The Biological Approach Flashcards
What are the key assumptions of the biological approach?
It suggests that everything psychological is first biological, so to fully understand behaviour we must look at biological structures and processes.
What is the neurochemical basis of behaviour?
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that affects our thought and behaviour. An imbalance of neurochemicals has been implicated in mental disorder.
What is the genetic basis of behaviour?
Psychological characteristics are inherited the same way as physical characteristics. Twin studies are used to investigate whether certain characteristics have a biological basis (concordance rates).
What is a genotype?
The actual genetic makeup - the genome.
What is a phenotype?
The way that genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics.
What is the strength - RWA?
Increased understanding of neurochemical processes has helped to develop antipsychotics and antidepressants, that target serotonin, dopamine and glutamate. These have been associated with a reduction in positive symptoms.
What is the limitation - not all-encompassing?
Cipriani et al compared 21 antidepressants and found wide variations in effectiveness. Although most of them were more effective than placebos, the researchers concluded that the effects were modest.
What is the strength - scientific methods?
It uses scientific methods of investigation. It makes use of precise and highly objective methods, including scanning techniques. With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure processes in reliable ways.
What is the limitation - deterministic?
Sees human behaviour as internal - we have no control. But we know that the phenotype is environmentally influenced also, and MZ twins are not identical in mannerism either. This also raises ethical issues in court.
