Biological approach

Question 1

Outline biological approach

Answer 1

• Highlighted behavior has evolved
• Adapted and changed over time through natural selection (profitable behaviors like aggression selected in mates and reproduced to aid survival)
• Influential in investigating genetic basis of behavior
• Because genotypes (individual’s genetic makeup) and phenotypes (Individual’s observable characteristics resulted from genes and environment) studied when attempting to understand and explain psychological disorders
• Explained how biological structures (CNS and endocrine system) and neurochemistry (neurotransmitters and hormones) influence behavior
• E.g. depression proposed to be caused by too little activity of serotonin (mood regulating neurotransmitteer)

Question 2

Outline one strength of biological approach

Answer 2

• Proposes biological determinism
• Proposes factors such as genetics, neurotransmitter levels etc can influence behavior
• Strength because science relies on determinism in order to establish cause and effect (increasing scientific status)
• Adds credibility

Question 3

Outline another strength of biological approach

Answer 3

• Received supporting evidence
• E.g. twin studies found a higher concordance rate in MZ twins than DZ twins for variety of psychological disorders like OCD and schizophrenia
• Strength because proposal for genetic basis to behavior because higher concordance rates in MZ twins than DZ twins can be explained by sharing more of their genes (100% to 50%)
• Adds credibility
  (Counter argue with confounding variables, MZ twins share similar experiences because look more alike and of same sex (may not be case for DZ), higher concordance in MZ due to similar environmental experiences rather than genetics)

Question 4

Outline final strength of biological approach

Answer 4

• Led to practical applications
• E.g. based on biological theories proposing depression caused by lack of serotonin, SSRIs (type of drug therapy) developed to increase levels of serotonin
• Strength because it has been effective in treating psychological disorders like depression
• Adds credibility