The use of twin studies helps explain how there could be genetic factors in aggressive behavior. There are two types of Twin, monozygotic (identical) and Dizygotic (non-identical). If both types are studied in terms of aggression and the M-Z twins are more similar in aggressive behaviour it would suggest there is a genetic influence on aggression. Coccaro et al found that when comparing MZ and DZ twins, over 50 % of variance in aggressive behaviours between MZ twins could be attributed to genetic factors. Additionally the use of adoption studies can contribute to our understanding of genetic factors in aggression.
Adoption studies go one step further in narrowing down a strong correlational link by ruling out the effect of environment on development of schizophrenia to illustrate the genetic link more clearly. They do this by comparing adopted children to their biological parents to determine links with schizophrenia. Kendler found that first degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia are 18 times more at risk of developing the condition as the general population. Illustrating the genetic predisposition within families who share genes, strongly supporting the genetic explanation as there is such a high concordance rate. However this study can be criticised because of its retrospective analysis after the disorder had developed, thus it may be more conclusive if a prospective study was conducted to show the ‘before and after’ effects within families.
Brain scans can be used to help diagnose some disorders. Furthermore, the genes we are born with, from our parents, provide the blueprint for our bodies and brains. A slight abnormality in our genes can affect the functioning of our brains. Also to operate properly the brain relies on hundreds of chemicals to operate in the correct balance, these chemicals are used to send messages around the brain. Therefore if there are chemical imbalances abnormality may occur, for example low levels of serotonin are linked to depression and schizophrenia is linked with high levels of dopamine.
Describe and evaluate biological explanations for schizophrenia: Genetics have been identified as one possible explanation for schizophrenia. For instance, Miyakawa studied DNA from human families affected by schizophrenia and found that those with the disease were more likely to have a defective version of a gene, called PPP3CC which is associated with the production of calcineurin which regulates the immune system. Also, research by Sherrington has found a gene located on chromosome 5 which has been linked in a small number of extended families where they have the disorder. Family studies investigate genetic transmission of schizophrenia; studies compare rates of schizophrenia in relatives of diagnosed cases compared to relatives of
TMA02 Part 1 “What do psychologists mean by ‘theory of mind’? Discuss the claim that theory of mind is an evolved adaptation” Evolutionary psychologists seek the meaning of humanness and what makes us so different from other species. Investigations of evolutionary processes and adaptation that effect each other, lead researchers to the 'theory of mind' which is the ability to comprehend and predict the action and feelings of others. Evidence discussed in this essay will show that investigations and data raised the claim that the theory of mind is an evolved adaptation. However the unreliability of the results makes the claim an ongoing discussion and an open debate.
Nick Almeida Stephanie Branch Rachel Johnson Intro. Abnormal Psychology Adolescent Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects about 1% of the total population. It is characterized by sets of positive and negative symptoms which vary from patient to patient, but in general affects the normal functioning in social and occupational settings. The focus of this paper will be on the causes, diagnoses, and treatments associated with adolescent schizophrenia. It is important to effectively understand adolescent schizophrenia because the disorder can last a lifetime; learning the base causes, the dynamics of a strong diagnosis, and the most effective treatments can greatly improve a patient’s probability
Discuss biological explanations for depression (24marks) One of the most popular explanations of depression is genetics; this theory states that genes are to blame for the presence of depression. It also argues that depression, like many other illnesses, is an inherited one which runs in families. McGuffin et al (1996) conducted research on concordance rates using 177 identical and fraternal twins. They found that the concordance rate was 46% for identical twins, but only 20% for fraternal twins; these findings are significant as the concordance rate for identical twins is over double of that for fraternal twins. These findings support the biological explanation as it suggests that depression has a genetic factor.
In analyzing as well as comparing the humanistic and biological approaches to personality one can result to difference in opinions. Abraham Maslow did study the development of personalities based on the human needs. His needs hierarchy portrays the influence of human needs to formations of peoples’ unique and individual personalities. There are some biological factors which does influence formation of one’s personality which usually plays a major role. Through reviewing the relationships that are there between Maslow’s theory and biological factors we will be in a position to see some focused similarities as well as its upcoming.
This is how scientist have been able to come up with medication to treat mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They have proven that there is a connection with genes and chemical changes in the brain that causes theses illnesses in the mind but with the right treatment, it can adjust the changes and chases the illness away. What is the historical development of biological psychology? While psychology is very broad, it is important to know the history of biological psychology because some of the past experiences have shaped into this school of thought to what it is today by providing us with a better
Schizophrenia Evaluation PSY/340 Schizophrenia Evaluation The Genetics, Brain Structure, and Behavior Presentation Evaluation assignment requires that an evaluation be done on one of the fellow team presentations. The presentation that described Schizophrenia explained the neurological damage, behavioral and functional changes, suspected or known causes of the illness, the role of genetics and the treatments and therapies for Schizophrenia were analyzed and evaluated. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects only one percent of the population, but it causes life changing symptoms that are debilitating to those who are affected. After reviewing and evaluating the team’s presentation, the overall presentation was precise