Biological Approach Evaluation Flashcards
Biological Determinism…
The biological approach is an example of biological determinism, claiming that behaviour is cause by biological factors.
For example, according to this approach behaviour is caused by our genes and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
This is a weakness because it ignores the role of free will. This has implications for society as it is basically saying that people are not responsible for their own actions. However, determinism is also a strength because by identifying causes of behaviour the approach has developed effective drug treatments.
Biological Reductionist…
The biological approach is also reductionist, as it attempts to reduce all aspects of human behaviour down to just one level of explanation.
For example, all human behaviour is reduced down to just physical processes such as activity of neurotransmitters (eg OCD is explained in terms of levels of serotonin in the brain).
This is a weakness because it underestimates the role of our environment in behaviour. However, reductionism is also a strength because by isolating just one factor it allows researchers to investigate that factor scientifically.
Biological Practical applications…
The biological approach has had many useful practical (real world) applications.
For example, the biological approach has contributed to the development of drug treatments such as SSRIs used to treat OCD and are effective in many cases.
This is a strength because it shows that the approach has been put to good use and he’s been applied to help people and improve people’s lives.
Furthermore, positive impact on economy because…
Biological Scientific credibility…
The biological approach uses highly scientific and objective methods of research.
For example, brain scans are used to give detailed images of brain structure.
This is a strength because it means that research findings are high in internal validity and have led to great advances in understanding the biological basis of behaviour.
