biological approach explaining ocd

Question 1

weakness: reductionist

Answer 1

biologically reductionist, reduces complex human behavior of OCD down to simple basic units of genes, neurotransmitter imbalance or neuroanatomy, low serotonin activity levels, neglects holistic approach, how a person’s culture and social context influence OCD, high OCD in religious groups, regular cleansing before prayer, lack validity, can’t understand behavior in context

Question 2

strength: scientific methods

Answer 2

theory is based on objective and empirical techniques, gene mapping, brain scans to identify areas of brain linked to OCD, increases internal validity, raises psychology’s scientific status

Question 3

strength: practical applications

Answer 3

principles of theory that OCD is linked to genetic mutations, led to development of drug treatments, SSRI’s increase serotonin activity in brain, reduce anxiety, important part of applied psychology, improves lives of those w OCD

Question 4

strength: RTS GERALD ET AL

Answer 4

link between twins and genetic vulnerability to OCD, 68% monozygotic twins shared OCD, 31% dizygotic twins shared OCD, shows genetic predisposition, supports genetic explanation