BIOLOGICAL assumptions

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

All thoughts and behaviour are affected by our body, especially the Brian. Everything we do and think can be explained in purely biological ways

Biological processes like brain activity can be measured using scientific equipment in a laboratory and help us make generalisations about causes of behaviour

All that is psychological is first physiological

Question 2

Strengths

Answer 2

Sophisticated equipment used
Objective measures taken
Scientific
Practical applications - useful
High control

Question 3

Weaknesses

Answer 3

Low ecological validity
Costly
Time consuming
Small samples
Reductionist
Determinist

Question 4

Equipment

Answer 4

EEG: electrical brain activity

MRI: brains radio signals + builds map of brains structure

PET: injected, track radioactive blood through brain

CAT: X-rays and detailed images of body - internal organs, blood vessels and bones

Question 5

EEG good and bad

Answer 5

Positive:
Sleep
No side effects
No prep
Inexpensive

Negative:
Uncomfortable
Wash hair
Anxiety can alter waves

Question 6

MRI good and bad

Answer 6

Positive:
No prep
Diagnose certain things early
No side effects

Negative:
Keep still
Claustrophobic
No magnetic in room
Expensive

Question 7

PET good and bad

Answer 7

Good
Small movements allowed
Inexpensive

Bad
Not as clear as MRI
Brain is radioactive

Question 8

CAT good and bad

Answer 8

Good
Accurate and combines X-rays with computer tech
Painless and non invasive
Great diagnostic ability
Real time imaging
Quick

Bad
Concerns over radiation
Not suitable for pregnant
Not suitable children - radiation