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Sample: 10 healthy adults.

Biological Approach

Psychology Notes

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

Biological Approach

The Biological Approach to Psychology: Your Brain on Everything

The biological approach to psychology is all about understanding how our brains, genes, hormones, and neurotransmitters influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's like looking at the hardware of our minds and how it shapes the software of our personalities and actions.

Here's a closer look:

1. The Brain: Your Inner Control Center

-Structure: Imagine your brain like a complex computer, with different parts dedicated to specific functions. -Cerebrum: The biggest part, responsible for higher-level thinking, language, memory, and personality. -Cerebellum: Manages coordination, balance, and motor skills. -Limbic System: Handles emotions, motivation, and basic drives like hunger and thirst. -Brainstem: Regulates essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and sleep.

-Neuroplasticity: Your brain is incredibly adaptable! Throughout life, it can rewire itself based on experiences, learning new things, and forming new connections.

Real-World Example: Think about learning a new skill like playing an instrument. As you practice, your brain strengthens neural pathways in the motor cortex, making it easier to play.

2. Genes: The Blueprint of You

-Inheritance: Our genes, passed down from our parents, influence everything from our physical traits to our temperament and our susceptibility to certain mental health conditions.

-Nature vs. Nurture: While genes provide a blueprint, our environment and experiences play a crucial role in how these genes are expressed.

Real-World Example: If you have a family history of anxiety, you might be genetically predisposed to it, but your upbringing and life experiences will influence how that predisposition manifests.

3. Hormones: Chemical Messengers

-Influence: Hormones, like adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, act as chemical messengers in the body, affecting mood, behaviour, and overall well-being.

-Endocrine System: This network of glands produces and releases these hormones into the bloodstream, sending signals throughout the body.

Real-World Example: Experiencing stress triggers the release of adrenaline, leading to heightened alertness and physical changes like increased heart rate.

4. Neurotransmitters: Chemical Communication

-Brain Chemicals: Neurotransmitters are tiny chemical messengers that allow neurons in your brain to communicate with each other.

-Impact on Behaviour: Different neurotransmitters are linked to particular behaviours and emotions. -Dopamine: Reward, pleasure, motivation. -Serotonin: Mood, sleep, appetite. -Acetylcholine: Learning, memory, muscle contraction.

Real-World Example: Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, while imbalances in dopamine are linked to conditions like Parkinson's disease.

Understanding the Biological Approach

By studying these biological components, psychologists can gain valuable insights into:

-Mental Disorders: Understanding how brain abnormalities, genetic predisposition, or hormonal imbalances might contribute to conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

-Individual Differences: Explaining why people respond differently to stimuli, learn at different rates, and have varying personalities.

-Treatment Options: Developing treatments like medication and therapy that target specific biological pathways to address mental health issues.

Remember: The biological approach doesn't negate the importance of environmental factors and our own experiences. It simply highlights the crucial role biology plays in shaping who we are and how we behave.

Bonus Notes

Psychology Essay Answers:

1. Role of Neurotransmitters in Mood Regulation:

Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine play a crucial role in mood regulation. Lower levels of serotonin are associated with depression, while dopamine is linked to pleasure and motivation. Antidepressants often work by increasing serotonin levels.

2. Heritability of Intelligence & Twin Studies:

Twin studies are key to studying the heritability of intelligence. Monozygotic (identical) twins share 100% of their genes, while dizygotic (fraternal) twins share 50%. Comparing intelligence between twins allows researchers to estimate the genetic component of intelligence, which is around 50%.

3. Brain Imaging Techniques for Psychological Disorders:

Strengths:
Detailed brain structure and function information.
Objective measure of brain activity, aiding diagnosis.
Insight into potential therapeutic targets.

Weaknesses:
Expensive and limited availability.
Not readily interpretable, requiring expertise.
Can be influenced by individual differences.

4. Evolutionary Basis of Aggression:

Aggression is thought to have evolved for survival, resource acquisition, and mate competition. In humans, aggression is often learned, but underlying biological factors like testosterone can influence its expression.

5. Genetic Factors in Sleep-Wake Cycles & Sleep Disorders:

Genetic factors influence the circadian rhythm, regulating sleep-wake cycles. Mutations in genes associated with melatonin production can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia. Family history is a strong predictor of sleep problems, suggesting a genetic influence.

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