A Level Psychology WJEC

This subject is broken down into 66 topics in 14 modules:

  1. Biological Approach 4 topics
  2. Psychodynamic Approach 4 topics
  3. Behaviourist Approach 4 topics
  4. Cognitive Approach 4 topics
  5. Positive Approach 4 topics
  6. Contemporary Debates 5 topics
  7. Addictive Behaviours 4 topics
  8. Autistic Spectrum Behaviours 4 topics
  9. Bullying Behaviours 4 topics
  10. Criminal Behaviours 4 topics
  11. Schizophrenia 4 topics
  12. Stress 4 topics
  13. Controversies in Psychology 5 topics
  14. Research Methods 12 topics
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  • 14
    modules
  • 66
    topics
  • 24,382
    words of revision content
  • 3+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Psychology

Biological Approach

Evolutionary Influences

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Evolutionary Influences

Evolutionary Influences

Theory of Evolution

  • At the heart of the biological approach lies Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.
  • Darwin proposed that species evolve over time through a process he called natural selection.
  • Natural selection occurs when individuals with advantageous traits for their environment are more likely to survive and pass on these traits.

Genes and Behaviour

  • Evolutionary psychologists posit that behaviours, like physical traits, can be influenced by genes and therefore subject to natural selection.
  • Certain actions may increase an individual's likelihood of reproductive success, and as such, these behaviours could be passed down through generations.
  • This theory bridges the gap between biology and psychology, hinting at why certain traits and behaviours might have emerged throughout evolutionary history.

Adaptiveness of Behaviour

  • The concept of adaptiveness is essential to understanding evolutionary influences on behaviour.
  • Behaviours that are advantageous or increase one's chances of survival and reproduction are more likely to be continued in future generations.
  • Evolutionary psychologists often ask why a behaviour is adaptive, or how it increases an individual's survival odds.

Example: Aggression

  • For instance, aggressive behaviour might have been beneficial for our ancestors as it could protect resources, intimidate rivals, and signal strength and health to potential mates.
  • Therefore, evolutionary psychologists might argue that aggression persists because it was historically adaptive and has been passed down through generations.

Controversies and Limitations

  • The evolutionary approach to psychology is not without critique.
  • Critics argue that it is reductionist to boil complex human behaviours down to survival benefits in the Pleistocene era.
  • There is also a difficulty in testing these theories - ancestral human behaviour cannot be directly observed.
  • Despite these critiques, the evolutionary approach offers a unique lens through which to view human behaviour, uniting elements of biology and psychology to explain why we behave the way we do.

Course material for Psychology, module Biological Approach, topic Evolutionary Influences

Psychology

Bullying Behaviours

Biological Explanations

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Biological Explanations

Biological Explanations for Bullying Behaviours

Genetic Factors

  • Twin studies have indicated a possible genetic predisposition to aggressive behaviour, which may be reflected in bullying.
  • Genetic factors can influence the temperament and impulsivity of individuals, seemingly making them more likely to resort to bullying behaviours.
  • It's important to remember that having a predisposition does not guarantee the behaviour. Environmental factors also play a crucial role.

Brain Structure and Function

  • Some research suggests that individuals who engage in bullying may have abnormalities in certain areas of their brain such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
  • The amygdala is linked with emotional responses and aggression whereas the prefrontal cortex is related to impulse control and decision-making.
  • These findings provide possible explanations for why bullies may be more reactive or impulsive.

Neurotransmitters and Hormones

  • Neurotransmitters like serotonin and hormones like testosterone have also been linked to bullying behaviour.
  • Low levels of serotonin and high levels of testosterone have been associated with aggression and impulsivity.
  • However, it's important to understand the complexity of these biological systems and their variation among individuals.

The Role of Evolution

  • From an evolutionary perspective, bullying might be seen as a tool for achieving dominance and securing resources.
  • Bullying may be a way of asserting status, power or control, potentially increasing reproductive success in an evolutionary context.
  • However, such biological determinism is often criticised for neglecting the role of learning and social factors.

Limitations of Biological Explanations

  • The nature vs nurture debate continues to challenge biological explanations, suggesting that aggression and bullying behaviours are a complex interplay of both genetic and environmental factors.
  • The reductionist view of attributing complex behaviours like bullying to simpler biological mechanisms is also criticised.
  • It's imperative to consider that biology may predispose an individual to behave in certain ways, but does not determine them. It's a combination of nature and nurture that influences individual behaviours.

Course material for Psychology, module Bullying Behaviours, topic Biological Explanations

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