Amy Bishop
Psychology Exam questions: The Biological Approach
Which one of the following statements about evolution is false? (1 mark)
A- ‘Evolution involves adapting to the environment’
B-’Evolution involves breeding of those best able to survive’
C-’Evolution involves common genetic material between species’
D-’Evolution involves changes in behaviour in one generation to the next’
Answer = C
Using an example distinguish between genotype and phenotype (3 marks)
Genotype is an individual's genetic make-up, it refers to the genetic characteristics of an
organism however these characteristics may not happen if another factor intervenes.
For example, you may have a narcissistic personality disorder. However a
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the
environment, it refers to physical characteristics. It is how the genes are expressed.
For example, eye colour.
Outline the Biological approach in psychology (6 marks)
The Biological approach focuses on nature, not nurture, and the physical processes
in the body. It suggests that everything psychological is at first biological and that
understanding the brain structure and function (e.g. genes and neurochemistry) can
explain our thoughts and behaviours. This approach believes that the mind lives in
the brain, meaning that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a physical basis. It
also suggests that genes affect behavior and influence psychological differences
between people. Biological psychology puts an emphasis on the genetic basis of
behaviour, and often uses 'twin studies' to determine the likelihood that certain
traits have a genetic basis.The biological approach has often been linked to the
explanation of evolution, suggesting that advantageous genes which increase
someone's chance of survival are passed onto future generations.
Outline the influence of genes on behaviour (4 marks)
Genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes for the physical
features and psychological features of an organism. Genes are transmitted from
parents to offspring and they dictate how much, and what sort of proteins your cells
produce. They code for proteins that control a certain characteristic (for example
intelligence, hair colour). These proteins then set off physiological responses which
then in turn make behaviour.Therefore the effects of the gene are indirect.
Psychology Exam questions: The Biological Approach
Which one of the following statements about evolution is false? (1 mark)
A- ‘Evolution involves adapting to the environment’
B-’Evolution involves breeding of those best able to survive’
C-’Evolution involves common genetic material between species’
D-’Evolution involves changes in behaviour in one generation to the next’
Answer = C
Using an example distinguish between genotype and phenotype (3 marks)
Genotype is an individual's genetic make-up, it refers to the genetic characteristics of an
organism however these characteristics may not happen if another factor intervenes.
For example, you may have a narcissistic personality disorder. However a
Phenotype is the characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the
environment, it refers to physical characteristics. It is how the genes are expressed.
For example, eye colour.
Outline the Biological approach in psychology (6 marks)
The Biological approach focuses on nature, not nurture, and the physical processes
in the body. It suggests that everything psychological is at first biological and that
understanding the brain structure and function (e.g. genes and neurochemistry) can
explain our thoughts and behaviours. This approach believes that the mind lives in
the brain, meaning that all thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a physical basis. It
also suggests that genes affect behavior and influence psychological differences
between people. Biological psychology puts an emphasis on the genetic basis of
behaviour, and often uses 'twin studies' to determine the likelihood that certain
traits have a genetic basis.The biological approach has often been linked to the
explanation of evolution, suggesting that advantageous genes which increase
someone's chance of survival are passed onto future generations.
Outline the influence of genes on behaviour (4 marks)
Genes make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes for the physical
features and psychological features of an organism. Genes are transmitted from
parents to offspring and they dictate how much, and what sort of proteins your cells
produce. They code for proteins that control a certain characteristic (for example
intelligence, hair colour). These proteins then set off physiological responses which
then in turn make behaviour.Therefore the effects of the gene are indirect.
