biological approach

Question 1

what are the 4 main assumptions?

Answer 1

• all thoughts feelings and behaviours have a physical basis
• behaviour is influenced by the genes we inherit
• biological evolution lets us understand the significance of adaptive behaviours like aggression through natural selection
• neurological structures influence behaviour

Question 2

genes

Answer 2

• genes are passed on and carry information in the form of dna
• genotype = genetic makeup thats fixed from birth
• phenotype = the expression of these genes, influenced by the genotype and the environment
• behavioural and psychological characteristics can be inherited, research compares mz and dz twins
• mz twins have a higher concordance rate of developing disorders like schizophrenia and depression

Question 3

biological structures

Answer 3

• the structure of organs like the brain, cns, pns and endocrine system can influence behaviour
• many behaviours are influenced by neuronal action, and research shows different brain regions are associated with different functions
• demonstrated by phineas gage: when an iron bar went through his head damaging his frontal cortex, he lost the ability to inhibit antisocial behaviour

Question 4

neurochemistry

Answer 4

• at the synapse messages are sent between neurons via neurotransmitters, imbalances between the number of neurotransmitters is linked to abnormal behaviour, e.g. too little serotonin is linked to depression and too much dopamine to schizophrenia
• hormones can also influence behaviour, e.g. high testosterone levels are associated with defensiveness and aggression

Question 5

evolution

Answer 5

natural selection ensures that characteristics that provide an evolutionary advantage are passed on down generations

Question 6

give a strength of the biological approach
1/2

Answer 6

real world applications: research into neurotransmitters has helped to develop drug therapies such as antidepressants to increase serotonin levels in the brain. The understanding of neurochemical behaviour in the brain has helped develop treatments for different disorders and provides patients with the knowledge that their illness isn’t their fault

Question 7

give a strength of the biological approach
2/2

Answer 7

scientific and empirical methods: the approach utilises reliable methods of research, e.g. research into neurochemistry requires specific scientific methodology such as fMRI’s, pet scans, drug trials and eeg’s which provide an accurate measure of internal processes that weren’t previously accessible. these methods provide reliable and scientific that is less susceptible to misinterpretation

Question 8

give a limitation of the biological approach
1/3

Answer 8

biologically deterministic: the approach states that behaviour is the result of internal biological structures and processes that we as humans have no control over, such as the evolution explanation. this implies that we have no control or free will over how we act, and that we are predetermined to act in a specific way regardless of the environment or personal experience. this removes the chance of personal responsibility, and makes the approach incapable of scientific validation

Question 9

give a limitation of the biological approach
2/3

Answer 9

causation is heavily implied in explanations focused on brain structures. for example on explanation of schizophrenia is that a lack of activity in the ventral striatum is linked to negative symptoms like avolition, however such research only proves a relationship between behaviour and brain structures, it cannot determine the direction of the relationship. the fact that most research in this area is correlational means caution must be applied when referring to conclusions

Question 10

give a limitation of the biological approach
3/3

Answer 10

takes a reductionist approach by focusing purely on ‘nature’ and the biological explanations of behaviour, ignoring other factors that may play a role such as the environment, personal experiences and cognition. for example the approach uses twin studies to highlight the genetic basis of behaviour, however this research ignores the fact that the twins share the same environment which may influence their behaviour. therefore the approach may not be a complete explanation of behaviour