OCD-Ao3

Question 1

Ao3 strength of biological approach to explaining OCD

Answer 1

Uses scientific methods because theory is based on objective (factual) and empirical (observable) techniques such as gene mapping studies to identify genes such as the SERT

Or brain scans to identify areas of the brain linked to ocd such as the frontal lobes and the parahippocampus

Thus some would argue this increases overall internal validity of biological explanation of OCD thus raising psychology’s scientific status

Question 2

Ao3 strength biological approach to explaining OCD

Answer 2

Practical applications

Principle of the theory that ocd is due to the mutation of the sert gene and low serotonin activity levels has led to the development of drug treatments

SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin activity in the brain and has found to reduce anxiety relieving OCD symptoms

Thus BA explaining OCD is an important part of applied psychology as it helps to improve lives of those with OCD

Question 3

Ao3 weakness BA to explaining phobias

Answer 3

Critics argue biologically reductionist

Reduces complex human behaviour of ocd down to simple basic units of genes

For example low serotonin levels

Neglects holistic approach which would take into account how a persons culture and social context could influence ocd

Eg research has shown that there is higher prevalence of ocd in certain religious groups where regular cleansing is required before prayer

Thus biological explanation of ocd may lack valdity as it doesn’t allow us to understand the behaviour in context