Zusammenfassung der Ressource
The Biological Approach
- Charles Darwin
- Published 'the origin of species'
- We adapt to the environment to
our environment in order to survive.
- His theory of evolution shows how the strongest
genes survive and are passed onto the net
generation, whilst maladaptive genes die out.
- Examples of
evolutionary behaviour
- sexual selection e.g.
mating calls (in animals)
- rooting reflex (humans)
- New born babies will turn their heads
to anything that touches their cheek
or mouth and so this reflex aids
breastfeeding and therefor survival.
- Research
- Research is mainly tested on
non-human species e.g. rats and mice.
- Psychologists can manipulate certain genes
in order to measure the effect on behaviour.
- Examples of research
programmes:
- Genetic Mapping
- Genetic Engineering
- Selective breeding
- Stregnths
- uses scientific, experimental procedures
- Can produce drugs that alleviate
disorders such as bipolar depression.
- Limitations
- Is reductionist. It only explains
behaviour changes though biology.
- Is over-simplistic. Fails to appreciate
other factors e.g. the environment.
- Raises ethical problems.
- Behaviour is caused my our biological make-up
- Physiology
- Investigating how the brain, nervous system and
hormones operate; how changes in the structure and
function of organs and chemicals can affect our behaviour
- Investigation of heritability
- Understanding the role that genes might
have on our behaviuor - for example is
intelligence inherited?
- Comparative Method
- Different species of animals are studies and
compared to humans; this way we can learn and
understand more about human behaviour.