biological approach eval Flashcards
S: scientific methods
ID: a strength of the biological approach is that it uses controlled scientific measures
Q: the biological approach makes use of some very precise and scientific methods when assessing behaviour
EX: for example, brain scanning techniques are useful for investigating the functions of the brain. without this, research into the brain’s involvement in our behaviour would be unobservable. with recent advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias.
AN: therefore, the biological approach is based on reliable data, as objectivity means a cause and effect relationship can be established.
S: real life applications
ID: furthermore, a strength of the biological approach is that it has real life applications
Q: this is because biological bases have been found for a range of psychological disorders.
EX: schizophrenics, for example, have been found to have a different brain structure than other people, with smaller brains and higher levels of dopamine. furthermore, a range of drug therapies have been developed to help people with ocd live a relatively normal life, rather than remaining in hospital, such as ssri’s, which are effective.
AN: therefore, a positive of the biological approach is that it has benefited society through developing ideas about biological structures and behaviour.
W: reductionist
ID: however, the the biological approach is highly reductionist in its approach to the complexity of human behaviour.
Q: this means that it attempts to reduce all aspects of human behaviour down to one level of explanation
EX: for example, comparing complex behaviour, emotions and thoughts to robot-like-behaviour ignores the factors in our everyday environment. such as our childhood experiences and the influence and behaviour of friends and media that have been found to affect us.
AN: therefore, complex behaviour is aimed to be explained by low-level biological mechanisms such as biochemicals and nerve impulses. suggesting the biological approach is reductionist in its explanation.
