Briefly outline the influence of genes, biological structures, and neurochemistry Briefly outline the genetic basis of behaviour:
Key assumptions of the biological approach on behaviour
Many behavioural traits have a genetic component,
- genetic factors play a significant role in shaping - genes shape behaviour by encoding proteins that influence brain development being passed down generations through genes.
behaviour and psychological characteristics However, while genes shape behaviour, it is also
- brain structures are central to behaviour as they govern cognitive processes and worth noting that they interact with the
- behaviour has evolved over time through the responses to stimuli
process of natural selection environment to produce observable traits. Gene-
- structural abnormalities or damage to certain brain regions can lead to environment interactions influence how genes are
behavioural deficit expressed and can moderate the effects of genetic
predispositions on behaviour. For example, certain
- chemical messengers in the brain play a crucial role in modulating behaviour by mental health disorders may only manifest in
facilitating communication between neurons individuals exposed to specific environmental
stressors
Briefly outline the key terms genotype and phenotype
What are the key methods used by the biological Explain the term evolution and give one human
Genotype – refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, this and non-human example:
approach?
determines an individual’s potential traits, but does not necessarily
- neuroimaging techniques are used to visualise determine their actual observable characteristics Evolution is the process by which species of
and measure brain activity in response to organisms change over time, through the gradual
Phenotype – refers to the observable characteristics of an individual, accumulation of genetic variations that enhance
different stimuli or tasks
which result from the interaction between genotype and the their adaptability to their environment
- genetic research methods are employed to environment
investigate the role of genetic factors in - humans have developed a lactose tolerance in
behavioural traits response to the domestication of diary animals
- bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics
The Biological approach through the processes of natural selection
What are the key strengths of the biological approach? What are the key weaknesses of the biological approach? Topic link/comparisons with other
approaches
- relies on rigorous scientific methods, allows researchers to - complex behaviours are reduced to biological component, this
conduct controlled experiments and draw reliable conclusions oversimplification may overlook the influence of environmental
about the biological basis of behaviour factors and individual differences
- interdisciplinary perspective enables researchers to explore - some research methods, such as animal studies, raises ethical
complex interactions between biological factors and psychological concerns, as well as being difficult to generalise
phenomena, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of
- fails to account for individual differences, there is considerable
human behaviour
variability among individuals, even within the same genetic
- practical implications in the field of medicine makeup
Key assumptions of the biological approach on behaviour
Many behavioural traits have a genetic component,
- genetic factors play a significant role in shaping - genes shape behaviour by encoding proteins that influence brain development being passed down generations through genes.
behaviour and psychological characteristics However, while genes shape behaviour, it is also
- brain structures are central to behaviour as they govern cognitive processes and worth noting that they interact with the
- behaviour has evolved over time through the responses to stimuli
process of natural selection environment to produce observable traits. Gene-
- structural abnormalities or damage to certain brain regions can lead to environment interactions influence how genes are
behavioural deficit expressed and can moderate the effects of genetic
predispositions on behaviour. For example, certain
- chemical messengers in the brain play a crucial role in modulating behaviour by mental health disorders may only manifest in
facilitating communication between neurons individuals exposed to specific environmental
stressors
Briefly outline the key terms genotype and phenotype
What are the key methods used by the biological Explain the term evolution and give one human
Genotype – refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, this and non-human example:
approach?
determines an individual’s potential traits, but does not necessarily
- neuroimaging techniques are used to visualise determine their actual observable characteristics Evolution is the process by which species of
and measure brain activity in response to organisms change over time, through the gradual
Phenotype – refers to the observable characteristics of an individual, accumulation of genetic variations that enhance
different stimuli or tasks
which result from the interaction between genotype and the their adaptability to their environment
- genetic research methods are employed to environment
investigate the role of genetic factors in - humans have developed a lactose tolerance in
behavioural traits response to the domestication of diary animals
- bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics
The Biological approach through the processes of natural selection
What are the key strengths of the biological approach? What are the key weaknesses of the biological approach? Topic link/comparisons with other
approaches
- relies on rigorous scientific methods, allows researchers to - complex behaviours are reduced to biological component, this
conduct controlled experiments and draw reliable conclusions oversimplification may overlook the influence of environmental
about the biological basis of behaviour factors and individual differences
- interdisciplinary perspective enables researchers to explore - some research methods, such as animal studies, raises ethical
complex interactions between biological factors and psychological concerns, as well as being difficult to generalise
phenomena, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of
- fails to account for individual differences, there is considerable
human behaviour
variability among individuals, even within the same genetic
- practical implications in the field of medicine makeup
