Biological Approach | PY1 PY1 | Model answers for biological approach | Sumi Prasobh AS Level | 1a) Outline two assumptions of the biological approach (4 marks) One assumption of the biological approach is that our personalities and behaviors are biologically determined. Lab research found that we’re a product of our brain structure. The balance of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and adrenaline has directly been found to affect our mood, thoughts and personalities. For example Hans Selye found that both humans and animals are biologically determined to react in the same predictable way to the threat of a stressor for aiding survival. Another assumption is that certain regions of the brain determine certain behaviors.
In terms of biochemistry, chemical imbalances in the brain may be involved in certain mental illnesses. Neurotransmitters, for example, play a very important part in behaviour – one theory links depression to low levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline. However, the relationship between neurotransmitters and depression is very complex and therefore, more research is needed to discover the exact link between this and the disorder. People suffering from depression, also often have high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is sometimes referred to as a ‘stress hormone’ because it is produced in times of stress.
The peripheral nervous system, also part of the nervous system, transmits information to and from the nervous system. The biological approach also suggests chemical processes in the brain are responsible for many different psychological functioning for example, chemicals such as hormones. Imbalances of certain hormones affect behaviour. The approach states that the female hormone oestrogen gives females caring and gentle characteristics while the male hormone testosterone is linked to aggression. This hormone was investigated by Dabbs et al, where testosterone levels in prisoners where compared to the level of crime committed.
This affected me during the bleep test because vasodilation allows more oxygenated blood to travel to the actively respiring muscle tissues. Other acute responses which occur to the musculoskeletal system during exercise include an increase in muscle pliability. If your muscles get warmer because of the contraction temperature is going to rise this makes them more pliable and reduces the risk of injury. Pliability is the stretchiness of the muscles. There is also an increase in the synovial fluid at the joint.
Heredity and Hormones Influence on Human Behavior Debates on nature versus nurture are more likely to determine that genetics are the cause for human behavior. More and more researchers pay attention on genes and behavior, therefore, their tendency to follow a line of investigation on the influence of heredity on human behavior increases the belief that genetics is a major issue which influences physical behaviors. However, the only fact of connection between genetics and behavior seems to be too simple to describe the complex process of human behavior. The factor of hormones’ influence on behavior is also identified which debates the reality of it being controlled exclusively by genetics. The endocrine system is very active and is connected to most of the other main systems of the body.
Without melatonin, we would have severe insomnia and various negatives effects in behavior can be seen. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is ultimately responsible for regulating sleep patterns as it sends signals to the pineal glands for the production of melatonin according to our body clock. However, our endogenous pacemaker can be disrupted by the abnormal light rhythm to some extent. The presence of light will be detected by the SCN through the retina and
Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body’s metabolism which in turn makes the body have a significant weight loss, a weird heartbeat, sweating profusely, and nervousness. This disease can also come from other types of problems, but to know if it is Hyperthyroidism, it will have to have more than a few of the diseases. Other types of problems include tremors, goiters, and medications can cover any of the signs of the causes (Hormone). To figure out if there is an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism), doctors have the patients take a few
Furthermore the type of NS we have will determine the extent and nature of our learning abilities. As humans have evolved behaviour has become increasingly voluntary and less reliant on instincts, unlike the NS of animals which is much less complex. Another biological factor that is responsible for manipulating and controlling behaviour is the Genes and DNA that certain organisms possess. These are the biological blueprints, inherited from ones fore bearers, which determine behaviour and characteristics. Through genetic implants, engineering and specialized breeding, behaviours such as
The endocrine system is an information signal system like the nervous system, yet its effects and mechanism are classifiably different. The endocrine system's effects are slow to initiate, and prolonged in their response, lasting from a few hours up to weeks. The nervous system sends information very quickly, and responses are generally short lived. Hormones are substances (chemical mediators) released from endocrine tissue into the bloodstream where they travel to target tissue and generate a response. Hormones regulate various human functions, including metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sleep, and mood.
So are our behavioral traits and characteristics learned and capable of change? Or are our behaviors innate and predetermined by our genetic makeup? Personally I believe a little bit of both theories; although some of our human traits are not subject to change, such as genetic qualities of hair and eye color, other characteristics like intelligence or athleticism, I believe, can be altered by human will power or choice. I do not believe human behavior is innate and that our lives are limited by genetic and biological factors. With the right environment, nurture, and determination I’m sure one can excel to their full capacity in traits such as intelligence or athleticism.