Dr Vance is investigating the origins of extreme risk-taking behaviour (such as skydiving and extreme sports). He conducts a study comparing monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, finding significantly higher concordance rates for risk-taking behaviour in MZ twins than DZ twins. He also notes that risk-taking individuals show elevated levels of dopamine activation in response to high-arousal stimuli. Dr Vance proposes that risk-taking was an evolutionary advantage that helped our early ancestors discover new territories and food sources. However, critics argue his explanation completely ignores personal choice, environmental influence, and cultural context.
Outline and evaluate the biological approach in psychology. Refer to Dr Vance's research in your answer.
48 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Biological approach. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.