Biological Approach Flashcards
What does the biological approach assume?
Behaviour and mental processes are largely influenced by genetics. Describes how neurotransmitters and hormones influence behaviour and mental health.
What is the neurochemical basis of behaviour?
Refers to the action of chemicals in the brain influencing our moods, thoughts, behaviour. An imbalance of neurochemicals can lead to mental disorders FOR EXAMPLE, anxiety caused by low serotonin levels.
What is a genotype?
Genotype refers to an individuals genetic makeup.
What is phenotype?
The way genes are expressed through observable psychical and behavioural characteristics, how our genetic makeup has been influenced by environmental factors.
What is 1 strength of the biological approach?
(P) Reliance on scientific methods.
(E) EG brain imaging and genetic studies , such as twin studies.
(E) provides objective data about brain structure and behaviour. This scientific approach increases the validity of the findings which allows psychs to establish a clear link between behaviour and biological processes.
(L) Therefore the biological approach contributes to a significant understanding of psychology.
What is another strength of the Biological Approach?
(P) Real life applications to understanding mental health disorders.
(E) EG research has shows certain mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia can be linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
(E) this deeper understanding allowed for the development of medication such as antidepressant and antipsychotics to help correct chemical imbalance’s.
(L) the biological approach provides a foundation for medicine which reduces symptoms and improves quality of life.
What is 1 weakness of the biological approach?
(P) criticised for its reductionist perspective.
(E) this approach simplifies complex human behaviours and mental processes to basic biological factors such as genes and hormones.
(E) it fails to account for environmental influences such as our culture and the society we live in, which shape our behaviour
(L) the reductionism can lead to an incomplete under of behavioural patterns as everyone has individual experiences.
