Comparison Of Approaches: Biological Flashcards
Nature/ nurture
Nature: emphasises the role of internal biological factors which shape our behaviour, like genetics, hormones and neurobiology. Argues that human behaviour is innate and ignores environmental factors
For example, twin studies which shows that people who are genetically related are more likely to share certain traits and behaviours, suggesting that behaviour is passed on and due to biology
Reductionist/holistic
Reductionist because it reduces complex behaviours and mental proscesses to simple biological explanations. Its primary focus is genetics, near chemistry and brain structure, often overlooking the influence of social, environmental and psychological factors.
For example it could suggest that someone has depression due to their low serotonin levels without considering how environmental stressors like trauma may also contribute to the condition
Determinism/ free will
Biological determinism
Because t explains that behaviour, emotions and thoughts are largely determined by biological factors such as genetics and brain structure,with little emphasis on free will
For example how genes are a primary factor in behaviour, emphasising genetic determinism as our behaviour is largely controlled by our genetic inheritance
Says that we have no control on our behaviour as we have no control on our biological predisposition, genes,and brain structure
Treatment of abnormal behaviour
The biological approach has increased knowledge and info on how biology can affect our behaviour , therefore increases practical application in the medical field as more effort has gone into the development of certain medicines to target certain psychological abnormalities in behaviour, for example the biological approach suggests that depression is causes by low levels or serotonin , so development has gone into medicine that increases the levels of serotonin which is believed to help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression
