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Biological Approach Handout
Psychology
University of Cambridge
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Biological Approach
‘All that is psychological is first physiological’
Biology’s relevance to Psychology
Physiology – The brain, nervous system and hormones. How can changes in the structure or function of these affect behaviour?
Heritability – The role of genes on our behaviour. Is intelligence inherited?
Comparative Method – Different species of animal can be studied and the results applied to humans.
The assumptions of the biological approach
Behaviour and thought processes have an.
The mind and the brain are the.
Human genes have behaviour to the environment.
Human characteristics, e. Intelligence are.
We can use to identify genetic traits and thus explain human behaviour.
What is a gene?
Genes codes for proteins that control a certain characteristic eg hair colour. Genes also come in pairs. One is from the mother and other is from the father. These genes can be either recessive or dominant, and the combination of R and/or D genes controls the attribute.
How can genes affect behaviour?
Genotype vs Phenotype
Genotype = the genetic makeup of an individual.
Phenotype = the outward characteristics of an individual – the result of genes and their environment.
Genes DO NOT make behaviour - genes make proteins
Proteins set off physiological responses which in turn make behaviour
Therefore, the effects of genes is INDIRECT
Your genes dictate how much and what sort of proteins your cells produce. Some proteins that affect behaviour are:
Hormones
Neurotransmitters
Enzymes
The Key Example - PKU
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a caused by a lack of a specific , PAH (phenylalanine hydroxylase).
It’s recessive, which means both parents have to have the faulty gene for you to develop PKU.
If PKU is not diagnosed, individual will not develop properly.
BUT – if PKU diagnosed, the baby can follow a low in phenylalanine and can develop normally.
This shows the distinction between genotype and phenotype.
Genes & Behaviour Experimental research into genes and behaviour is generally carried out on non-human animals.
We can manipulate genes in order to see what effect the change has!
Selective Breeding
The deliberate breeding of M and F animals who have a certain trait (eg. Long tail). The offspring can be observed to see if the trait continues.
Physiology
- Brain, Nervous System & Hormones
Central Nervous System - brain and spinal cord
Made up of NEURONS
3 main types
Neurons don’t touch - synapses Neurotransmitters cross the synapse Some are inhibitory (prevent activity in the neuron) Some are excitatory (encourage activity in the neuron)
Hormones Hormones are secreted in the blood-stream from various glands in the body. The presence of hormones in the blood causes physiological reactions from cells which lead to a specific reaction. E. Galligani found that male athletes who were taking steroids were significantly more aggressive (steroids cause an overproduction of testosterone).
Evolution of behaviour In 1859 Charles Darwin published the Origin of the Species This states that all species of all living things have evolved over time from common ancestors through the process of natural selection
Natural Selection RANDOM physical and behavioural changes to a species either enable it to adapt to its environment and survive or they disadvantage it in some way and it dies out These ‘stronger genes’ which offer an advantage are passed onto the next generation and the ‘weaker genes’ die out
Biological Approach Handout
Module: Psychology
University: University of Cambridge
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