similarities and difference eq

Question 1

Similarity between the neurotransmitter and genetic explanations

Answer 1

P: Both theories are reductionist as they do not include other factors in the explanation.
E: For example, the genetic explanation for schizophrenia focuses on the concordance rate of monozygotic twins. However, Gottesman and Shields’ (1991) findings show the concordance rate for MZ twins suffering with schizophrenia was 48% so genetics cannot be a complete explanation
E: Similarly the neurotransmitter explanation does not consider other biological, psychological and social factors. For example, Brown and Birley (1968) found at 50% of schizophrenic patients reported a major life event three weeks prior to relapse.

Question 2

Difference between the neurotransmitter and genetic explanations

Answer 2

: The neurotransmitter explanation may be more directly useful than the genetic explanation
E: This is because the neurotransmitter explanation suggests treatments in the form of drugs which work on neurotransmitters: for example drugs which block the uptake of dopamine.
E: However the genetic explanation does not lead directly to a specific treatment, as medical science has not yet been able to use gene therapy widely to treat schizophrenia (although its use is being developed).

Question 3

Similarity – genetic and social explanations

Answer 3

P: Both the genetic explanation for schizophrenia and the social explanation for schizophrenia have supporting evidence.
E: For example, the genetic explanation for schizophrenia is supported by Gottesman and Shield’s research, which shows that the concordance rate for schizophrenia is higher in MZ twins that DZ twins
E: Similarly the social causation explanation for is supported by evidence. For example, Brown and Birley (1968) found at 50% of schizophrenic patients reported a major life event three weeks prior to relapse.

Question 4

Difference – genetic and social explanations

Answer 4

The genetic explanation is more scientific than the social causation explanation.
E: This is because genes are easier to study in a precise and measurable way. They can also be studied more objectively.
E: However social factors such as poverty are broader and less easy to study in a precise way. They are also more prone to subjectivityglu

Question 5

cbt and drug treatment sim

Answer 5

effective at reducing symptoms eg sensky and meltzer haloperiodol and placebo
useful as it allows independence
ignores social factors

Question 6

cbt and drug treatment dif

Answer 6

drug therapy is more reductionist focuses on purely bio treatment whereas cbt encompasses cognitive and behavioural aspects
drug therapy has adverse side effects such as nausea limiting peopke wanting to use it
cbt more ethical and patient is in control of process as it empowers them