biological approach approaches Flashcards
Assumptions of the biological
everything psychological is at first biology.
- Must consider
* Neurochemistry
* Genes
* Nervous system
* Evolution
biological structure vs cognitive structure
Biological structure says, ‘the mind lives in the brain’ vs cognitive approach ‘mental processes exist irrespective of the brain’.
- Neurochemistry
- Neurotransmitters:
- Released by presynaptic nerve terminal into the synapse.
Natural selection:
The process in nature by which, according to Darwin’s theory of evolution, only the organisms best adapted to their environment tend to survive and transmit their genetic characters in increasing numbers to succeeding generations.
Evaluation real life
- Real world application: increased understanding of neurochemical processes is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental disorder e.g., antidepressants for depression.
ev ablation technology
- The studies used in the biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly objective methods. Use of technology also makes measuring psychological and neural processes accurate and unbiased.
evaluation determinist
- One limitation is the approach is determinist. It sees human behaviour as governed by genetic causes which we have no control over without considering the effect of social factors.
eval Karl popper
- Karl Popper and other critiques of Darwin’s theory claim it is impossible to falsify the theory of natural selection as we cannot show evolution happening, we can only deduce it took place. Others claim the basic principles are supported by fossil records.
- Explains mental illness in terms of neurotransmitters in the brain
Drug A reduces symptoms of mental disorder but what neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder? Discovering an association between two factors does not mean that one is a cause.
