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.
Practise AQA A Level Psychology Biological approach with exam-style questions for A Level Psychology. 48 questions, matched to the AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
