The Biological approach

Question 1

What is the Biological approach?

Answer 1

Our behaviour and thinking is determined by our biological factors (e.g. genetics, DNA structure)

Question 2

Name the two main biological structures and their functions.

Answer 2

• CNS (brain and spinal cord); controls breathing, eating and heart rate
• PNS; sends and receives signals from the CNS throughout the body through neurons

Question 3

What are some examples of Biological methods?

Answer 3

Twin studies (MZ and DZ)
Family studies (inheritance)
Adoption studies

Question 4

What is a blind procedure?

Answer 4

When the participants are not fully aware of what is happening, but the researcher is

Question 5

What are the advantages of the Biological approach?

Answer 5

• Scientific; we can find cause and effect relationship
• Can lead to treatment
• Lends credence to psychological study

Question 6

What are the disadvantages?

Answer 6

• Deterministic; no free will
• Reductionist- dehumanising by not considering emotions
• Low ecological validity due to being conducted in a lab