Biological area (Areas)

Question 1

Defining principles of the area

Answer 1

Our behaviour is explained by biological processes

Psychology should study biological systems to determine the cause of our behaviour

Question 2

Concepts within the area

Answer 2

Brain plasticity
Lateralisation of function
Delay of gratification
Regions of the brain (and their specialist functions)
Genetic predisposition

Question 3

Which studies are in the area and why

Answer 3

Sperry links to the biological area because it Investigates the role of each hemisphere of the brain by study commissurotomy patients

Blackmoore and Copper links to the biological area because it Investigated how the visual cortex can be changed by giving kittens a restricted visual environment

Question 4

Strengths of the approach

Answer 4

Highly scientific approach using standardised, replicable producer

Lab experiments allow higher control over extraneous variables (cause and effect can be established)

Question 5

Weaknesses of the approach

Answer 5

May be of limited practical use as biological factors are difficult to change

Can often be reductionist as it involves studying a single biological cause of complex behaviour

Low ecological validity when lab experiments are used