Biological approach Flashcards
Approaches to psychology
What is the biological approach?
A way of explaining behaviour by emphasising the importance of physical processes in the body (e.g. genetic inheritance)
What is neurochemistry?
Relating to the chemicals in the brain that regulates psychological features- thoughts and behaviour rely on chemical transmission in the brain
What is a genotype?
The particular set of genes a person possesses
What is a phenotype?
The characteristics of an individual, determined by genes and the environment
What are genes?
Make up chromosomes, and consist of DNA
What does DNA code for?
The physical and psychological features of an organism
What was Darwin’s theory?
19th century- theory of evolution, and natural selection
What is natural selection?
If a genetically determined feature enhances survival rates, it will continue in future generations
What are some strengths of the biological approach?
- Real world application (drugs to treat mental disorders)
- Uses scientific methods
What are some limitations of the biological approach?
- Doesn’t work for everyone
- Deterministic (humans have no control over their behaviour)
- Difficult to prove natural selection alters behaviours
What are twin studies used to investigate?
Whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis. Achieved by analysing concordance rates
Strength-
I= Real-world application
D= Increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain is associated with use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental disorders. Bio approach promoted treatment of clinical depression using antidepressants that increase levels of neurotransmitter serotonin at synapses
E= Means people with depression are better able to manage their condition and live their lives in the community
Limitation-
I= Antidepressants are not suitable for everyone
D= Cipriani compared 21 antideressants and found variations in effectiveness. Most drugs were more effective than placebos, but researchers concluded effects of drugs were ‘mainly modest’
E= Challenges value of approach, as it suggests brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases (e.g. depression)
Strength-
I= Use of scientific methods
D= To investigate genetic and biological basis of behaviour, this approach makes use of a range of precise and highly objective methods- includes scanning techniques (fMRIs and EEGs). Advances in tech mean it is possible to accurately measure physiological and neural processes in way that are not open to bias
E= Means much of the bio approach is based on objective and reliable data
Limitation-
I= Biologically determinst
D= Sees behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes over which we have no control. But, the ways genotypes are expressed is influenced by enviornmental factors
E= Suggests the biological view is too simplistic and ignores mediating effects of environment
