OCD (Evaluating Biological explanations of OCD)

Question 1

Biological determinism & blame

Answer 1

• This biologically determinist explanation of OCD is well supported by research using advanced scientific methods such as brain scans and gene sequencing. These replicable and falsifiable methods have allowed psychologists to establish cause and effect relationships between candidate genes and neurotransmitters that may be responsible for the symptoms of the distressing disorder. This removes any blame or responsibility from the patient and may help them come to terms with their symptoms.

Question 2

Outline research to support the role of serotonin in OCD.

Answer 2

• There is evidence to support the role of some neural mechanisms in OCD.
• For example, some antidepressants work purely on the serotonin system, increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter.
• Such drugs are effective in reducing OCD symptoms and this suggests that the serotonin system is involved in OCD.

Question 3

What is causation?

Answer 3

• Empirical relation between two events, states or variables such that the change in one (the cause), brings about change in the other (the effect).

Question 4

Limitations of the biological approach to OCD (determinism)

Answer 4

Point= the biological explanation of OCD can be criticised for being deterministic.
Evidence= For example, the biological explanation states that if an individual has the presence of a COMT or SERT gene, or a lower level of serotonin in the synapse, they are pre-programmed to develop OCD.
Evaluation= This is a weakness because this theory of OCD ignores individual free will and the fact that an individuals free choice can also have an influence on their behaviour.

Question 5

Limitation of the biological approach to OCD (reductionist)

Answer 5

Point= the biological explanation for OCD can be criticised for being reductionist.
Evidence= for example, the biological explanation suggests that OCD is caused by the presence of the SERT or COMT gene or by a lower level or serotonin in the brain, it states that OCD is a product of just an individuals nature.
Evaluation= This is a problem because the biological approach to explaining OCD can be seen to be too simplistic as it ignores the role of other factors such as our childhood experiences, everyday stressors and the role of learning in the development of abnormality.

Question 6

Strengths of the biological approach of OCD

Answer 6

• The biological approach provides psychologists with objective data for OCD, and therefore this can mean that more specific treatments are discovered that directly treat and help OCD more efficiently.
• This shows that the biological explanation for OCD has real world applications, and allows for valuable research to be conducted on those treatments.
• This increases the value of this explanation, and also increases the internal validity.