Biological Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

-we must look to biological structures and processes
-all thoughts, feelings and behaviour have a physical basis

Question 2

What are genotypes?

Answer 2

-the actual genetic make up

Question 3

What are phenotypes?

Answer 3

-the way genes are expressed through physical, behavioural + psychological characteristics

Question 4

The interaction between pheno + geno

Answer 4

-human behaviour depends upon an interaction between inherited factors and the environment

Question 5

What is natural selection?

Answer 5

-suggests that any genetically determined behaviour - which gives a selective advantage - will be present in future generations

Question 6

Why does natural selection occur?

Answer 6

-due to the genetic transmission of beneficial characteristics from one generation to the next (heredity)

Question 7

Examples of genetically determined behaviours

Answer 7

-avoiding fire + deep water
-certain individuals having longer necks
-specific cows producing more milk

Question 8

What are concordance rates?

Answer 8

-extent to which twins share the same characteristics
-if characteristic is genetic = expect identical twins to be concordant

Question 9

Practical application of the biological approach

Answer 9

-increased understanding of biological processes that underpin mental health diseases
-led to development of psychoactive drugs
-may target specific candidate genes to treat the disorder
-can manage their condition in a community
-require minimal effort - non invasive

Question 10

Counterpoint to antidepressants

Answer 10

-dont work for everyone
-Cipriani - compared 21 drugs and found wide variations in effectiveness
-most drugs more effective than placebos - but effects were ‘modest’
-challenges value of approach as it suggests that the brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases of depression

Question 11

Negatives - biological determinism

Answer 11

-biological approach suggests that all behaviour is caused by internal biological forces that we have no control over
-has implications for judicial system + economy
-eg if a criminal gene was found - could lead to shorter prison sens t’en es
-economical impact - genes coding for criminality - they may be denied insurance or jobs
-therefore it has potentially severe life consequences