Evaluating the biological approach

Question 1

Why is this approach being deterministic a strength

Answer 1

-emphasises the influences of internal factors like genetics or neurotransmitters causing behaviour
- strength because if we know what determines our behaviour then we are more capable of helping those with abnormal behaviour - due to the fact their genetic predisposition will not be the same as others who are seen as ‘normal’
- if we know what causes this abnormal behaviour which could be anything ranging from depression to schizophrenia then we can help change it
- provides explanations that we help to get more understanding

e.g the study of neurotransmitters focuses on the release of serotonin or dopamine and when these are reduced they can impact behaviour and cause depression or schizophrenia

Question 2

How is this approach being reductionist a strength / weakness

Answer 2

strength
The reductionist nature of the biological approach is beneficial because it allows psychologists to break down complex behaviors and psychological phenomena into simpler biological processes. This reductionist perspective helps in isolating specific factors that contribute to behavior, making it easier to study and understand the underlying mechanisms involved in various psychological conditions and behaviors.

weakness

The weakness of the reductionist aspect of the biological approach lies in oversimplifying complex human behaviors and experiences by focusing solely on biological factors. This narrow perspective may overlook the intricate interactions between biological, psychological, and environmental factors that collectively influence behavior. By reducing phenomena to basic biological components, there is a risk of neglecting the holistic nature of human behavior and the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to psychological processes.

Question 3

Strength : has many useful practices

Answer 3

• useful applications to real life
• because of research into low levels of neurotransmitters or research into the localisations of brain function
• a strength as it has been useful in identifying a specific cause for behaviour and has led to effective biological treatment for mental disorders
• such as drug therapy, brain stimulation techniques
• modern techniques have shown the be effective in providing relief for those with mental health issues

e.g. drug therapy has been a modern and new treatment to help mental illnesses as they regulate the chemicals your brain gives out like serotonin or dopamine. its effectiveness is dependent on the individual but overall it is seen to be popular

Question 4

why is the biological approach having the nature approach a strength/weakness

Answer 4

weakness
-only examines biological factors when explaining behaviour
-means the impact of your environment is overlooked so this approach may not be providing as much information as it could be
- ignores how upbringing, culture and experiences can shape an individual
- can come across as being ignorant and dismissive
-e.g more concerned with adjusting the level of neurotransmitters instead of asking the patient about their thoughts and feelings or examining the role of their environment

strength
- provides the ability to study and understand the processes that influence behaviour and development
- can gain insight into biological basis of various traits and behaviours

Question 5

why is this approach being reductionist a weakness/strength

Answer 5

weakness
- reduces complex behaviours into a set of simple explanations
- e.g psychologists believe that depression is caused by a lack of serotonin that is given out by neurotransmitters when there are much more complexities that go into it such as your environment or psychological factors
- by reducing it to such a narrow viewpoint this means that it neglects the interaction between genetics, the environment and personal experiences that can shape an individual
-means the person as an individual has not been examined

strength
-by isolating specific biological factors such as neurotransmitters like serotonin in the case of depression ir could help researchers to develop targeted treatments
- can help in managing symptoms for individuals
- allows for more focused research