Biological Approach - Neurochemistry

Question 1

Neurochemistry

Answer 1

Neurotransmitters – Neurons (cells in the nervous system) communicate with each other by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. Biological psychologists argue that neurotransmitter levels can affect the behaviour of an individual (e.g. low serotonin levels have been linked to depression).

Hormones - Hormones are released as part of the endocrine system through glands. Biological psychologists argue that hormone levels in the system can affect the behaviour of an individual (e.g. high testosterone levels have been linked to aggressive behaviour).

Question 2

Advantages of Neurochemistry

Answer 2

2) Neurotransmitters can be measured objectively and scientifically which is a strength. For instance dopamine can be measured by inserting a needle in the spine and extracting spinal plasma fluid. This means we can obtain objective and scientific measurements (+)

3) A strength of neurotransmitters is that if we know that a lack/excess of a particular neurotransmitter has an effect on behaviour e.g. low levels of serotonin cause depression, then we can look for relevant treatments that can help solve the issue. For instance giving depressed people SSRI drugs that increase serotonin (+)

Question 3

Disadvantages of Neurochemistry

Answer 3

1) A negative point of neurochemistry is that cause and effect needs to be established. Can we be sure that high/low levels of neurotransmitters actually cause a change in behaviour, e.g. low levels of serotonin cause depression? (-)

4) Neurotransmitters can be viewed as reductionist which can be a disadvantage. To say that complex human behaviour can be affected by neurotransmitters alone is too simplistic and inaccurate, for instance is depression really just caused by low serotonin levels? (-)

5) The idea that neurotransmitters can have an effect on behaviour can be criticised by the cognitive approach. The cognitive approach would state that behaviour is caused by thought patterns and thinking rather than neurochemistry or chemicals, for instance depression could be caused by negative thinking according to the cognitive approach rather than by low levels of serotonin (biological approach) (-)

Question 4

Advantages of the biological approach

Answer 4

+ The biological approach uses the scientific method, particularly the use of the experimental method, as its main source of investigation. Experimental studies take place in highly controlled environments so that other researchers are able to replicate research studies under the same experimental conditions, thus adding to the reliability of the research.

+ The biological approach has practical applications. For example, knowledge about the neurochemical imbalance in depression (low serotonin) has led to the development of drug treatments (SSRIs), which correct this imbalance.

+ If people know they have a genetic predisposition for a mental disorder, such as schizophrenia, this gives them an opportunity to avoid environmental situations likely to trigger this predisposition or to develop coping skills that would protect them from its potential influence.

Question 5

Disadvantages of the Biological Approach

Answer 5

• The biological approach is biologically reductionist. Reductionism is the belief that complex human behaviour can be explained by breaking it down into its smallest component parts, such as the action of genes, neurotransmitters and hormones. Critics argue that we cannot fully understand behaviour without taking account of all the different factors which influence it. These include cognitive, emotional and cultural factors, all of which have a significant influence on behaviour.
• Recent studies suggesting a genetic basis for criminal behaviour has led to concerns about how this information could be used. It could lead to genetic screening of populations to identify genetic susceptibilities and subsequent discrimination against those with a genetic predisposition to crime.