Evaluation

Question 1

What are 3 strengths of the Biological approach?

Answer 1

Its a Scientific approach
Its a Determinist approach
Its had successful applications

Question 2

What are 3 weaknesses of the biological approach?

Answer 2

It’s a reductionist approach
It favours nature rather than nurture
It doesn’t account for individual differences

Question 3

Explain why the Biological approach being scientific is a strength

Answer 3

It is a strength as the approach has clear variables (brain function and neurotransmitters) that can be measured by scientific methods such as Brain scans, meaning that it can be reliably tested

Question 4

Why is the Biological approach being a deterministic approach a strength?

Answer 4

If we know what ‘predetermines’ our behaviour we can treat abnormal behaviour effectively

E.g - Schizophrenia has been linked to abnormal levels of dopamine and antipsychotics are used to reduce the patients level of it to help them.

Question 5

What are some successful applications of The Biological approach?

Answer 5

Drug therapy has been used to help a huge amount of people

E.g - Cherek et al (2002) found that impulsivity and agression decreased in criminals after a 21 day course of SSRI antidepressants - could lower recidivism

Question 6

Why is the Biological approach being reductionist a weakness?

Answer 6

It reduces complex behaviours with sociological explanations to the release of neurotransmitters (e.g stress as simple as a release of adrenaline)

Laing (1965) - suggests that the approach ignores the distress that comes along with mental illness and is an incomplete explanation as a result

Question 7

Why is the Biological approach favouring nature over nurture a weakness?

Answer 7

Mental illness has multiple causes , yet the biological approach focuses on Biology (nature) rather than life experience (nurture) . This leads to disregard for patients feelings and too much focus on fixing the problem , not the damage it causes

Question 8

Explain why the biological approach ignoring individual differences is a weakness

Answer 8

The approach is nomothetic, meaning that it looks to make generalisations about people, by researching a sample of people and making generalisations about all humans may cause research bias