Approaches - biological approach Flashcards
What is the biological approach?
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
The mind lives in the brain (all thoughts, feelings, behaviour ultimately have a physical basis)
In contrast to the cognitive approach which sees the mind as separate from the brain
Gene
They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA, which codes the physical features of an organism and psychological features
Genotype
Their actual genetic make up
Phenotype
The way that genes are expressed through physical behavioural and psychological characteristics
Influenced by environmental factors
The influence of evolution
Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection
Any genetically determined behaviour that enchances survival and reproduction will be passed on to future generations
Such genes are decribed as adaptive and give the possessor and their offsprings advantages
Attachment behaviours in newborns promote survival and are therefore adaptive and naturally selected
Evolution - natural selection
Ensures that characteristics providing an evolutionary advantage, are passed from one generation to the next, whilst others which do not, die out
E.g Buss - sex differences in partner preferences
The influence of neurochemicals
Biological psychologists also recognise the role of chemicals in determining behaviour
- At the synapse, signals are sent between neurons by chemicals called neurotransmitters
Imbalances are associated with atypical behaviour
- Serotonin: depression and aggression
- Dopamine: schizophrenia
Genetic basis of behaviour
Psychological characteristics e.g intelligence are inherited
Twin studies:
Concordance rates (CR) between twins are calculated (extent to which twins share the same characteristic)
Higher CR among identical twins (MZ twins) (genetically 100% the same) than non identical (DZ) genes (around 50% the same) is evidence of a genetic basis
Limitations of the biological approach (3)
- Causation
- Biological determinism
- Twin studies do not take into account the environment
Limitation of the biological approach: Causation
(after doing schizophrenia topic this can be used)
- explain this
P: One limitation of the biological approach is that causation is often strongly implied in explanations that focus on brain structures
E: For example, one explanation of schizophrenia suggests that a lack of activity in the ventral striatum is linked to the development of negative symptoms such as avolition
E: This is a problems for biological explanations because such research tells us inly that there is an association between brain structures and behaviour; it cannot tell us that the reduced activity in the area of the brain causes the behaviour, or that the behaviour causes lower activity in that part of the brain
L: Therefore it is critically important to remember that biological explanations are often based on correlational results, which does not mean that one event causes the other
Limitation of the biological approach: Biological determinism
- explain this
P: Another weakness of this approach is that biological explanations of human behaviour may be considered deterministic
E: For example, one assumption of the biological approach is that some human behaviours are the result of evolution: they maximise our chances of survival and reproduction and thus are ‘naturally selected’ and inherited from our ancestors
E: Aggression and stress are two examples of the gender disparities in human behaviour that are explained by such evolutionary claims. These kinds of explanations express the idea that people have little influence over their behaviour and that our actions are predestined, regardless of our experiences, free will, or environment.
L: Problematic for those who do not follow ‘typical’ or ‘expected’ behaviours and overemphasises the role of nature on behaviour. An explanation which cannot be disproved and therefore incapable of scientific validation
Limitation of the biological approach: Twin studies do not take into account the environment
- explain this
P: A weakness of the biological approach is that supporting research from twin studies cannot easily distinguish the impact of the environment
E: For example, evidence from twin studies assumes that MZ and DZ twins have the same environment and thus the concordance rates are solely down to genetics
E: This is problematic because we cannot be certain that the environment has not influenced behaviour and, therefore, concordance rates. MZ twins, for example, are likely to have received considerably more similar treatment from their environment and upbringing than DZ twins.
L: As a result, the biological approach’s ability to explain behaviour is less valid due to methodological problems with supporting research.
Strength of the biological approach
Real world applications
Strength of the biological approach: Real world applications
- explain this
P: One strength of the biological approach is that is has many real world applications
E: Drug therapies have been developed for many mental illnesses based on research into neurotransmitters
E: For example, antidepressants work by raising serotonin levels in the brain because it is known that low serotonin levels are a contributing factor to depressive symptoms. Similarly, antipsychotics lessen positive symptoms of schizophrenia by preventing dopamine from having its desired impact through blocking dopamine receptors.
L: Developing treatments has benefited from our understanding of abnormal neurochemical activity in the brain, which has also helped patients understand that their illness is not their fault.
