Intro biological approach

Question 1

What are the four assumptions of biological approach?

Answer 1

1. Human genes have evolved, much behaviour will have a genetic basis
2. Psychology should investigate the brain, nervous system, genes…
3. All psychological is first physiological
4. Useful to study why human behaviour has evolved in the way it has, the subject of evolutionary theory

Question 2

Method of investigation

Answer 2

Lab experiment
Lab observation
Correlation

Question 3

Strength of the approach

Answer 3

Scientific approach, backed up by the hard science of biology, very objective, and use experimental methodology

Provides strong counter-arguments to the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate

Physiology’s practical applications are usually extremely effective

Question 4

Weakness of the approach

Answer 4

Reductionism - explains thoughts and behaviour in terms of the action of neurones or biochemicals. This may ignore other social factors

Over simplistic - over simplify the huge complexity of physical systems and their interaction with environmental factors

Ecological validity - all done in lab, e.g. sleep lab, quality of sleep might not as good due to stress