Assumptions, strengths and weaknesses

Question 1

Assumption 1 (explained)

Answer 1

Behaviour can be explained using the brain and hormones.
For example, the hippocampus is involved in memory

Question 2

Assumption 2 (physiological and psychological)

Answer 2

All that is psychological is first physiological (has a physical or biological cause ) since the mind appears to reside in the brain.

Question 3

Strength 1 (application)

Answer 3

The approach has contributed to psychology in many ways i.e it has high explanatory power as it explains causes of mental disorders by looking at genetics and the role of neurotransmitters.

Question 4

Strength 2 (science)

Answer 4

V. scientific as it uses experiments in which strong correlations or cause and effect relationships can be established

Question 5

Strength 3 (debate)

Answer 5

Provides strong counterarguments to the nurture side of the nature nurture debate

Question 6

Weakness 1 (redu..)

Answer 6

it is reductionist as it explains thoughts and behaviours only in terms of the actions of neurons and biochemicals therefore ignoring other more suitable levels of explanation.

Question 7

Weakness 2 (explain)

Answer 7

Doesn’t adequately explain how mind and body interact or why they interact the way they do.

E.g. approach suggests that high levels of epinephrine will cause palpitations and hand tremors but it doesn’t explain why

Question 8

Weakness 3 (debate)

Answer 8

Only looks at nature side and ignores the nurture side of the debate for example how the environment contributes to behaviour through social learning