Approaches: Evolutionary Theory

Biological Approach – Evolutionary Theory & Genetics

NATURE/NURTURE - One of the debates covered in Y2.

NATURE – what we are born with (biology)

NURTURE – what we experience (environment)

GENETIC INHERITANCE – characteristics inherited via genes from parents.

BIOCHEMISTRY – chemical activity (neurotransmitters + hormones)

BRAIN STRUCTURE – what different part of the brains do eg, hypothalamus.

Evolutionary theory – promote survival to pass on genes. All of our behaviour is for this purpose.

Darwin – proposed ‘natural selection’ (survival of the fittest)

“Individuals with genes more suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, these superior genes will be passed on to their offspring”

This process happens slowly over centuries
Can be replicated artificially (Farming for meat/milk or cross-breeding dogs for their aesthetics).

AO2: Giraffes and their long necks. Short necked Giraffes slowly died out as they couldn't feed. The long neck gene was passed on.

WEAKNESSES:

Based on theory – not testable
Ignores individual differences – displays biological determinism (determined by our environment. Biology isn't considered).
Ignores the role of sperm donors/polygamy/monogamy/infertility/non-parents/homosexuality in modern society. However, evolutionary theory would suggest that these groups have people have unconsciously removed themselves from the gene pool to pass on healthier genes.