Biological

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

• The biological approach suggests that everything is innate and governed by biology
• Twin studies often used to find out whether behaviour has a genetic basis comparing MZ and DZ. If it’s higher for MZ this suggests high concordance rate.
• Phenotype refers to the observable characters of an individual, which is a consequence of interactions between genotype with the environment. The genotype is collection of inherited genetic material.
• Natural selection proposed by Darwin stats that if any genetic material aids survival it will be passed on to their offspring as it allows them to survive.

Question 2

Point 1: Strength

Answer 2

Scientific methods of investigation
- To investigate genetic + biological basis of behaviour, the biological app had to use a range of precise + highly scientific methods.
Eg. fMRIs, EEGS, family + twin studies and drug trials.
Due to advances in technology it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes.
Meaning it is based on reliable data

Question 3

Point 2: Strength

Answer 3

Real Life Application
- Increased understanding of biochem processes in the brain had lead to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious MH illnesses (e.g. depression).
- Though they do not work on everyone!
It is strength as sufferers are able to manage their conditions and leave a relatively normal life as these drugs have revolutionised treatment for many.

Question 4

Point 3: Weakness

Answer 4

Determinist view of behaviour
- Biological approach is determinist as it sees human behaviour as governed by internal biological causes which we have no control over. It has implications for the egal and wider society.
- One of the rules of laws is that offenders are seen as legally and morally responsible for their actions. Discovery of a criminal gene may complicate this

Question 5

Point 4: Weakness

Answer 5

Casual Conclusions
- Biological approach offers explanations for mental illness in terms of action of neurotransmitters.
- The evidence for this comes from a study that shows a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder and thus it is assumed that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder.
- This is a bit like assuming the cause of a headache is a lack of paracetamol
- Discovering an association between two factors does not mean that one is a cause.
This is a limitation because the biological approach is claiming to have discovered causes when only association exists.