Complete notes for the Biological Approach for WJEC Psychology Unit 1. Using a combination of the WJEC textbook, online notes, and notes from my teacher. I achieved an A (highest possible grade) in this exam. Other AS notes available. Currently studying A2 so these notes will be uploaded once I fin...
Booklet on the biological approaches with links to case studies and evaluation.
evaluating the psychodynamic approach AS level.
Summary of the cognitive approaches and a brief overview of CBT therapy
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WJEC
Psychology
PY1 - Approaches in Psychology
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Biological Approach
a
Assumptions
The assumption ‘Evolutionary Influences’ says that evolution is the change of a
species over time. Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection says that a small
proportion of each generation will survive to reproduce. There are variations in
each generation. Characteristics give animals advantages so they can survive to
reproduce; this is adaptive behaviour. Altruistic behaviour is when parents risk
their lives to save their offspring. This is to enhance the survival of that gene
pool. An Environment of Evolutionary Adaptness (EEA) is that not all behaviour is
adaptive, only the ones that enhance survival in a particular environment.
The assumption ‘Localisation of Brain Function’ says that certain parts of the
brain are responsible for different functions. The frontal lobes are responsible for
thinking and creativity, so are linked to personality. The parietal lobes are
responsible for processing sensory information such as pain, temperature, and
touch. The temporal lobes are responsible for processing memory and
processing auditory information. The occipital lobes are responsible for visual
processing and they receive information directly from the eyes. Broca’s area,
located in the left frontal lobe, is responsible for the production of speech.
Wernicke’s area, located in the left temporal lobe, is responsible for the
understanding of language.
The assumption ‘Neurotransmitters’ says that neurons are the electrically
excitable cells in the brain and nervous system. There are branches at the end of
each neuron, called dendrites, so that each neuron can connect with other
neurons. Neurons communicate at synapses, where messages are relayed by
neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles in one
neuron, and receptors are stimulated or inhibited in other neurons. The
neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for mood, sleep, and appetite. Low
levels of this are associated with depression. High levels of another
neurotransmitter, dopamine, are associated with schizophrenia.
Relationship Formation
The biological explanation for relationship formation can be linked to
evolutionary influences. Traits that enhance survival are naturally selected.
Males tend to select young and attractive females as this is associated with
fertility. Females select males that can provide resources for offspring, such as
food and shelter. Kin selection is when you naturally protect your siblings
because you have similar genes to them. This is because it enhances the survival
of your gene pool and explains why siblings form such close bonds.
Neurotransmitters can also be responsible for relationship formation. Oxytocin is
linked with human bonding, and forms trust and loyalty. Low levels of oxytocin
are experienced from lack of physical contact. This suggests that high levels of
oxytocin are linked with romantic attachment.
Drug Therapy
Mental illnesses have a physical cause characterised by symptoms so should be
treated in a physical way. Antipsychotic drugs can alter the action of
neurotransmitters by blocking the action of them. Drugs target specific regions
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