biological approach

Question 1

assumptions

Answer 1

• all behaviour is firstly physical
• nature is more powerful than nurture

Question 2

genetics

Answer 2

• genes carry information for characteristics
• genotype: genetic makeup
• phenotype: expression of genes which are observable characteristics that can be influenced by environment

Question 3

biological structures

Answer 3

• structure of brain / CNS / PNS / endocrine system dtermine behaviour
• different lobes of brain are linked with general functions

Question 4

neurochemistry

Answer 4

• neurochemicals transmitted via synaptic transmissions
• imbalances affect behaviour (e.g low serotonin causes low mood, high dopamine is linked to schizophrenia)
• hormones are released into bloodstream & travel to cells (e.g testes release testosterone which affects puberty / aggression)

Question 5

evolution

Answer 5

process of natural selection to ensure characteristics which aid survival & reproduction are passed on through generations

Question 6

emergence of psychology as a science

Answer 6

• aims to establish cause and effect so rejects cognitive approach’s reliance on drawing inferences from research
• adopts objective and replicable research (e.g hormone tests / brain scans)

Question 7

evaluation

Answer 7

• biological explanations often based on correlational results (serotonin & mood)
• deterministic approach (e.g ideas like evolution imply humans have little control over behaviour)
• utilises scientific methods (e.g fMRIs / drug trials / EEGs) - less susceptible to misinterpretation
• approach has real world applications (e.g anti-depressants increase serotonin levels in brain based on understanding of low serotonin linking to depressive symptoms)
• approach is reductionist (explains behaviour using genetic / neurochemical / structural explanations so only one level of explanation explored)