physiological approach

Question 1

how are the two studies similar

Answer 1

both are similar in reliability as they use standardised procedures

both use quasi experiments

both are fairly ethical

both use opportunity sampling with an independent measures design

both have restricted samples- ethnocentric

both are useful as they encourage neuro plasticity

both use specialised equipment

both are high in experimental validity but lack ecological validity

Question 2

how do the two studies differ

Answer 2

sperry uses a snapshot study where casey uses a longitudinal study

sperry only used opportunity sampling where casey used self selected as well as opportunity

sperrys sample all had a medical condition

sperrys sample had a decent age range, caseys sample were at a standardised age (4)

sperrys sample lacks reliability but casey lacks reliability in the procedure

sperry collects both quantitative and qualitative data, casey only collects quantitative data

Question 3

what’s good about the physiological theory

Answer 3

the physiological approach favours the use of experiments which allows for the comparison of conditions, so cause and effect can be established

it is also useful as it helps us to understand human behaviour. we can therefore apply it to society to being about positive change.

Question 4

what’s bad about the physiological theory

Answer 4

reductionist as it only acknowledges biology when explaining human behaviour and neglects to consider the impact that life experiences have on individuals

the physiological theory also has some negative ethical implications. it can lead to the labelling of individuals which in turn can cause self fulfilling prophecy.