evolution of biological approach

Question 1

what is a limitation of the biological approach?
-relating to nature vs nurture

Answer 1

only takes the ‘nature’ side in nature vs nurture
ignores a lot of important factors that could explain the behaviours
ignores role of:
-upbringing
-emotion
-personality etc.

neural theory is said to be reductionist.
guilty of ignoring the bigger picture

Question 2

what is a strength of the biological approach?
-relating to applications

Answer 2

use of drugs to treat mental illnesses- based on work which identifies neurotransmitters are linked to these illnesses.

SSRIs are often given to patients with OCD- increase their levels of serotonin- minimise obsessions/compulsions

strength- medication is a lifeline to individuals with debilitating conditions

Question 3

what is another strength of the biological approach?
-relating to scientific view

Answer 3

takes scientific view to researching its theories

genetic theorists- attempt to locate specific genes when understanding behaviours

neural theorists- use brain scanning technologies to find links between brain structures and behaviours

strength- considered objective
HOWEVER said to be unfalsifiable.
evolutionary theories are post hoc

Question 4

what is another limitation of the biological approach?
-relating to social sensitivity

Answer 4

potentially socially sensitive
if they are due to biology implies the individual has no choice but to show these behaviours
potentially excusing undesirable behaviours

variety of the MAOA gene linked to aggression- judge in Italy reduced mans sentence; convicted of murder- found to have the MAOA-L gene

limitation- implications on wider society and people directly involved