, even if the individual only has one copy of the gene. For example, the gene for brown eyes is dominant. You only need one copy of the gene to have brown eyes (and two copies will still give you brown eyes!).

Example

Heterozygous and homozygous genes heterozygous – the genotype consists of two different genes, for example Bb homozygous - the genotype consists of two genes that are the same, for example BB

Summary Genotype is something you cannot see with your eyes (examples: dominant, recessive, heterozygous genes, etc.) Phenotype are things that can be seen with your eyes. (example: colours, growth, etc.)

Evolution and behaviour Evolution: the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations Charles Darwin emphasised two main concepts in evolutionary theory: natural selection sexual selection

Natural selection Animals with particular traits that provide them with an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce thereby passing on their ‘adaptive traits’ to their offspring. These behaviours need to adapt to the environment that the animal is living in which is dependent on three principles: the principle of diversity - the variety within a species the principle of interaction - which is how this variety of species adapt and fit in with the environment e.g. animals that breathe air wouldn’t be able to permanently live under water the principle of differential amplification - those who adapt to their environment will reproduce and those that do not will die out.

Sexual selection Males have an abundance of sperm and can reproduce with as many females as they want. Females however, are limited by the amount of eggs she produces and the fact that she has to carry the baby for 9 months and then raise it till the age of 18. Females therefore will be more particular about who fathers their children due to the investment they have to make.

Research methods The biological approach draws on concepts from the hard sciences and research tends to be highly scientific in nature The most common methods include laboratory experiments and observations Objective brain recording and scanning techniques are also used

Strengths of biological approach It is a scientific approach. This suggests that we can find cause and effect relationships of both physiology and behaviour. Scientific approach lends credence to study of psychology – establishes psychology as a respectable science Impact of biology on behaviour can lead to treatment and intervention to those suffering Understanding how an abnormal brain works can shed light on normal brain functioning Measurements can be objective as it can be performed by machines which have no vested interest in the outcome e.g. PET scans, EEGs etc. Use of complex machinery allows accurate and precise measurements

Limitations of biological approach It is a deterministic approach as it believes that we are determined by our physiological, genetic or evolutionary make-up. Thus stating that there is no free will. This approach is reductionist by stating that all human behaviour can be explained through biological processes and we are therefore not unique as individuals. It is also dehumanising to present humans as ‘biological machines’ Biological approach ignores the role of the environment etc. it should be used in combination which is known as the biosocial approach. Research may focus on rare conditions that have little impact on the everyday lives of most people Complex machinery operated by humans and therefore measurements could be subject to human error Correlations frequently employed – cannot determine cause and effect Small or restricted samples make findings difficult to generalise Laboratory experiments lack ecological validity

Can you? Explain what is meant by genotype and phenotype (2 marks each) Outline the influence of genes on behaviour (3 marks) Using an example, explain how neurochemistry can influence behaviour (3 marks) Outline the relationship between evolution and behaviour (4 marks) Outline two weaknesses of the biological approach in psychology (4 marks) Answer the ‘Check it’ questions on page 113

Essay title Can you answer the question? Discuss the biological approach in psychology. Refer to at least one other approach in your answer (12 marks)

Ensure you have written up your class notes to include the following: Homework Ensure you have written up your class notes to include the following: The assumptions of the biological approach the influence of genes, biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour, genotype and phenotype, genetic basis of behaviour, evolution and behaviour. The strengths and weaknesses of the approach