Biological Approach

Question 1

Biological approach and science

Answer 1

• lab experiments that use scientific techniques like brain scanning and like de bellis et al
• careful controls as you’re testing a hypothesis
• studies are seen generally as measurable, credible and reliable and content is regarded as scientific
• case studies like money aren’t scientific

Question 2

Basic Assumptions -biological approach

Answer 2

• Psychology should be seen as a science,to be studied in scientific manner.
• Behaviour can be largely explained in terms of biology (e.g., genes/hormones).
• Human genes have evolved over millions of years to adapt behavior to the environment.
• Therefore, most behavior will have an adaptive / evolutionary purpose.

Question 3

Areas of Application -biological approach

Answer 3

• IQ
• Gender Role
• Relationships
• Abnormal Psychology
• stress Response
• Aggression
• Sleep
• Schizophrenia

Question 4

Strengths of biological approach

Answer 4

• biological approach provides clear predictions that can
• means explanations can be scientifically tested and support with evidence.
• Real life applications (e.g., therapy)
• Emphasizes objective measurement
• Many experiments to support theories
• Highly application to other areas: Biology + Cog = Evolutionary Psy

Question 5

Weaknesses of biological approach

Answer 5

• Ignores mediational processes (doesn’t recognize cognitive processes)
• Bio psychological theories often over-simplify huge complexity of physical systems & their interaction with environment.
• Too deterministic (little free-will)
• Humanism –can’t compare animals to humans
• Reductionist